An effective, low-cost approach to improving medication adherence among immigrant and refugee populations

Abstract

Medication adherence among children is complex, requiring an adherent caregiver. Low educational level, low socioeconomic status and language barrier are factors influencing adherence. In presented case, the primary reason for non-adherence was the mother’s poor communication skills due to a language barrier. We overcame the problem with a simple, virtually cost-free technique, which includes color labels and saw dramatic changes in medication adherence for our patient. This approach can be especially useful for immigrant and refugee populations, and we believe it can also complement existing interpretation services and other approaches to improve medication adherence for all patients.