Medical Advice & Taking Medication

Question 1

What is adherence?

Answer 1

extent to which a person’s behaviour (taking medication, following a diet, and/or executing lifestyle changes) corresponds with agreed recommendations from a health care provider

Question 2

Define adherence, compliance and concordance?

Answer 2

• adherence = active patient role free to choose
• compliance = passive patient obeying doctors commands
• concordance = decision making shared, patient support, communication

Question 3

What common conditions shows non-adherence?

Answer 3

• hypertension
• hypothyroidism
• type 2 diabetes
• seizure disorders
• hypercholesterolemia
• osteoporosis
• gout

Question 4

What are the costs of non-adherence?

Answer 4

• lost productivity
• costs of cure rather than prevention
• second/third line treatment costs
• distress
• isolation
• opoids and SSRI epidemic
• death and serious morbidity

Question 5

What is the difference between intentional and non-intentional non-adherence?

Answer 5

Intentional:
- concern about side effects
- think treatment is unnecessary
- don't like taking medications
- want to explore other treatments
(complex to change, socially condemned)
vs.
non-intentional
- forgetfulness
- confusion over dosages
- can't afford treatment
- can't access treatment
- dexterity
(socially less blame, easier to understand)

Question 6

What are the 4 approaches to medicine taking?

Answer 6

• passive accepters
• active modifiers
• active accepters
• complete rejecters

Question 7

How can adherence be improved?

Answer 7

• educations, increase patient info., counselling
• daily treatment support = telephone, support, text reminders, dosset boxes
• assist with financial costs
• easier to renew prescriptions