Strategies to promote adherence

Counsel about the  regimen

• Explain that more than one drug may  be necessary
• Explain that client will probably take  medication for life
• Ask client to bring all pill vials (including OTCs & herbal remedies) to all visits

Consider alternative medication delivery options

• Consider using a dosette or other medication delivery system
• Consider switching medication packaging– from vial to blister packs

Cue medications to daily events

• Schedule and trigger pill taking according to daily activities (e.g., meals, brushing teeth)
• Use beepers, reminder cards, phone reminders, computer reminders
• Convenience of care  (provide medications at work  place)

Monitor adherence to treatments and appointments

• Remind clients about medications and appointments
• Call clients who  have missed appointments for needed follow-up care  

Reinforce the  importance of high  adherence at each visit and explicitly acknowledge efforts to adhere

• Take BP and talk about personal BP target at every  available visit
• Encourage Self BP monitoring with  regular review and reinforcement

  Involve family  members and significant others (with  clients’ permission)

• Family members knowledge of the  treatment plan and medication regimen can  help promote adherence