ICN supports World Adherence Day to encourage people to make informed health decisions and stick to their entire healthcare plan

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is supporting the inaugural World Adherence Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the critical role adherence plays in achieving better health outcomes.

ICN advocates for the recognition of patients as active participants in their care, empowering them to make informed health decisions, and ensuring they follow their entire healthcare plan. World Adherence Day on 27 March is intended to remind people to actively follow their prescribed treatment, including medications, other interventions and lifestyle modifications.

Adhering to treatments can ensure better management of chronic conditions, reducing complications and empowering individuals to live healthier, more independent lives.

Around the world, adherence to treatments for chronic conditions is just 50% in high-income countries, and lower elsewhere. As part of its commitment to improving adherence, ICN emphasizes the key role of nurses in patient education and care coordination. Nurses, working alongside other health professionals, are instrumental in facilitating shared decision-making and enhancing adherence to health interventions through an interdisciplinary approach.

World Adherence Day is led by the Word Health Federation and supported by a coalition of healthcare organizations, including ICN, in a bid to encourage people to stick to their treatment and reap the benefits, which can include a reduction in long-term mortality risks by as much as 21%.

In a video released to coincide with the launch of World Adherence Day, ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano said:

“Life is full of moments, moments we don’t want to miss. Today, we stand united with a shared global commitment to improving therapeutic adherence for better health outcomes. We call upon your support to join this global initiative, endorse it, sign the declaration letter and get involved to improve therapeutic adherence worldwide. Together we can empower patients and build a healthier future to enjoy moments ahead. Act today, love tomorrow; act today, own tomorrow; act today, protect tomorrow: don’t miss a moment.”

Watch the video below:

Click here for more information about World Adherence Day.