What is the purpose of a medication possession ratio (MPR)?

The medication possession ratio (MPR) is a crucial metric used to assess patient adherence to prescribed medications. It is calculated by comparing the amount of medication a patient has filled to the amount they should have taken over a specific period. A higher MPR indicates that a patient is more likely to be adhering to their medication regimen, meaning they are taking their medications as prescribed and, thus, may experience better health outcomes.

This ratio is particularly valuable in medication therapy management because it helps healthcare providers identify patients who may not be taking their medications as directed. By monitoring MPR, providers can implement interventions to improve adherence—for example, through medication counseling or reminders, which can lead to improved disease management and overall health.

The other choices do not align with the primary purpose of MPR. While measuring cost-effectiveness, determining the best drugs for a disease, or tracking the number of medications prescribed are important aspects of medication management, they do not specifically focus on patient adherence to medication therapy. Hence, assessing adherence is the central role of the medication possession ratio.