Morisky Tool to Keep Loved Ones Stay on Track: Using the Morisky Scale to Support Medication Adherence

Family members and friends often want to help but may not know how to effectively support their loved one’s medication adherence. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) can be a practical, easy-to-use tool that loved ones can use to encourage and support consistent medication use. Here’s how you can use the Morisky Scale to help a loved one stay on track.

What is the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale?

The Morisky Scales are simple, validated questionnaire designed to measure medication adherence, originally developed for healthcare providers to assess a patient’s likelihood of sticking to their medication regimen. It asks questions related to common reasons why people might miss or avoid taking their medicine. The scale’s results can identify specific challenges, helping family members tailor their support to meet these needs.

How Family and Friends Can Use the Morisky Scale

The Morisky Scale can serve as a starting point for conversations about medication adherence and help loved ones identify the best ways to offer support. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to using the scale with a loved one:


Set Up a Comfortable, Open Conversation:

• Start by letting your loved one know you’re there to help and support them in their health journey. Emphasize that it’s normal to have challenges with medication adherence and that many people struggle with it at some point.
• You can administer the MMAS-8 by reading the questions aloud and discussing each one. For example, questions might include, “Do you sometimes forget to take your medication?”
• Encourage honest answers, reassuring them that this is a judgment-free process.

Review the Results Together:

• After reviewing the results, identify specific areas where your loved one might need extra support. For example, if they often forget to take their medication, a reminder system could be beneficial. If they have concerns about side effects, encourage them to speak with their healthcare provider.

Providing Support Based on the Morisky Scale Results

Each person’s needs are different, and the Morisky Scale can highlight specific areas to focus on. Here are some ways to tailor your support based on the results:

For Those Who Forget to Take Their Medication:
• Help set up daily reminders on their phone or smartwatch.
• Consider using a pill organizer to keep medication doses organized.
• Check in with a friendly reminder if they’re open to it, especially at the times they need to take their medication.

For Those with Concerns about Side Effects:
• Offer to go with them to a doctor’s appointment to discuss side effects and address their concerns.
• Help them keep a journal of any side effects they experience so they can provide their doctor with accurate information.
• Remind them that there may be options for alternative medications or dosage adjustments if side effects are impacting their adherence.

For Those Unsure of the Medication’s Importance:
• Provide gentle reminders about how their medication fits into their overall health goals.
• Encourage open communication with their healthcare provider so they can understand the benefits of sticking with the prescribed regimen.
• Share information (if appropriate) about how consistent medication use has helped others in similar situations, reminding them of the bigger picture.

For Those Who Stop Taking Medication When They Feel Better:
• Discuss the importance of completing the full course of medication, as some medications need to be taken consistently, even when symptoms improve.
• Provide support to reframe their mindset around long-term benefits and prevention of relapse or worsening symptoms.

Remember, your encouragement, reminders, and understanding can go a long way in helping your loved one feel supported in sticking to their medication regimen. Through ongoing support and empathy, you’re not only helping them stay on track but also building a stronger foundation for their health and well-being.