Medication synchronization reveals medication adherence barriers

Medication synchronization systems have proven effective in improving medication adherence rates. At Graves Pharmacy, a regional pharmacy chain across Kansas, clinical leaders use medication synchronization to identify various patient adherence barriers, according to Dared Price, PharmD, president of Graves Drug Stores. The pharmacy's medication synchronization system flags patients who might require more help managing their medications, either because they have complex medication regimens or because they have a long history of poor medication adherence. Price also discusses medication adherence strategies during medication management therapy sessions. During these meetings with patients, he works to identify the challenges his patients face in remaining adherent to their medications. By focusing on barriers, Price avoids placing blame and instead identifies actionable advice. Price notes that miscommunications stemming from the doctor's office make it vital that med sync programs include extensive patient-pharmacist communication lines. Doctors change medications often, Price said; but without regular conversations between the pharmacy and patient as part of a medication synchronization program, the pharmacy will remain in the dark.