4b: Adherence to treatment

Question 1

Define adherence

Answer 1

Attachment or commitment to person/cause of belief

i.e. Extent to which patients follow through decisions about medicine taking

Question 2

Define compliance

Answer 2

Action or fact of applying with a wish or command

i.e. Extent to which patients follow doctor’s prescriptions about medicine taking

Question 3

Consequences of non-adherence?

Answer 3

Poor health outcomes

Increased healthcare costs

Question 4

Factors influencing non-adherence

Answer 4

Unintentional non-adherence:

• Patient’s ability & resources
• PRACTICAL barriers to adherence

Intentional non-adherence:

• Patient’s beliefs & motivations
• Patient’s perceptual barriers to adherence
• Doubting the necessity of the medication
• Concerns about side effects (perceived or real)
• False perceptions about medication

Question 5

Ways of improving adherence?

Answer 5

1. Improve understanding of illness & treatment
2. Help patients plan/organise their treatment
3. Use consultations to:
   - Explain clear rationale/necessity of drugs
   - Elicit & address any concerns
   - Agree on a practical plan
   - Identify barriers