Diabetes, therapeutic inertia, and patients’ medication experience

Abstract

Factors contributing to therapeutic inertia related to patients’ medication experiences include concerns about side effects and out-of-pocket costs, stigmatization for having diabetes, confusion about frequent changes in evidence-based guidelines, low health literacy, and social determinants of health. A variety of solutions to this multifactorial problem may be necessary, including integrating pharmacists into interprofessional care teams, using medication refill synchronization programs, maximizing time with patients to discuss fears and concerns, being cognizant of language used to discuss diabetes-related topics, and avoiding stigmatizing patients. Managing diabetes successfully is a team effort, and the full commitment of all team members (including patients) is required to achieve desired outcomes through an individualized approach.