1. What is Medication Adherence?

Medication adherence refers to the degree to which a patient correctly follows prescribed medication dosing. For children, this often depends on caregiver administration and monitoring.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple adherence formula:

Where:

• Doses Taken — Actual number of doses administered
• Doses Prescribed — Number of doses that should have been taken

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of prescribed doses were actually taken during a specific period.

3. Importance of Adherence Measurement

Details: Measuring adherence helps identify medication-taking behavior problems, assess treatment effectiveness, and determine if symptoms are due to non-adherence or treatment failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count all doses taken during the monitoring period and enter along with the number of doses that should have been taken during that same period.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered good adherence?
A: Generally ≥80% is considered adequate adherence, though some medications may require higher adherence rates.

Q2: How can I improve my child's medication adherence?
A: Use medication reminders, establish routines, use pill organizers, and discuss any difficulties with your healthcare provider.

Q3: Should missed doses be doubled up?
A: Never double up doses without consulting your healthcare provider, as this may cause side effects.

Q4: How often should adherence be measured?
A: For chronic conditions, monthly assessment is recommended until adherence is stable.

Q5: Are there other ways to measure adherence?
A: Yes, including pharmacy refill rates, electronic monitoring devices, and drug level monitoring.