Reasons for medication non-initiation: A qualitative exploration of the patients' perspective.
Medication adherence
Primary care
Qualitative research
Shared-decision making
Journal
Research in social & administrative pharmacy : RSAP
ISSN: 1934-8150
Titre abrégé: Res Social Adm Pharm
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101231974
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
05 2020
05 2020
Historique:
received:
22
01
2019
revised:
25
07
2019
accepted:
01
08
2019
pubmed:
14
8
2019
medline:
15
7
2021
entrez:
13
8
2019
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Non-initiation occurs when the doctor prescribes a new pharmacological treatment to a patient who does not fill the prescription. Non-initiation prevalence estimates range between 6% and 28% in Primary Care (PC) and it is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, more sick-leave days and higher costs. To date, the reasons for non-initiation have not been explored using a qualitative framework. The aim of the present study was to identify reasons for medication non-initiation among PC patients with distinct treatment profiles (acute, chronic symptomatic and asymptomatic, and mental disorders). An exploratory, explanatory qualitative study based on Grounded Theory. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 30 PC patients. A constant comparative method of analysis was performed. The results were similar for all therapeutic groups. The decision to initiate treatment is multifactorial. Users make a risk-benefit assessment which is influenced by their beliefs about the pathology and the medication, their emotional reaction, health literacy and cultural factors. The patients' context and relationship with the health system influence decision-making. The decision to initiate a treatment is strongly influenced by factors that health professionals can discuss with patients. Health professionals should explore patients' beliefs about benefits and risks to help them make informed decisions and promote shared decision-making. General practitioners should ensure that patients understand the benefits and risks of disease and treatment, while explaining alternative treatments, encouraging patients to ask questions and supporting their treatment decisions.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Non-initiation occurs when the doctor prescribes a new pharmacological treatment to a patient who does not fill the prescription. Non-initiation prevalence estimates range between 6% and 28% in Primary Care (PC) and it is associated with poorer clinical outcomes, more sick-leave days and higher costs. To date, the reasons for non-initiation have not been explored using a qualitative framework.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to identify reasons for medication non-initiation among PC patients with distinct treatment profiles (acute, chronic symptomatic and asymptomatic, and mental disorders).
METHODS
An exploratory, explanatory qualitative study based on Grounded Theory. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 30 PC patients. A constant comparative method of analysis was performed.
RESULTS
The results were similar for all therapeutic groups. The decision to initiate treatment is multifactorial. Users make a risk-benefit assessment which is influenced by their beliefs about the pathology and the medication, their emotional reaction, health literacy and cultural factors. The patients' context and relationship with the health system influence decision-making.
CONCLUSIONS
The decision to initiate a treatment is strongly influenced by factors that health professionals can discuss with patients. Health professionals should explore patients' beliefs about benefits and risks to help them make informed decisions and promote shared decision-making. General practitioners should ensure that patients understand the benefits and risks of disease and treatment, while explaining alternative treatments, encouraging patients to ask questions and supporting their treatment decisions.
Identifiants
pubmed: 31402307
pii: S1551-7411(19)30059-2
doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2019.08.002
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
663-672Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.