Up to a third of patients do not understand how to take their medication

It focused on patients with dyslipidaemia (high cholesterol), type 2 diabetes and hypothyroidism.

Chris Langley, who headed the research, said: "This study provided an intriguing insight into adherence behaviour within an inner-city population, whilst the focus group data provided context and understanding of the barriers to adherence from the patients' perspective."

The report recommended that more information should be provided about patients taking medication for long-term conditions to make it easier to identify those who may require greater support from doctors.

Doctors should note a patient's first language and religion, it said, and drugs companies told to provide clearer information that can be understood by all patients.

The issue is likely to become even more important as care is transferred from hospitals to the community and patients are given greater responsibility for their own treatment at home.

Meanwhile a study by London South Bank University, published in December, estimated that four in ten adults are unable to understand and use everyday health literature effectively.

Originally posted here:
Up to a third of patients do not understand how to take their medication