What is a potential consequence of poor medication adherence?

Poor medication adherence can lead to worse health outcomes for patients. When individuals do not take their medications as prescribed—whether due to forgetfulness, misunderstanding instructions, or side effects—their conditions may deteriorate, resulting in complications or exacerbation of diseases. This can ultimately lead to hospitalizations, increased disease progression, and even higher rates of mortality in some cases. By not achieving optimal therapeutic effects, the intended benefits of the medication are lost, and patients may experience a decline in their overall health status.

In contrast, while it is true that medication non-adherence can lead to higher medication costs due to the need for additional treatments or hospitalization, and potentially increased recovery times, these are secondary consequences that stem from the primary effect of worse health outcomes. Improved patient satisfaction is generally not associated with poor adherence, as non-adherence often signifies a disconnect between the patient and their treatment plan, which can decrease satisfaction.