Adherence to treatment

Question 1

Define non-adherence.

Answer 1

When a patient’s behaviour does not correspond with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider

Question 2

What is the prevalence of non-adherence?

Answer 2

Overall average rate of adherence is about 50%

Question 3

State some consequences of non-adherence.

Answer 3

Increased hospital admissions (1 in 5 are because of non-adherence)  
Rejection of transplants  
Occurrence of complications  
Development of drug resistance  
Increased mortality

Question 4

What are the three main reasons for non-adherence?

Answer 4

Regime related factors (including physical aspects e.g. packaging, complexity, side effects, duration, cost etc.)
Poor doctor-patient interaction
Psychosocial variables

Question 5

List some ways of improving adherence to treatment.

Answer 5

Ask the patient
Simplify the regime and packaging
Improve the doctor-patient interaction (communication style and presentation)
Identify and modify beliefs
Involve significant others, wider network and potential to use assistive technology