The first World Adherence Day on March 27 promotes the importance of adherence to treatment plans. This year’s campaign, #DontMissaMoment, aims to combat non-adherence, addressing its implications on health outcomes and healthcare costs. It encourages education, advocacy for better access to medications, and patient empowerment. Non-communicable diseases significantly contribute to global mortality rates, underscoring the need for improved adherence.
The inaugural World Adherence Day, commencing on March 27, serves as a crucial call to action for healthcare professionals and patients alike to prioritize adherence to treatment plans. Aimed at combating the pervasive issue of non-adherence, the 2023 campaign, titled DontMissaMoment, highlights the adverse consequences of neglecting treatment, including deteriorating health outcomes, unnecessary hospitalizations, and escalating healthcare expenditures. The World Heart Federation (WHF) leads the initiative, collaborating with global scientific and medical communities.
This year’s campaign focuses on several key objectives:
• Educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on the importance of adherence.
• Encouraging transparent discussions between healthcare providers and patients regarding treatment regimens.
• Engaging communities through workshops, social media initiatives, and public outreach programs.
• Advocating for policies that enhance access to medications and support adherence systems, ensuring better health outcomes.
The significance of treatment adherence cannot be overstated, particularly in light of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for approximately 75% of global mortality, translating to a staggering 43 million deaths annually. In South Africa, instances of NCDs have surged, with a 58.7% increase in deaths attributed to major NCDs from 1997 to 2018. Hypertension affects around 4.74 million individuals as of 2019, while 17.8% of the population is living with HIV/AIDS. Adherence is essential for managing chronic ailments such as hypertension and diabetes; however, adherence rates remain alarmingly low, with only 50% of patients in high-income countries following prescribed treatments, and even fewer in developing nations.
Virosha Deonarain, Head of Medical Affairs at Servier Southern and Eastern Africa, states, “This results in preventable complications, hospitalisations and a reduced quality of life for millions worldwide. Improving adherence could significantly lower long-term mortality risk.”
Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in enhancing adherence rates. Despite the availability of effective treatments, numerous patients grapple with factors such as lack of awareness, treatment fatigue, financial constraints, and misconceptions about side effects. Active engagement from healthcare professionals is essential; asking pertinent questions can substantially bolster medication adherence. Furthermore, improving adherence not only benefits patients but also curtails long-term healthcare costs, signifying the critical role of healthcare providers in advocating for equitable access to medicines.
Empowering patients to actively manage their health is also vital. Those who take control of their treatment plans typically experience improved health outcomes and minimize complications. Patients are encouraged to contemplate essential questions regarding their medications and lifestyle adjustments:
• What is the purpose of this medication, and how does it help me?
• What specific changes should I make to my diet, activity levels, or daily habits?
• How do these changes support my treatment plan?
• How often should I schedule follow-up appointments?
• What should I do if I forget to take my medication?
Dr. Martin Mpe, President of the South African Heart Association, emphasizes the necessity of collaboration in promoting adherence, stating, “If we all work together, we can ensure adherence is a shared responsibility, not a burden.” By taking actionable steps today, both healthcare professionals and patients can work towards preventing avoidable health issues and ensuring that no one misses a moment due to health-related challenges.
World Adherence Day highlights the critical challenge of treatment adherence in global health, emphasizing the need for education, open communication, and community engagement. With non-communicable diseases responsible for a significant portion of global mortality, enhancing adherence is vital for improving health outcomes. Healthcare providers are encouraged to actively engage with patients, while individuals must take ownership of their treatment plans. Collaboration is essential to ensuring adherence becomes a shared responsibility, ultimately improving healthcare results for all.
Original Source: economist.com.na
