Medication Adherence In Chronic Illnesses: Barriers, Outcomes, And PharmacistLed Strategies

Medication adherence is a cornerstone of effective management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.Despite major advances in pharmacotherapy, suboptimal adherence remains a persistent global challenge, with nearly half of patients failing to take medications as prescribed.Poor adherence leads to disease progression, avoidable hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditure.This review explores the multidimensional concept of medication adherence, examines patient, therapy, healthcare system-, and socio-economic-related barriers, and discusses the clinical and economic outcomes of non-adherence.Particular emphasis is placed on pharmacist-led interventions, including medication therapy management, patient education, motivational interviewing, digital health integration, and collaborative care models.Evidence suggests that pharmacists play a pivotal role in improving adherence and optimizing therapeutic outcomes.Future directions focusing on personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, and integrated healthcare systems are also discussed.Strengthening adherence strategies through pharmacist involvement remains essential for sustainable chronic disease management.