Socw 6443 Wk 11 Discussion 1: Medication Adherence And Inter

Socw 6443 Wk 11 Discussion 1 Medication Adherence And Interprofession

Socw 6443 Wk 11 Discussion 1: Medication Adherence and Interprofessional Collaboration “Why won’t they just take their pills?” The reasons for medication non-adherence can be complex. Just because a person is prescribed medication does not mean that they will take that medication. What is the role of a social worker in this situation? While it is important for social workers to understand medications and the effects of medications, prescribing medication is outside a social worker’s scope of practice. This means that social workers must work both with clients and with other health professionals when addressing medication adherence.

For this Discussion, you consider the role of the social worker within an interdisciplinary team in supporting a client’s treatment plan. These questions in bold then the answers in-text citation and full references in APA 7th edition format 300 to 500 words not including the questions and references:

1. Describe 2-3 different reasons why an individual may not take their medication as prescribed.
2. Explain the role of the social worker in addressing medication adherence.
3. Describe specific skills or strategies you would use both with the client and the prescribing health professional to address medication adherence.

Paper For Above instruction

Medication adherence remains a significant challenge in clinical practice, with non-adherence rates estimated around 50% for chronic illnesses (Sabate, 2003). Non-adherence to prescribed medication regimens can stem from various factors, including side effects, forgetfulness, and misconceptions about the medication. Understanding these reasons is pivotal for social workers who are integral members of interdisciplinary health teams and play a vital role in supporting clients’ adherence to treatment plans.

One primary reason for medication non-adherence involves side effects, which can be distressing and deter individuals from continuing with their prescribed regimen. For instance, some medications may cause nausea, fatigue, or other adverse effects that outweigh perceived benefits in the eyes of the patient (Osterberg & Blaschke, 2005). As a result, clients may intentionally skip doses or discontinue medication altogether. Another contributing factor is forgetfulness or cognitive impairments, especially among elderly populations or individuals with mental health issues. Daily routines may be disrupted, or memory limitations may lead clients to unintentionally miss doses (Brown & Bussell, 2011). Additionally, misconceptions and lack of understanding about the medication’s purpose or perceived necessity can influence adherence. Some individuals might believe that medication is unnecessary once symptoms improve or may distrust the efficacy or safety of the medication (Kimmel & Wills, 2018).

> The role of the social worker extends beyond merely providing emotional support; it encompasses addressing barriers to adherence and fostering collaboration among healthcare professionals. Social workers advocate for clients by assessing social determinants that impact medication-taking behaviors, such as financial constraints, transportation barriers, or housing instability. They also engage in psychoeducation to correct misconceptions, emphasizing the importance of adherence for health outcomes (Preston, O’Neal, & Talaga, 2017). Moreover, social workers facilitate communication between clients and prescribers, ensuring that clients’ concerns about side effects or medication schedules are conveyed and addressed effectively. This collaborative approach is essential for tailoring interventions that promote adherence and improve overall health outcomes.

In practice, social workers employ specific skills and strategies to support medication adherence. Motivational interviewing is one such technique, which helps explore and resolve ambivalence towards medication use by enhancing clients’ intrinsic motivation (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). This client-centered approach encourages autonomy and empowers clients to take an active role in their treatment. Additionally, social workers can implement reminder systems or collaborate with caregivers to establish routines that minimize forgetfulness. With prescribers, social workers advocate for regular review and reevaluation of medication plans, especially when patients experience adverse effects (Preston et al., 2017). Engaging in interdisciplinary communication ensures that treatment remains patient-centered, adaptable, and responsive to changing needs. Ultimately, social workers serve as catalysts for fostering adherence by addressing psychosocial barriers and supporting collaborative care.

References

• Brown, M. T., & Bussell, J. K. (2011). Medication adherence: WHO cares? Molecular Pharmaceutics, 8(2), 336–341.
• Kimmel, S. E., & Wills, M. R. (2018). Patient beliefs and medication adherence. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 31(5), 523–529.
• Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
• Osterberg, L., & Blaschke, T. (2005). Adherence to medication. The New England Journal of Medicine, 353(5), 487–497.
• Preston, J. D., O’Neal, J. H., & Talaga, M. C. (2017). Handbook of clinical psychopharmacology for therapists (8th ed.). New Harbinger.
• Sabate, E. (2003). Adherence to long-term therapies: Evidence for action. World Health Organization.