ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence has been linked to health literacy and poor patient outcomes. The Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit addresses both issues. PURPOSE: A brown bag medication review was implemented to identify medication nonadherence in a Midwestern clinic. METHODS: Adult patients were instructed to bring all prescribed and over-the-counter medication to office visits. A reviewer transcribed administration directions and the patient's verbal instruction of how the medication is taken. RESULTS: The study found 58% (n = 28) of 48 participants were nonadherent for at least 1 medication; 26% (n = 72) of all medications were nonadherent; and mental health drugs were the highest nonadherence category at 38% (n = 11). The majority of medication nonadherence was due to lack of access. CONCLUSIONS: This drug utilization review was found helpful in identification of causes for medication nonadherence, assisting prescribers, and improving patient education.
