THE ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST IN ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: EMPHASIS ON DIABETES MELLITUS (TYPES I AND II) AND SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCDs), such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM) types 1 and 2 and Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH), represent a major public health challenge due to their high prevalence, progressive nature, and significant impact on patients’ quality of life. This study presents a literature review on the pharmacist’s role in promoting adherence to the treatment of these conditions, highlighting pharmaceutical care as a central strategy to promote the rational use of medicines, prevent complications, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Strategies such as health education, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, medication review, and the use of digital technologies, including text message reminders to reinforce adherence, were analyzed. Evidence shows that pharmacist interventions positively influence several clinical outcomes. Actions such as health education, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, medication review, and the use of digital technologies aimed at reinforcing adherence are discussed. The evidence indicates that the pharmacist’s role contributes positively to various clinical outcomes and to the continuity of care.. Despite these positive findings, the review identifies gaps related to treatment adherence and limited access to technology, emphasizing the need for future research to explore patient motivational factors, institutional barriers, and innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care.