A systematic literature review of methodologies used to assess medication adherence in patients with diabetes

No gold standard exists for measuring medication adherence in patients with diabetes. The plethora of adherence methods precludes the comparison of adherence rates across studies. Greater consistency is therefore needed in adherence measurement, including question content, recall period, and response options for self-report measures. Novel methods for understanding adherence to variable-dosed insulin require further research. Researchers should select a methodology that best fits their research question, study design, patient population and resources.