Developing strategies to enhance patient adherence to prescribed treatment regimens

Treatment adherence in the US healthcare system is still a problem. This manuscript presents a detailed discussion of the status quo regarding challenges, strategies, and future directions to improve adherence. Adherence to treatment regimens is influenced by a number of patient and treatment-related factors, as well as socioeconomic status and issues within the healthcare system. These challenges have been addressed over the years with educational, behavioral, policy-based, and technological interventions. These ongoing challenges can only be addressed with innovative strategies as healthcare is evolving. Digital health tools and culturally tailored materials included in personalized education programs have been found to improve adherence rates compared to standard care. In addition, patients have been recommended to be motivated through collaboration with healthcare providers in community outreach initiatives, and adherence has been improved. This review does a comprehensive summary of the key issues and trends in patient adherence, shedding light on the important work for healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers to improve adherence and health outcomes in the United States.