Table 5 Pharmaceutical problem Related to nonadherence of therapy and Action Taken to resolve them

Nonadherence

n (%)

Recommendations and action taken to resolve it

Patient has not taken medication for the past two weeks because she feels blood pressure is low. She was given lisinopril 20 mg instead of 10 mg daily on her last visit to the hospital

1 (1.33).

Agreed with the patients on measures that would aid adherence to therapy, such as;

• To always check blood pressure in a health facility and seek assistance when she feels her BP is low

• Education on the need for continuous medication use.

Patient decided to double the dosage of Nifecard to 30 mg twice daily as she was not well

1(1.33)

Recommended that patient seeks advice from a health practitioner before adjustment on dosages is done.

Patient only takes medicines when symptoms such as headache or dizziness are felt.

11(14.6)

Agreed with patients on regular medication use and offered education on the advantage of continuous medicines administration.

Stopped taking antihypertensive and currently on herbal medicines.

5 (6.67)

Advised to see herbal medicine practitioner at the Kumasi South Hospital.

Noncompliance to doctor’s appointment

10(13.3)

Agreed with patient on measures that would ensure adherence to the doctor’s appointment

These measures were;

• The pharmacist/family member reminding patients of the appointment

• Seeking financial help for transportation to the hospital

• Prompt renewal of national health insurance

Offering education on the importance of adhering to the doctor’s appointment.

Using antihypertensive with herbal medicine for fever

3 (4.0)

Advised patient not to take medicines together.

Patient has not taken medication because antihypertensive is finished and has not visited the hospital for a refill.

9(12.0)

Agreed with patient on measures that would ensure continuous administration of medication and ways to acquire a refill when medicines were finished. Such measures were:

• Keeping the medicines pack and consulting a community pharmacist for few days refill

• Visiting the hospital for a refill before medicines get finished.

• Pharmacist/family member reminding patients of refill appointments

• Education by pharmacist on the importance of continuous medicines administration.

Sub Total

40