We talk about adherence all the time, whether it be medication, diary cards, appointments. We know it’s crucial, yet there have been many times where I think to myself, do patients really get it? Or are we just expecting them to blindly follow instructions? Honestly, I think we can do better.

We often tell you what to do, but not always why it’s important. We might explain the science (which can be confusing or seem less relevant to your needs), but do we really connect with you on a personal level? Do we explain how your participation impacts not just your health, but the future of treatment for everyone? I’d argue we often fall short.

For me this is the fundamental problem with adherence. When you understand the why, you’re far more likely to stick with the programme, whether it’s taking medication, filling out those (sometimes tedious) diary cards, or attending appointments on time. It’s not about blind obedience; it’s about informed participation. It’s about you becoming a true partner in your care.

I have written this post spurred on by a post from my colleague Philip Morisky, MBA, about World Adherence Day which is just around the corner (27 March). Well done to the World Heart Federation for bringing this vital topic into focus! What can we, as an industry, do to improve patient education and, ultimately, improve patient commitment?

Always one for looking at the practical, here is my take: We have great tools at our disposal. We’ve got tech from InHandPlus to help monitor medication usage, AI voice agents like Delfa Tom Farrand to support patients and sites, and engagement tools like that offered by Jonathan Moshinsky and his team at Stitch to help keep patients on track and let’s not forget the power of personalisation – companies like BIONABU are doing some really interesting work in this space. Of course when it comes to medication adherence, well there is… adherence. with the gold standard hashtag #MMAS.

These tools are great, but they’re only effective if we use them strategically. It’s not just about having the tools & tech; it’s about integrating it thoughtfully into your experience. We must use them to build trust, foster understanding, and empower you to take control of your health.

So, my ask as we approach World Adherence Day: Let’s move beyond simply telling you to adhere and start truly engaging you in the process of clinical trial adherence. Let’s make the why clear and give you the support you need to succeed. When you understand the why, you become partners with us in our collective drug discovery and usage journeys and for me that is something worth sticking with.

Staying Committed Through Clinical Trials

Adhering to clinical trial protocols improves the outcome of your treatment. Trials are designed with safety and efficacy in mind, and following the schedule for medications, tests, and visits ensures that your treatment has the best chance of working as intended. Skipping doses or missing appointments affects your results and leads to uncertain conclusions about the effectiveness of a therapy.

Consistency also reduces risks. Clinical trials are structured to monitor your responses carefully and identify potential side effects early. Regular follow-ups allow your medical team to make adjustments if necessary. For patients with serious or chronic conditions, staying engaged can mean receiving better care, more frequent monitoring, and earlier interventions.