What three phases compose Bernard Vrijens' standardized taxonomy of adherence?

Initiation, Implementation, and Discontinuation

The development of adherence systems is not only about technology but also about defining the behavior itself clearly. Researchers, including Bernard Vrijens and his colleagues, worked to create a standardized way to discuss and compare adherence research outcomes by proposing a formal taxonomy. This standardized language breaks the overall process of medication management into three distinct, sequential phases. These phases are Initiation (starting the treatment), Implementation (the ongoing process of taking the medication as scheduled), and Discontinuation (stopping the treatment). Utilizing this framework allows researchers to compare findings across different adherence systems and studies by isolating which phase of the process a specific intervention or technology is designed to address or improve.