As Prescribed: Meeting the Challenges of Medication Adherence

Host: Janet Wright, MD Guest: Michael Ho, MD, PhD Medication adherence is a significant problem in the US. Patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol can be particularly susceptible to non-adherence, because patients may not experience symptoms that would seem to justify taking medication, and thus may not notice any immediate benefits from their medications. What are some of the other barriers to medication adherence? Dr. Michael Ho, associate professor in the department of medicine at the University of Colorado, Denver, has examined the prevalence of non-adherence, and says that good communication and patient education can go a long way toward encouraging patients to take their medications. Tune in to hear other strategies cardiologists can use to address the issue with patients, including utilization of health information technology. Dr. Janet Wright hosts.