Patient safety and adherence to pharmacological treatment: a diagnostic study in the León Becerra Hospital of Guayaquil

Abstract

The growing number of scientific research and publications on patient safety has provided a solid evidence base that highlights the magnitude and impact of safety problems, and these studies have identified adverse drug events as critical factors. Students and teachers of the TES Pharmacy Assistance career, in response to this problem, conducted a diagnostic study as part of the research project "Promotion strategies on adherence to drug treatment", with the aim of characterizing the current status of patients with NCDs in relation to adherence to drug treatment at the León Becerra Hospital in Guayaquil, using direct methods such as the Morisky-Green Test (MAQ: Medication Adherence Questionnaire) and the questionnaire. The results conclude that patients' therapeutic non-adherence reveals a significant concern that should be urgently addressed; adherence to the prescribed therapeutic regimen is fundamental for the control of NCDs and the reduction of complications and mortality. Therapeutic nonadherence is a multifaceted problem influenced by a variety of factors, related to the patient, the treatment, the health system, health professionals, and socioeconomic conditions. Given this situation, it is necessary to implement strategies to increase adherence to treatment and patient safety. These actions should be supported by public health policies that facilitate access and continuity of treatment for patients.