Nonadherence can be a pervasive threat to health and wellbeing and carry an appreciable economic burden. In some disease conditions, more than 40% of patients sustain significant risks by misunderstanding, forgetting, or ignoring healthcare advice. While no single intervention strategy can improve the adherence of all patients, medical fraternity largely agrees that successful attempts to improve patient adherence depend upon a set of key factors.
The current article outlines a self-assessment checklist to improve patient compliance. IMPROVING COMMUNICATION Potential time constraints recognized at the outset of patient encounters Ensure sufficient interview time Pose questions in a constructive, problem-solving manner Relate personally to patients, and build a stronger therapeutic partnership Begin the patient encounters with a discussion of patients’ personal goals and issues, rather…
