Factors influencing adherence to acetylsalicylic acid therapy after recovering from acute coronary syndrome – patients’ experience
Autori:
Martina Beljan, Zlata Ožvačić Adžić, Ino Kermc, Barbara Tomić, Nataša Buljan, Goranka Petriček
Sažetak
Summary
Aim: To explore and describe the experience of patients after recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) regarding the factors influencing adherence to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) therapy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the wider area of the City of Karlovac after obtaining approval from the Ethics Committee of the Karlovac Health Center. A purposive sample of participants was collected (respecting inclusion and exclusion criteria) through four conveniently selected family physicians (two employed at the Karlovac Health Center and two private family physicians under concession in Karlovac). Data were collected through focus group discussions recorded with a voice recorder, and transcripts were prepared. The data were analyzed and interpreted using qualitative content analysis. Results: Two main themes and three sub-themes of patient experience emerged. Factors that positively influence adherence to taking ASA include education about the medication, trust in doctors, quality communication, technical support (such as medication organizers), and support from family and the environment. Maintaining daily life roles also contributes positively to adherence. Factors that hinder adherence to taking ASA include polypharmacy, multimorbidity, ASA side effects, cognitive impairments,
and occasionally inconsistent recommendations from healthcare professionals. Patients highlighted the following expectations from family physicians to improve adherence to ASA: counselling and education about ASA, continuity of care, availability of primary care physicians through various communication channels, a good relationship with primary care physicians, and access to consultations with secondary healthcare specialists. Conclusions: To achieve good adherence to ASA in patients after ACS, it is recommended that physicians ensure continuous care and accessibility through multiple consultation channels, build a trust-based therapeutic relationship, communicate in an appropriate language, cyclically refresh their knowledge about ASA and its importance for these patients, and ensure ongoing collaboration with secondary healthcare specialists.
