Pharmacoadherence: A new term for a significant problem

We defined pharmacoadherence as the extent to which a patient follows a given therapeutic medication regimen as agreed on in partnership with a health care professional. Rates of pharmacoadherence among the general patient population are variable, with the World Health Organization estimating an average rate of 50%.^1,7 Given the critical interplay between pharmacoadherent behaviors, health outcomes, and health care costs, it is important to have a clear understanding of what the term pharmacoadherence really means as well as reliable and valid assessment measures and effective interventions to target deficits in pharmacoadherence. Future research should continue to refine measures of assessment and intervention protocols to improve pharmacoadherence.