Adherence: a review of education, research, practice and policy in Switzerland

Pharmacy Practice (Internet)

  • Marie P. Schneider1Community Pharmacy, Dpt of ambulatory care and community medicine, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Isabelle Krummenacher2Pharmacy Practice Unit, Pharmacy School, Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Hugo Figueiredo2Pharmacy Practice Unit, Pharmacy School, Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Julien Marquis2Pharmacy Practice Unit, Pharmacy School, Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Oliver Bugnon2Pharmacy Practice Unit, Pharmacy School, Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland.

Volume 7 Issue 2 Pages 63-73

Abstract

Aims: this article describes what has been undertaken in the last decade in medication adherence in terms of education, research, practice and policy in Switzerland. Methods: Medline was searched, with the search limited to Switzerland. The three Swiss pharmacy schools were also contacted to collect information about the medication adherence content of both their courses and research programs. National policies related to medication adherence were also reviewed for relevant content. Results: Education: two pharmacy schools offer courses devoted specifically to medication adherence. The number of hours dedicated to the topic varies between 4 to13. Research: a total of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Chronic patients were the focus of 9 studies. Medication adherence was the primary outcome of all studies; 10 studies also measured clinical outcomes. Nine studies evaluated the prevalence of medication nonadherence; three studies evaluated the feasibility of new technologies for monitoring adherence; three studies evaluated medication adherence enhancing programs. Policies: three cognitive pharmaceutical services are reimbursed by healthcare insurers, which are directly related to medication adherence. Conclusions: Pharmacists in Switzerland have been actively involved in medication adherence research since the mid ’90s. Specific medication adherence courses have entered the curriculum of pharmacy schools, and policies in Switzerland are slowly beginning to meet needs of chronic patients by the introduction of pharmaceutical cognitive services and reimbursement fees.

Keywords

  • Medication Adherence
  • Pharmacists
  • Switzerland
Pharmacy Practice

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