Pharmacists’ roles and barriers in supporting psychiatric medication adherence: An interprofessional qualitative study

Pharmacy Practice

  • Herda Ariyani1Doctoral Program in Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, INDONESIA., 2Departement of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, INDONESIA.
  • Chairun Wiedyaningsih3Departement of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, INDONESIA.
  • Yayi Suryo Prabandari4Department of Health Behavior, Environmental and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, INDONESIA.
  • Sri Idaiani5Research Center for Preclinical and Clinical Medicine, National Research and Innovation Agency Indonesia, Cibinong Science Center Jalan Raya Jakarta-Bogor Km. 46, Kecamatan Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat 16915, INDONESIA.

Volume 24 Issue 3 Pages 1-21

DOI: 10.18549/PharmPract.2026.3.3599

Abstract

Objective: Medication non-adherence among psychiatric patients remains a significant barrier to recovery, contributing to relapse, rehospitalization, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on adherence barriers and examine pharmacists’ perceived roles in supporting psychiatric medication adherence in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design was employed using two interprofessional focus group discussions (FGDs). A total of twenty participants (8 pharmacists, 5 nurses, 4 psychologists, and 3 doctors) were recruited through purposive sampling. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Reporting adhered to COREQ standards. Results: Ten major barriers to adherence emerged: medication side effects, forgetfulness, busy routines, intentional non-adherence, limited knowledge, negative perceptions, personal stigma, family influences, cultural–spiritual beliefs, and systemic healthcare constraints. Pharmacists were widely recognized as vital contributors in medication review, patient counseling, and interprofessional collaboration, but their roles were limited by workforce shortages, insufficient mental health training, and inadequate institutional and policy support. Conclusions: Psychiatric medication adherence in LMICs is shaped by complex individual, familial, cultural, and systemic factors. Strengthening pharmacists’ roles through structured training, supportive policies, and integration into multidisciplinary mental health teams may improve adherence and clinical outcomes.

Keywords

  • psychiatric medication adherence
  • pharmacist intervention
  • mental health
  • LMIC
  • Indonesia
  • cultural competence
Pharmacy Practice

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