Enhancing medication adherence in marginalized and minoritized communities: A brief training approach for pharmacy technicians and community health workers

IF 1.8 Q3 PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY

Exploratory research in clinical and social pharmacy Pub Date : 2025-02-19 DOI:10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100582

Richard Segal , Michelle L. Zeigler , Jordan L. Wallace , Folakemi T. Odedina

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Abstract

Background

Medication non-adherence is a pervasive issue, with especially severe consequences for marginalized and minoritized populations. Engaging pharmacy technicians and community health workers (CHWs) to address medication adherence in collaboration with pharmacists could be an effective strategy since they may be better positioned to build trust and rapport with patients compared to pharmacists alone.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of a brief training program for pharmacy technicians and community health workers in improving medication adherence.

Methods

A hybrid model training program, including pre-recorded video lectures to be watched at home followed by an in-person session, was developed and delivered to 19 pharmacy technicians and 109 CHWs, focusing on key skills related to enhancing medication adherence. Participants' knowledge and self-efficacy were assessed using pre- and post-program questionnaires.

Results

The training program yielded significant improvements in participants' knowledge and confidence in performing activities to improve medication adherence. Notably, post-training scores did not differ significantly between pharmacy technicians and community health workers, indicating that both groups achieved similar levels of knowledge and self-efficacy. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians demonstrated significant gains in understanding cultural competence and health disparities.

Conclusion

A targeted, brief training program can significantly enhance the knowledge and self-efficacy of pharmacy technicians and community health workers in addressing medication adherence. Engaging these frontline healthcare workers could be a crucial strategy for improving medication adherence, particularly in marginalized communities. Future research is necessary to assess the impact of this training on patient adherence outcomes.

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加强边缘化和少数群体社区的药物依从性：对药学技术人员和社区卫生工作者的简短培训方法

药物不依从性是一个普遍存在的问题，对边缘化和少数群体的后果尤其严重。让药学技术人员和社区卫生工作者（chw）与药剂师合作解决服药依从性问题可能是一种有效的策略，因为与单独的药剂师相比，他们可能更有能力与患者建立信任和融洽关系。目的本研究旨在评估和比较一项针对药学技术人员和社区卫生工作者的简短培训计划在提高药物依从性方面的效果。方法对19名药学技术人员和109名卫生保健员进行混合模式培训，重点培训与提高服药依从性相关的关键技能，包括预先录制的在家观看的视频讲座和现场培训。参与者的知识和自我效能感通过项目前和项目后问卷进行评估。结果培训项目显著提高了参与者的知识和执行活动的信心，以提高药物依从性。值得注意的是，培训后得分在药学技术人员和社区卫生工作者之间没有显着差异，表明两组达到相似的知识和自我效能水平。此外，药学技术人员在理解文化能力和健康差异方面表现出显著的进步。结论有针对性的短期培训可显著提高药学技术人员和社区卫生工作者对药物依从性的认识和自我效能感。让这些一线卫生保健工作者参与可能是改善药物依从性的关键战略，特别是在边缘化社区。未来的研究有必要评估这种培训对患者依从性结果的影响。

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