Adherence to treatment

Question 1

Ways of improving adherence to treatment

Answer 1

I. Ask!

II. Simplify regime and packaging

III. Improve interaction (communication skills)

IV. Identify and modify beliefs

V. Involve significant other, wider network and the potential to use assistive technology

Question 2

Define adherence

Answer 2

The extent to which a person’s behaviour corresponds with agreed recommendations from a health care provider

Question 3

Consequences of non-adhernence

Answer 3

o Increased hospital admissions – 1 in 5 hospital admissions are due to non-adherence

o Rejection of transplants

o Occurrence of complications

o Development of drug resistance

o Increased mortality

Question 4

Factors influencing non-adherence

Answer 4

· Regime-Related Factors – including physical aspects e.g. packaging, complexity of regimes, frequency of schedule, duration, cost, side-effects etc.

· Poor Doctor-Patient Interaction

· Psychosocial Variables