Improving medication adherence: Abbott’s commitment to better health
Medication adherence is crucial for achieving the best health outcomes, yet many people struggle to follow their prescribed treatments. Recognizing this challenge, Abbott has been at the forefront of supporting research and initiatives to improve medication adherence. We are excited to share insights from a recent publication in Frontiers in Pharmacology by Chapman and Chan1, which reviews the progress made in understanding and addressing medication non-adherence over the past 20 years.
Medication non-adherence refers to when patients do not follow their prescribed treatment plans. This can happen for various reasons, such as forgetting doses, misunderstanding instructions, or experiencing side effects. The World Health Organization first highlighted the importance of this issue in 2003, and since then, researchers have developed more sophisticated ways to measure and understand non-adherence.
Technological advancements have revolutionized how we measure medication adherence. Tools like electronic monitors, biomarkers, and big data analytics provide detailed insights into patients’ medication-taking behaviors. Self-report measures, despite some limitations, remain valuable for their ease of use and ability to capture patients’ perspectives.
Non-adherence is more common than many realize. Studies show that 30-50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed, and long-term adherence rates can be even lower. Non-adherence can occur at different stages, including starting a new medication, following the prescribed regimen, and continuing treatment over time.
The reasons behind non-adherence are complex and multifaceted. Factors such as personal beliefs about medication, practical barriers like cost and access, and emotional responses to illness all play a role. Understanding these factors is key to developing effective interventions.
Abbott’s role in supporting research
Abbott is dedicated to improving medication adherence through behavioral science. We fund research projects that explore innovative solutions to this challenge. The recent publication by Chapman and Chan is part of our ongoing effort to support high-quality research and share valuable findings with the medical community.
Looking forward
The future of medication adherence research lies in personalized care. By leveraging new technologies and big data, healthcare providers can tailor interventions to individual patients’ needs. This approach promises to make a significant impact on health outcomes by addressing the unique challenges each patient faces.
Abbott is committed to advancing healthcare by supporting research that improves medication adherence. We believe that by understanding the complexities of non-adherence and using innovative technologies, we can help patients achieve better health outcomes. For more detailed insights, you can access the full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1465059/full
This article was written with the assistance of generative AI technology and reviewed for accuracy.
