Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: Hypertension is a global illness and one that affects circa 20% of the population. Despite the effectiveness of treatment, adherence with medication is a key concern, particularly in the elderly. Over the last 30 years, a variety of measures have been employed to assess adherence and yet no one measure is deemed to be the gold standard. Evidence suggests that it may be more reliable to use a combination of methods. Two forms of nonadherence are noted; intentional and unintentional. These forms are significantly different with regard to underpinning characteristics and patient features. In order to improve adherence with antihypertensive medication a shared decision making approach should be adopted during patient consultation, which focuses on patients’ impressions of illness and underpinning health beliefs. This approach to consultation should be actively encouraged as part of the medication management of patients.
Author: M Banning
Language: English
Subfield: Family Practice
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1864524752