Background: As the problem of patient non-adherence persists and a solution appears hard to
be found, it continues to be important to look for new ways to further the issue. We recently
conducted a meta-review of adherence intervention studies which yielded a preliminary agenda for
future research, practice and theory development in patient adherence. The objective of the
present project was to find out to what extent adherence experts consider this agenda relevant
and feasible.
Methods: The thirty-five corresponding authors of the review studies included in the meta-review
were invited to join the International Expert Forum on Patient Adherence and to participate in a
four-week web-based focus group discussion. The discussion was triggered by the points on the
preliminary agenda presented as propositions to which forum members could react. Two
researchers analysed the transcripts and selected relevant phrases.
Results: Twenty adherence experts participated. Various ideas and viewpoints were raised. After
the closure of the web-site, the expert forum was asked to authorize the synthesis of the
discussion, to list the propositions in order of priority and to answer a few questions on the use
of the web-based focus group as a tool to obtain expert opinions. Their ranking showed that the
development of simple interventions is the most promising step to take in fostering patient
adherence, preferably within a multidisciplinary setting of medical, pharmaceutical, social and
technical science and, not in the least, by incorporating patients' perspectives.
Conclusion: For enhancing adherence, the development of simple interventions originating from
a multidisciplinary perspective including patients' input, appears most promising. Disclosing
patients' perspectives requires open communication about patients' expectations, needs and
experiences in taking medication and about what might help them to become and remain adherent
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