To adhere or not to adhere: Rates and reasons of medication adherence in hematological cancer patients. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hall, Alix E.; Paul, Chris; Bryant, Jamie; Lynagh, Marita C.; Rowlings, Philip; Enjeti, Anoop; Small, Hannah
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. Volume 97(2016)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Hemato-oncology -- Adherence -- Compliance -- Medication -- Hematological cancer; Oncology -- Periodicals; Hematology -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.08.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8428

Abstract

Abstract: To conduct a comprehensive review to examine among hematological cancer patients: (1) rates of adherence to self-administered cancer treatments; and (2) factors impacting on their adherence. Fifty two eligible publications were identified. The majority focused on Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) ( n = 40) and Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia (ALL) ( n = 11) patients. Adherence rates varied and depended on the definition and measures used. Patient understanding about their disease and treatment, and forgetting to take their medication impacted on patients' level of adherence; while the use of reminders reduced forgetfulness. There is a lack of valid and reliable information relating to medication adherence of hematological cancer patients. Based on the limited data available we provide a profile of CML and ALL patients at potential risk of medication non-adherence, as well as a proposed checklist that can be used by health care providers in assessing and supporting patients in adhering to their medication.