Patient Engagement in Person-Centered Communication About Medication Adherence: Perspectives From Patients, Next of Kin, and Healthcare Professionals.

PURPOSE: To explore how patients can be actively engaged in medication adherence communication in a person-centered manner.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A design thinking approach was applied, involving patients, next of kin, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists through workshops and individual interviews. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two main themes were identified. The first, Reassurance as a foundation for person-centered communication about medication adherence, described adherence communication as a multi-layered and co‑constructed process. Reassurance was established through relational engagement and mutual trust, enabling patients to participate more openly and confidently in discussions about their medication use. The second theme, Healthcare professional as fellow human and expert, highlighted patients' need to be met "as a person" while simultaneously relying on the healthcare professional's expertise. Participants emphasized the importance of professionals who "know their stuff but speak my language" translating clinical knowledge into understandable, meaningful dialogue. A "reassuring mindset" where human and expert qualities converge, was identified as central to fostering patient engagement in adherence conversations.

CONCLUSION

Reassurance was identified as a central enabling factor for engaging patients in medication-adherence communication. The findings emphasize that a synergistic combination of human connection and professional competence is essential. These results can inform the development of communication strategies and professional skills aimed at building partnerships in adherence. Further research should explore how reassurance can be operationalized in person-centered adherence interventions and its impact on treatment outcomes.