Interventions to increase adherence to acne treatment

Abstract

BackgroundAdherence to acne medication is poor and is a major reason why treatment plans are ineffective. Recognizing solutions to nonadherence is critical.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to describe the hurdles associated with acne nonadherence and to provide mechanisms on how to ameliorate them.MethodsPubMed database was searched. Of the 419 search results, 29 articles were reviewed to identify hurdles to adherence and corresponding solutions.ResultsHurdles to primary nonadherence where the medication is not even started, include lack of knowledge, confusion about usage, weak physician–patient relationship, fear of adverse reactions, and cost. Secondary nonadherence hurdles where the medication is started but is not taken as directed include lack of results, complex regimens, side effects, busy lifestyle, forgetfulness, inconvenience, and psychiatric comorbidity. Solutions to these hurdles include treatment simplification, technology, and dynamic education.LimitationsAdherence is affected by numerous factors, but available literature analyzing acne adherence and interventions to improve adherence to treatment is limited.ConclusionThere are several hurdles in adhering to acne treatment. Recognition of these hurdles and finding appropriate solutions may be as important to treatment outcomes as choosing the right medication to prescribe.

Acne in primary care: A cross-sectional analysis

“…23 This is important as a weak physician-patient relationship was identified as a hurdle to adherence to acne medication in a large literature review. 13…”

“…12 Even when seen by a doctor for treatment, they may not adhere to their medication or attend follow-up appointments. 13,14 In Australia, general practice registrars comprise approximately 12% of the general practice workforce by headcount 15, 16 and see a younger patient population than longer-established GPs. 17,18 These early-career GPs therefore contribute significantly to the medical management of acne within the community.…”

Akne

“…Die Ursachen für die Non‐Adhärenz sind komplex (Tabelle ) und erfolgreiche Interventionen schwierig. Folgende Empfehlungen können die Adhärenz verbessern .…”

“…Folgende Empfehlungen können die Adhärenz verbessern . Es zeigte sich, dass eine Vereinfachung der Therapie, eine Berücksichtigung der Patienten‐Präferenz, eine gute Arzt‐Patienten‐Kommunikation und wiederholte Arztkontakte die Adhärenz verbesserten, während technische Interventionen, wie automatisierte Textnachrichten, wirkungslos blieben .…”

<p>A Real-Life, International, Observational Study Demonstrating The Efficacy Of A Cosmetic Emulsion In The Supportive Care Of Mild-To-Moderate Facial Acne</p>

“…These adverse events are usually temporary and mild. However, they can occasionally be severe or even intolerable, causing a great deal of discomfort to the patient and severely hampering already low levels of compliance with therapy 19,20. These low levels of compliance compromise treatment efficacy and have an impact on clinical outcomes.…”