Pharmacists’ roles and barriers in supporting psychiatric medication adherence: An interprofessional qualitative study

Résumé fourni par la source

Objective: Medication non-adherence among psychiatric patients remains a significant barrier to recovery, contributing to relapse, rehospitalization, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals’ perspectives on adherence barriers and examine pharmacists’ perceived roles in supporting psychiatric medication adherence in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using two interprofessional focus group discussions (FGDs) in August 2024 across three regions of South Kalimantan. Twenty participants (8 pharmacists, 5 nurses, 4 psychologists, 3 doctors) were purposively selected. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Reporting adhered to COREQ standards. Results: Ten major barriers to adherence emerged: medication side effects, forgetfulness, busy routines, intentional non-adherence, limited knowledge, negative perceptions, personal stigma, family influences, cultural–spiritual beliefs, and systemic healthcare constraints. Pharmacists were widely recognized as vital contributors in medication review, patient counseling, and interprofessional collaboration, but their roles were limited by workforce shortages, insufficient mental health training, and inadequate institutional and policy support. Conclusions: Psychiatric medication adherence in LMICs is shaped by complex individual, familial, cultural, and systemic factors. Strengthening pharmacists’ roles through structured training, supportive policies, and integration into multidisciplinary mental health teams may improve adherence and clinical outcomes.

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