Covid-19 public health road map: Medication adherence

Shenede Coppin, Hannah Family, Sarah Chapman, Neil Howlett, Gillian Shorter, Lesley Lewis, Jo Hart, Tracy Epton, Ellie Whittaker, Daryl O'Connor, Vivien Swanson, Chris Armitage, Atiya Kamal, Lucie Byrne-Davis, John Drury, Emily McBride, Madelynne A Arden, Paul Chadwick

Research output: Book/ReportCommissioned report

Abstract

Behavioural Science Recommendations
Medication adherence relies on people being able to access and use medication which they are motivated to take. It is influenced by what they know and what they can do (capability); people around them and their physical environment (opportunity); and their beliefs, what they want, how they see themselves, how they regulate emotion, and habit (motivation).

To support changes since COVID-19:
• Consider whether any disruption to daily routines, finances, access to medicines or healthcare and/or social support may make medication adherence more challenging and, where needed, proactively put in place strategies and access to support and services to mitigate these effects,
• Provide resources to address concerns about medication shortages and worries about potential increased risks of taking or not taking treatment,
• Support planning in how to continue to adhere to medication in the event of unpredictable disruptions (e.g. provide information on prescription delivery services in case of need for self-isolation),
• Take the opportunity to offer additional support with medication adherence, particularly if taking medication to optimise health feels more important since COVID-19,
• Given increased use of remote access to clinical care, consider adopting methods to enable remote-monitoring of health including methods to measure and share adherence data with clinical teams so that they can identify and support those who may be having difficulties with medication adherence.

We recommend following the British Psychological Society’s Behavioural Science and Disease Prevention Psychological guidance3 to shape any policy and/or communications strategy.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLeicester
PublisherBritish Psychological Society
Commissioning bodyBritish Psychological Society
Publication statusPublished - 19 Aug 2022

Bibliographical note

Co-Chair of the Health Behaviour and COVID-19 working group that produced these documents 7/9

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Covid-19 public health road map: Medication adherence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this