INTRODUCTION: The perspectives of local healthcare professionals for developing effective strategies to enhance medication adherence in arterial Hypertension as well as its barriers have not yet been explored through qualitative research in Portugal. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the views of healthcare professionals including general practitioners/family physicians, nurses, and community pharmacists, from Portugal on effective strategies to improve medication adherence in Hypertension, and to identify factors hindering pharmacological adherence. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This was a qualitative study with synchronous online focus groups, in which, the participants were general practitioners/family physicians, family nurses, or community pharmacists in Portugal with experience managing patients with Hypertension. They were selected based on age, sex, and geographical region with the number of focus groups determined by theoretical saturation. Recruitment was facilitated through specific mailing lists. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed. Focus group discussions were recorded and transcribed. Two researchers conducted content analyses via MAXQDA RESULTS: Three focus group discussions revealed a multifaceted approach to improving medication adherence for Hypertension. Key strategies to enhance coordination and communication among healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers were identified. These included shared informatics software among healthcare professionals
using mobile applications and wearables
health literacy initiatives and patient empowerment
preprepared medication in pillboxes
involving family and the concept of a "family pharmacist". Participants highlighted barriers to medication adherence such as the lack of communication with patients concerning issues like medication adherence. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative study outlines strategies to improve medication adherence among patients with Hypertension in Portugal. These involve improving healthcare coordination and communication, patient empowerment, and involving family and "family pharmacists" in supporting adherence. These strategies are based on the insights of healthcare professionals and could be implemented following robust intervention studies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.