Abstract
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After experiencing a single episode of depression, as many as 87%
of patients are at risk of relapse within 15 years [1]. Significant
reductions in depressive symptoms and the risk of relapse have
been found when antidepressant medication is maintained for at
least 12 months [2]. However, many primary care patients with
recurrent or chronic depression do not continue antidepressant
medication for a sufficiently long enough period to achieve reductions
in symptoms and reduced risk of relapse [3]. While a broad
range of clinicians, including non-doctors, provide services to
individuals with depression, training in facilitating medication
adherence is often a neglected part of their training [4].
The aim of this study was to examine how adherence knowledge,
skills and beliefs influence allied health clinicians’ efforts to
enhance primary care patient adherence to antidepressant medication.
We also sought to establish whether clinicians’ knowledge,
beliefs and skills would improve following completion of a Medication
Alliance training programme [5].