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Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence: a review of qualitative literature

  • Review Article
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European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review is to cohere evidence on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence. Medication adherence refers to “the extent to which the patient’s action matches the agreed recommendations”. Medication adherence is vital in preventing, managing and curing illnesses and, hence, is linked with positive health outcomes.

Methods

A search was conducted using the following databases: CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and Web of Knowledge from inception to November 2013. Titles and abstracts were screened for inclusion in the review according to pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality, and data were extracted into a data extraction form. Results were analysed thematically.

Results

The final results included 34 articles. Eight analytical themes were identified: (i) beliefs and experiences of medicines, (ii) family support and culture, (iii) role of and relationship with health-care practitioners, (iv) factors related to the disease, (v) self-regulation, (vi) communication, (vii) cost and (viii) access. The theme, “beliefs and experiences of medicines”, was present in 33 studies, with many discussing the influence that side effects have on medication adherence.

Conclusions

There are a number of variables that impact upon the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence. This review presents an overview of the analytical themes which offers the opportunity to examine interventions and their relative efficacies to increase medication adherence.

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Acknowledgments

MK would like to acknowledge the assistance of Professor John Browne, University College Cork, Ireland who teaches PG7016, a postgraduate module in Systematic Reviews in the Health Sciences. This module was very helpful in the completion of this review.

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  1. University College Cork, Cork, Munster, Ireland

    Maria Kelly, Suzanne McCarthy & Laura Jane Sahm

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  1. Maria Kelly
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Correspondence to Maria Kelly.

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Kelly, M., McCarthy, S. & Sahm, L.J. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of patients and carers regarding medication adherence: a review of qualitative literature. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 70, 1423–1431 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-014-1761-3

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