An inaugural lecture - Professor Ian Maidment

This event is hybrid. If you would prefer to watch online, please click here to register to attend virtually.

• Registration and refreshments: 17:30
• Lecture: 18:00
• Drinks reception: 19:00 - 19:30

Medication Adherence: Why It Matters and How We Can Improve It

Every year, the UK spends nearly £21 billion on medicines. Yet up to half of people with long-term conditions do not take their medication as prescribed—a problem known as non-adherence. This has profound clinical consequences and significant financial implications for the NHS.

In his inaugural lecture, Professor Ian Maidment reflects on his journey from a Kentish lad via schooling, teenage years (!) and university to become a leading researcher in clinical pharmacy. After more than two decades working in the NHS—in community pharmacy, mental health, dementia care, and leadership roles—Ian joined Aston University in 2012. His research focuses on the real-world challenges of medication optimisation for patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

Drawing on this experience, Ian will explore how medication burden and side-effects influence adherence, the unique challenges posed by conditions such as dementia and severe mental illness, the role of pharmacy in supporting adherence, including de-prescribing and why tackling non-adherence requires a system-wide approach.

Join Professor Ian as he examines why patients struggle to take their medicines and offers practical solutions to one of healthcare’s most persistent problems.