Phil,
> I'm doing some background research and wondered if anyone had any thoughts
> on medicines compliance.
Wishful thinking. There's a BIG assumption that patients want to be treated
I suspect many just want to know what's wrong and are happy enough to let it
take its course.
Many don't know what their medicines have been prescribed for or why they
should take them.
Many haven't actually grasped the way the repeat prescribing system works.
Some will tick all the boxes because the generic name doesn't fit in with
the BIG capitalised BRAND NAME on the box they hold in their hand.
Many will be confused by similar packaging of different drugs - and
differing packaging on the same generic when it is supplied the next month.
(NB his isn't just a dig at generic companies - Pfizers packaging is amongst
the easiest to get confused - the companies - be they branded or generic
focus too much on creating a corporate image on their packaging and not
enough on the name of the drug)
>How much of an issue is it in practice?
I suspect that the big issue is one of waste - dispensed and paid for
medicines not being taken.
>Is it getting better or worse?
There's an O. Henry quote from the early 20th century about most medicines
going down the nearest drain - can't be bothered to find it - but don't
think that much has changed.
> And what help, if any, are existing medicine compliance aids?
AFAIK there's little (if any) real evidence of compliance aids actually
working, anecdotally there's lots.
However - compliance aids in the UK usually is taken as synonymous with some
sort of prepackaged monitored dosage system (doseete, venalink etc). In
truth some time spent with the patient can create a workable system for the
individual. (Until someone with a standard operating procedure decides to
help - but that's another story)
Jeff (a pharmacist)
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