Medication adherence has been linked with better patient outcomes and this is why the new medicine service (NMS) was first set up. 

In delivering the NMS, pharmacies support patients to manage their newly prescribed medicines. As well as helping them to optimise their medicines use, the aim is to improve adherence by engaging patients in shared decision making, providing them with the knowledge needed to make informed choices about treatment and self-management. 

In 2012, the Department of Health published An outcomes strategy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in England to improve outcomes for people with COPD and asthma through high-quality prevention, detection, treatment and care. The full strategy document is very lengthy; however, there is a short summary to the companion document outlining the role healthcare professionals have to play in improving outcomes for people with COPD and asthma across the five domains of the NHS outcomes framework.

Take a few minutes to read through the document and identify areas where you are performing well and where you might be able to further develop services to improve outcomes for people with asthma or COPD.