What does "patient adherence" mean in the context of medication therapy?

In the context of medication therapy, "patient adherence" specifically refers to the extent to which patients follow their prescribed medication regimens. This encompasses not only taking medications as directed, whether in terms of dosage, timing, and duration, but also reflects the patient's commitment to their overall treatment plan. High levels of adherence are critical for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes, as even the most effective medications can fail to produce desired results if patients do not take them consistently or correctly.

Other options address aspects related to medication but do not capture the full scope of what adherence entails. For instance, remembering a medication schedule is part of adherence but does not encompass the actions and decisions made by patients around taking their medications. The relationship between a pharmacist and a patient may influence adherence, enhancing support and education, but it does not define adherence, which is fundamentally concerned with the patient's actions themselves. Additionally, while side effects can affect adherence, the frequency of medication side effects is not a measure of how well a patient follows their treatment plan.