As many as half of individuals in the United States do not follow their medication regimens, resulting in more than $100 billion spent each year on avoidable hospitalizations.1 Some people who do not take their medications when they should have actively decided that they do not want to take their medications. In other words, they have refused their medications.

There are many reasons why individuals refuse to take their medications. For example, individuals may dislike side effects caused by the medication. Individuals may also not understand how their medications help them.

This newsletter discusses one important approach to addressing medication refusals: person-centered planning. Using person-centered planning, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) can support individuals to take the right medication at the right time.

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Spring 2010 Newsletter