Adherence Research Network Scientific Interest Group

NIH Adherence Research Network Scientific Interest Group

The Adherence Research Network Scientific Interest Group is a transdisciplinary consortium of extramural and intramural staff from NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices who provide leadership, vision, and support for NIH adherence research. Adherence generally refers to the extent to which a person’s health behaviors, including taking medications and executing lifestyle changes, align with recommendations or guidelines from health care clinicians. Increased adherence to prescribed medicines and recommended treatment and prevention regimens could provide substantial improvements in individual and public health, as well as savings in healthcare costs.

Unfortunately, multilevel barriers make adherence to recommended healthcare regimens very challenging in many chronic health conditions and populations. As best said by past Surgeon General Dr. C. Everett Koop, “Drugs don’t work in patients who don’t take them.”

To advance the field of adherence research, the Adherence Research Network SIG evaluates the state of the science and disseminates scientific information and NIH research priorities through conference symposia, meetings, and white papers. The Adherence Research Network SIG, in collaboration with the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research, also sponsors Notice of Special Interest (NOT-OD-24-146) to improve adherence to treatment and prevention regimens.

This SIG holds a monthly virtual and we welcome participation from intramural and extramural NIH staff with interests in this area. To find out more information, please visit the Adherence Research Network SIG website: https://oir.nih.gov/sigs/adherence-research-network-scientific-interest-group or reach out to the SIG chairs, Dr. Michael Stirratt (stirrattm@nih.gov) and Dr. Maureen Monaghan Center (maureen.center@nih.gov). More information about our ongoing work, particularly in the area of health behavior maintenance, can also be found here: https://obssr.od.nih.gov/about/health-behavior-maintenance .