Objective:
The objective of this narrative review was to identify and describe
the current policy, education and research related to community
pharmacy and medication adherence in England.
Methods: Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts
and Pharmline were used to search for relevant research articles.
Current policy documents were identified via the websites of the
Department of Health in England, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
of Great Britain, the National Pharmacy Association, the Pharmaceutical
Services Negotiating Committee and NHS Employers. All pharmacy
schools in England were contacted to obtain information about
the adherence-related courses they provide to undergraduate and
postgraduate pharmacy students.
Results: National policies and guidelines in England are conducive
to an increasing role for community pharmacists to support patients
with medication adherence. Many pharmacy schools cover the issue
of adherence in their undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Research in this area has tested the effectiveness of pharmacists
providing adherence support in the form of compliance aids, education,
involvement in discharge planning, and tailored interventions.
Conclusion: In community pharmacy in England, current policy and
funding arrangements suggest there is great scope for pharmacists
to support patients with medication adherence. Further research
is necessary to identify the most useful, cost-effective and sustainable
approach in practice.
