What is secondary non-adherence (SNA)?

Secondary non-adherence (SNA) refers to situations where a patient may pick up their prescribed medication but fails to take it as directed. This could involve skipping doses, not following the medication schedule, or misunderstanding the instructions for use. It highlights a gap between obtaining the medication and actual usage, potentially due to various factors such as forgetfulness, side effects, or a lack of understanding of the treatment plan.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of patient adherence. For instance, visiting the doctor but not filling prescriptions indicates an initial disengagement with the treatment plan. Currently taking medications as prescribed reflects adherence, while canceling a follow-up appointment pertains to the continuity of care rather than the adherence to medication specifically. Understanding SNA emphasizes the importance of not just ensuring medications are accessible, but also that patients correctly follow dosing regimens for effective treatment outcomes.