Opinion
Video
Pharmacist-Led Adherence Strategies for Patients Living With TD
Panelists discuss how pharmacists enhance treatment adherence in older adults with tardive dyskinesia by assessing cognitive function, involving caregivers, linking medication to daily routines, providing personalized education, and utilizing tailored technological reminders to support consistent and manageable medication use.
When addressing treatment adherence in older adults with tardive dyskinesia, pharmacists must first assess the patient’s overall ability to manage their care independently. This includes evaluating for cognitive issues such as dementia or delirium. Delirium, being potentially reversible, may improve adherence if treated, while dementia generally presents ongoing challenges. Involving caregivers in the medication process can be crucial, especially for those who struggle with self-management. Practical tools like pillboxes can help organize doses, but pharmacists recommend filling them for shorter periods, such as a week, to avoid medication degradation from moisture exposure.
Linking medication schedules to daily routines is another effective strategy to improve adherence. Rather than instructing patients to take pills at vague times like “in the morning,” associating doses with specific life events—such as with breakfast or dinner—can help create consistent habits. Additionally, having someone monitor medication use, whether a family member or health care worker, provides added support and accountability. Pharmacists also emphasize the importance of personalized education, using medication guides and walking through schedules with patients directly. This helps clarify when each medication should be taken, especially if the patient is managing multiple drugs with differing schedules.
Technology and reminders can also play a vital role in adherence. Devices like smartphones, smartwatches, or even simple timers can prompt patients to take medications on time. Tailoring these reminders to the individual’s comfort with technology is important for success. Ultimately, pharmacists bring valuable expertise to improving adherence by understanding each patient’s unique challenges and lifestyle, then applying targeted strategies to make medication-taking more manageable and consistent.
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