Medication Adherence in Persons with Coronary Artery Disease: a Delphi Study

Abstract

Background: Medication adherence is an essential behavior for persons with coronary artery disease (CAD). There are numerous definitions of medication adherence used in the literature. However, the existing definitions do not reflect a holistic approach.  From a nursing perspective, characteristics or attributes of medication adherence specific to persons with CAD remain unclear. Exploration of the medication adherence concept is important for nurses to provide quality care. The purpose of this study was to operationalize a definition of medication adherence for persons with CAD from a nursing perspective.

Methods: Seventeen nurse experts in medication adherence in persons with CAD participated in this study.  The Delphi method was used to classify, cluster, and verify the characteristics of medication adherence.  Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results: The results showed that from a nursing perspective, medication adherence refers to the actions of the person with CAD related to taking medication as prescribed. These actions consist of proper knowledge of prescribed medication, storing medication appropriately, self-regulating medication administration correctly and continuously, and participating in the medication treatment plan.

Conclusions:  The findings of this study contribute to the concept of medication adherence in persons with CAD. It is clear that medication adherence includes not only taking medication as prescribed, but also practicing the four main concepts related to medication administration. When assessing medication adherence, nurses should review these aspects.