Unfortunately, the way and extent to which patients implement their medication therapy are unsatisfactory, even if it is a simple, proven effective, and well-tolerated medication. Yet it is well documented that good "therapy adherence" (Adherence) benefits those affected, up to and including a higher life expectancy. Fortunately, it is possible to increase (drug) adherence actively and thereby improve the success of therapy (e.g., Matthes and Albus, Dtsch Ärztebl Int 2014). In our view, the prescription discussion is essential at the end of which the patient has been prescribed medication. It is unclear whether and in what form this discussion actually takes place. For legal as well as ethical reasons, active participation of the patient in the decision-making process (e.g., in the form of participatory decision-making, better known as "shared decision-making") is necessary and, in all likelihood, also conducive to therapeutic success in the broadest sense (from satisfaction to the effectiveness of the medication) (e.g., Hauser et al., Dtsch Ärztebl Int 2015).
We are therefore trying to establish a discussion guide (AMPEL: Arzneiverordnungsgespräche unter Berücksichtigung Medikamentöser Aspekte und der Partizipativen Entscheidungsfindung - ein Leitfaden) to help physicians conduct efficient and effective prescription discussions (see Hauser et al. in Koerfer/Albus (eds.) 2018). In a pilot study in primary care practices, we were able to show that the AMPEL guide is applicable and can improve the quality of conversations from the perspective of both patients and physicians (Kirsch & Matthes 2021). In addition, we are already introducing students of human medicine to this topic (see also educational research).
For further information, please get in touch with Priv.-Doz. Dr. Jan Matthes.
