Physician perception of patient adherence compared to patient adherence of osteoporosis medications from pharmacy claims

Abstract

Physicians overestimate patient adherence to PMO therapies. Improving physician awareness of medication non-adherence to PMO therapies may facilitate physician-patient dialogue, with the aim of identifying patient-centered reasons for non-adherence. These discussions are important because patients with poorer adherence have a higher risk of fracture. Future research should focus on reasons for patient non-adherence to osteoporosis regimens and intervention strategies that improve communication between the provider and patient. Findings must be considered within the limitations of this claims database analysis. Some degree of incomplete or incorrect coding may exist, and the presence of a claim for a filled prescription does not indicate that the medication was consumed or taken as prescribed. Patients included in the study are not necessarily representative of all patients being treated for osteoporosis.