Table 1.
Methods used by physicians to assess adherence in patients with hypertension and their reliability, cost, and frequency of use
| Method used | Reliability | Cost | Frequency of use in practice | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Never | Sometimes | Frequently or always | |||
| Ask questions on missed doses | Low | Low | 1% | 16% | 83% |
| Ask questions on reduced doses | Low | Low | 4% | 26% | 70% |
| Ask questions on changes of medication regimen | Low | Low | 1% | 15% | 84% |
| Speak to family, friends, or healthcare providers | Low | Low | 5.5% | 59% | 35.5% |
| Use of questionnaires | Low | Medium | 50.5% | 35% | 14.5% |
| Take blood or urine to measure medications | High | High | 47% | 33.5% | 19.5% |
| Use electronic monitors | High | High | 65% | 17% | 18% |
| Use pill counts | Medium | Medium | 60% | 30% | 10% |
| Use direct observed treatment (DOT) | High | High | 43% | 44% | 13% |
| Use pharmacy data | Medium | Medium | 44% | 35.5% | 20.5% |
| Use Apps data provided by patients | Low | Low | 64% | 31% | 5% |