Verify Understanding of the Medication Plan
Care coordinators can greatly improve adherence simply by confirming patients actually understand their regimen.
Examples:
- “Walk me through how you take your morning medications.”
- “Tell me what your evening plan looks like for your pillbox.”
- “What questions do you have about the medications you’re on?”
Why it matters:
Patients often forget instructions or misunderstand dosing schedules.
Help Patients Organize Their Medications Correctly
- Guide them through AM/PM pillbox setup
- Reinforce separating QD-BID meds vs. PRN meds
- Encourage patients to double check for missed doses or incorrect placement
- Encourage consistency in refill planning
Why it matters:
Many medication errors occur because of disorganization, not intentional misuse.
Establish Routine & Habit Formation
Work with patients to integrate medication-taking into their daily routine:
- Pair dosing with an existing habit (breakfast, brushing teeth, feeding pets)
- Recommend keeping the pillbox in a consistent, visible location
- Encourage setting daily alarms or reminders
Why it matters:
Habits reduce cognitive load, especially for chronic pain patients who may be fatigued.
Promote Use of Tools & Reminders
Encourage:
- Smartphone alarms / calendar reminders
- Visual cues on the counter
- Sticky notes on the fridge or coffee maker
Why it matters:
Patients are more consistent when prompts are automatic.
Address Barriers to Adherence
Ask open-ended questions like:
- “What makes it hardest to take your medications?”
- “Are there side effects that worry you?”
- “Do cost or refills ever get in the way?”
Care coordinators can then:
- Escalate side effects
- Help patients plan for refills
Why it matters:
Most non-adherence is due to barriers, not lack of motivation.
Educate in Clear, Simple Language
- Explain why each medication matters
- Remind patients how it works in the body
- Reinforce that improvement often requires consistent dosing
- Clarify the difference between maintenance vs. PRN meds
Why it matters:
Adherence improves when patients understand the “why.”
Recognize and Celebrate Success
Positive reinforcement is powerful:
- “Great job taking all your evening doses this week!”
- “You’ve been incredibly consistent — I know that takes effort.”
- “Your pillbox looks perfect; you’re doing excellent work.”
Why it matters:
Behavioral reinforcement increases consistency.
Identify Gaps Early Through RTM Check-Ins
During RTM interactions, coordinators should monitor for:
- Missed doses
- Changes in pain correlated with adherence patterns
- New or worsening symptoms
- Confusion about instructions
Why it matters:
Early detection prevents prolonged non-adherence.
Encourage Patients to Report Side Effects Promptly
Teach patients that side effects are not “normal.”
Coordinators can say:
- “If you ever skip doses because of side effects, tell your healthcare provider right away so they can help.”
- “If something doesn’t feel right, call your healthcare provider — don’t just stop the medication.”
Why it matters:
Many patients self-discontinue medications silently.
Assist With Medication Refill Coordination
Care coordinators can:
- Ask: “Do you have enough medication for the next 5–7 days?”
- Remind patients to request refills early
- Notify the provider if the patient is running low
- Help them set up automatic refills if available
Why it matters:
Running out of medication is one of the top causes of non-adherence.
Reinforce Safety Messages
Encourage:
- Not doubling doses
- Avoiding mixing medications with alcohol or sedatives (unless directed)
- Following the AM/PM schedule
- Separating PRN medications from daily medications
Why it matters:
Patients often “self-adjust” doses when pain fluctuates.
Encourage Pain Journaling or RTM Symptom Tracking
Patients can record:
- When pain increases
- What triggers symptoms
- Whether taking medications helps
Why it matters:
Patients are more motivated to adhere when they see tangible patterns and benefits.
Promote Non-Pharmacologic Pain Strategies
Care coordinators can remind patients of:
- Stretching
- Heat/ice
- Movement breaks
- Relaxation strategies
- Sleep hygiene
Why it matters:
Patients feel more in control and are more engaged with treatment overall.
Build Trust & Therapeutic Rapport
Consistent, empathetic communication encourages honesty:
- “I’m here to help, not judge.”
- “Let’s work together to find what’s easiest for you.”
Why it matters:
Patients are more likely to disclose struggles, allowing coordinators to intervene.
Escalate When Necessary
Any of the following should be escalated immediately:
- Frequent missed doses
- Confusion with the medication plan
- New severe side effects
- Possible medication misuse
- Dangerous interactions
- Worsening pain despite adherence
Why it matters:
This keeps patients safe and prevents complications.