Summary

Medication non-adherence remains one of the most significant—and preventable—drivers of poor health outcomes across the world. Despite medical advances, many patients face barriers such as cost, regimen complexity, low health literacy, intentional decisions, or behavioural challenges that interrupt consistent medication use [1,4,6,7,8]. The result is poorer disease control, increased mortality, and an estimated USD $528.4 billion in avoidable costs annually in the United States alone [1]. 

Across this microsite, we have explored why non-adherence happens, how it is measured, and the impact it has on both individual patients and the broader health system. A clear pattern has emerged: adherence improves most when patients receive practical, system-level support—particularly through pharmacy-led services and evidence-based adherence packaging solutions.

What the Evidence Shows

Decades of data across meta-analyses, randomized trials, real-world studies, and economic modelling demonstrate that blister and calendar packaging are among the most effective tools for improving medication adherence [14,15,16,17,18,19,21,22,24–31]. 

Across conditions and populations, blister packaging consistently: 

• Increases adherence and reduces missed doses 

• Improves persistence with long-term therapy 

• Enhances patient confidence, independence, and routine management 

• Reduces medication errors, especially in older adults and those with cognitive impairment 

• Delivers measurable clinical improvements (e.g., blood pressure, HbA1c, LDL-C) 

• Lowers emergency visits, hospitalizations, and total healthcare spending 

Why This Matters

Improving adherence is one of the highest-value opportunities in healthcare. Even modest increases in adherence lead to better outcomes, safer transitions, fewer complications, and reduced overall system costs [9,11]. 

Adherence packaging stands out because it is: 

• Simple and intuitive 

• Low-cost and scalable 

• Proven in diverse conditions 

• Effective in high-need and underserved patient groups 

• Compatible with automation and digital technologies 

Together, these qualities make blister packaging a practical, evidence-backed intervention that strengthens both patient outcomes and health system performance.