The New York Times has called adherence the world’s “other drug problem.” Physicians prescribe medications, but patients do not always use them. While it would be easy for physicians to blame patients for treatment failures, physicians can do more to motivate patients to use their medications as recommended.

Practical Ways to Improve Patient Adherence, Second Edition, written by Daniel J. Lewis MD and Steven R. Feldman MD, PhD, is an essential resource for physicians and healthcare professionals looking to address the issue of poor patient adherence. This book offers concrete techniques and approaches that can be implemented to encourage patients to adhere to their medication regimen, ultimately improving treatment outcomes.

Medication non-adherence is a complex issue, influenced by various factors such as forgetfulness, lack of understanding, cost, side effects, and psychological barriers. However, blaming patients for non-adherence is not an effective solution. Practical Ways to Improve Patient Adherence equips healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools to tackle this problem head-on.

This second edition of the book is the result of over 20 years of patient adherence research. Lewis and Feldman present their findings in a simple, fun, and easy-to-read style that makes it accessible to a wide range of readers. The authors’ expertise in the field shines through as they discuss the hurdles that contribute to poor adherence and provide practical recommendations for healthcare professionals.

One of the unique aspects of this book is its focus on novel and potent techniques to improve patient adherence. The authors offer tools that healthcare providers can use in their day-to-day practice to address non-adherence effectively. By incorporating these strategies into their patient interactions, physicians can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and overall patient satisfaction.

The testimonials from colleagues in the medical community further validate the effectiveness of the approaches discussed in the book. Dermatologist Warren H. Chan, MD, MS, describes it as a “once-in-a-lifetime treat” that presents 20 years of patient adherence research in a concise and engaging manner. Diego R. Dasilva, MD, another dermatologist, praises the book’s practicality, recommending it to all his friends in medicine.

With its comprehensive coverage of the topic and practical recommendations, Practical Ways to Improve Patient Adherence has earned recognition in the medical community. It was named the winner of the prestigious “Best Overall” Dermie Award by the Dermasphere podcast in 2022.

Published in association with the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, this book is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals across specialties. It is particularly relevant for dermatologists, who often prescribe long-term treatment regimens that require strict adherence for optimal results.