Medication Adherence

Medication adherence is the degree to which a patient takes medication as prescribed — at the correct dose, frequency, and duration. It is a significant challenge in chronic disease management, with non-adherence rates estimated at 50% globally. Poor adherence contributes to disease progression, complications, hospitalisation, and preventable deaths. In accessibility and mHealth design, improving medication adherence is a primary goal: well-designed apps use adaptive reminders, simplified interfaces, and personalised feedback to reduce cognitive and logistical barriers. Particular attention is needed for users with cognitive impairments, older adults, and those managing multiple medications simultaneously (polypharmacy).