Patient Engagement in Person-Centered Communication About Medication Adherence: Perspectives From Patients, Next of Kin, and Healthcare Professionals

Purpose: To explore how patients can be actively engaged in medication adherence communication in a person-centered manner. Patients and Methods: A design thinking approach was applied, involving patients, next of kin, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists through workshops and individual interviews. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes were identified. The first, Reassurance as a foundation for person-centered communication about medication adherence, described adherence communication as a multi-layered and co‑constructed process. Reassurance was established through relational engagement and mutual trust, enabling patients to participate more openly and confidently in discussions about their medication use. The second theme, Healthcare professional as fellow human and expert, highlighted patients’ need to be met “as a person” while simultaneously relying on the healthcare professional’s expertise. Participants emphasized the importance of professionals who “know their stuff but speak my language” translating clinical knowledge into understandable, meaningful dialogue. A “reassuring mindset” where human and expert qualities converge, was identified as central to fostering patient engagement in adherence conversations. Conclusion: Reassurance was identified as a central enabling factor for engaging patients in medication-adherence communication. The findings emphasize that a synergistic combination of human connection and professional competence is essential. These results can inform the development of communication strategies and professional skills aimed at building partnerships in adherence. Further research should explore how reassurance can be operationalized in person-centered adherence interventions and its impact on treatment outcomes. Plain Language Summary: Why was this study done? Taking medications as prescribed is essential for managing chronic conditions, yet many people struggle to do so consistently. Less is known about how communication between patients and healthcare providers can support medication adherence. We wanted to understand what makes these conversations helpful and how patients can be actively engaged in them. What did we do? We used a design thinking approach, conducting workshops and individual interviews with patients, their next of kin, and healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, and pharmacists). We explored their experiences and perspectives on communication about medication adherence. What did we find? Two key themes emerged. First, reassurance is central to enabling person-centered adherence communication. Reassurance involves feeling safe, understood, and supported, and is built through ongoing interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. Second, the healthcare professional’s dual role as both a fellow human and an expert is essential. Patients need to be seen as individuals, not just as patients, and they need clear, trustworthy guidance delivered in understandable language. What does this mean? Healthcare providers can support medication adherence by building trusting, person-centered relationships, not just by providing information. Combining empathy and professional expertise fosters the reassurance patients need to engage in their treatment. These findings have implications for training healthcare professionals and designing communication strategies for chronic care settings. Keywords: medication use behavior, reassurance, therapeutic alliance, person-centered pharmacy service