Medicines adherence: involving patients in decisions about prescribed medicines and supporting adherence

New evidence

We found 63 new studies in a search for randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published between 18 December 2014 and 11 July 2016.

Evidence identified in previous surveillance 6 years after publication of the guideline was also considered. This included 52 studies identified by search.

From all sources, 115 studies were considered to be relevant to the guideline.

We also checked for relevant ongoing research, which will be evaluated again at the next surveillance review of the guideline.

See appendix A: summary of new evidence from surveillance and references for all new evidence considered.

Views of topic experts

We considered the views of topic experts, including those who helped to develop the guideline and other correspondence we have received since the publication of the guideline.

Views of stakeholders

Stakeholders commented on the decision not to update the guideline. Overall, 6 stakeholders commented. See appendix B for stakeholders' comments and our responses.

Eight stakeholders commented on the proposal not to update the guideline: 3 disagreed with the decision, 3 agreed with the decision and 2 noted that they had no comments on the proposals. Eight stakeholders commented on the proposal to put the guideline on the static list: 3 disagreed with the decision, 3 agreed with the decision and 2 noted that they had no comments on the proposals.

One stakeholder suggested an amendment to the wording of recommendations in section 1.1 relating to patient beliefs. This will be considered when the guideline is next updated.

Several comments suggested changes to make to review questions. A stakeholder suggested amending the definition of adherence and incorporating phases of adherence. Another stakeholder suggested that the Accessible Information Standard be incorporated into the guideline recommendations. Finally, another stakeholder suggested that the polypill, for improving adherence in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, be incorporated into the guideline recommendations. However, surveillance includes all new evidence relevant to the scope and no evidence to address the suggested questions was identified. No new ongoing or relevant published studies were identified by the consultees.

See ensuring that published guidelines are current and accurate in 'Developing NICE guidelines: the manual' for more details on our consultation processes.

NICE Surveillance programme project team

Sarah Willett
Associate Director

Philip Alderson
Consultant Clinical Adviser

Emma McFarlane
Technical Adviser

Stephen Sharp
Technical Analyst

The NICE project team would like to thank the topic experts who participated in the surveillance process.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2208-6