In assessing medication adherence, which method is commonly used by pharmacists?

Pill counts are commonly used by pharmacists to assess medication adherence because they provide a direct and objective measurement of the patient's medication use. This method involves counting the number of pills in a patient's medication container and comparing that number to the amount that should have been taken based on the prescribed regimen. This approach allows pharmacists to identify discrepancies that may indicate non-adherence, such as missed doses or improper use.

Additionally, pill counts can help facilitate discussions about adherence issues with patients in a constructive manner, helping to identify barriers to proper medication use. This practical assessment method enables pharmacists to take necessary actions to support and improve patient compliance with their medication regimens.

Other methods, while they could provide insights, may not offer the same level of accuracy or objectivity. For example, conducting random surveys relies on self-reported data, which can be influenced by bias. Strict reliance on friends’ opinions can lead to misinformation and may not accurately reflect the patient's actual medication-taking behavior. Observation in public settings may not capture complete adherence patterns and is influenced by many variables, making it an unreliable method for this purpose.