In Practice: Tips and advice on improving adherence

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:55

Patients who do not believe that a medication is necessary for the effective management of their condition are less likely to follow prescription advice. 

When prescribing, be very clear with the patient about the importance to their health of taking the medicine exactly as prescribed. Then check whether they are in agreement by asking them whether they believe it is necessary for them to take the medication as prescribed. Working through any confusion or doubts they have about this may reveal other beliefs they have that could also affect their adherence, such as concerns about side-effects.

Tip:

Using open-ended questions such as; "how important do you feel it is for you to take this medicine?" will usually reveal a patient's beliefs better than a question that just calls for a yes/no answer.

Brought to you by Atlantis Research Institute