TABLE 1.

Coaching Guide for Medication Adherence

	Date Suggested	Effective (Y/N) Notes
Assess Factors that Influence Adherence
Patient-related factors
Therapy-related factors
Complex regimen -Understanding of medication pharmacology (Missing doses decreases efficacy) -Understanding medications schedule (time of day to take medicine, take with/without food; medication calendar) Fear of safe handling -Advantages and responsibilities of oral chemotherapy agents -Safe Handling (wear gloves, don’t crush pills) Refill issues -Rationale for adherence. (In order to evaluate if this drug works for your cancer, you need to take it as prescribed). Side effects -Side effect management strategies -Profile sheets for each medication with side effects and management strategies -1) Side effect management sheet for _________ -2) Side effect management sheet for _________ -3) Side effect management sheet for _________ -Other: Social/economic factors Other
Clinical-related factors
Communication issues among providers Other
Behavioral/Reminder Strategies
Medication reminder box (alarmed Y/N)
Event reminders (ie, take medications together, take with meals)
Set up medications daily/weekly/plans for travel
Have caregiver remind you to take medication
Medication calendar with check offs
Alarm systems (kitchen timer, bedside alarm)
Phone alarms
Other:
Provider Support and Surveillance Strategies
Nurse phone calls weekly
Have caregiver double check medication box
Congratulations with refill
Refill reminder post card
Notify caregiver of patient concerns, ask provider to reinforce
Medication schedule ___ Rationale for medication ___
Phone call to support person
Referral to counselor
Referral to support group
Referral to patient assistance program (financial support)
Other: