Researchers study the reasons why people don’t follow their care plans and hope to improve patience compliance.
This article explains the patient compliance problem and factors that contribute to it.
Not taking medication as prescribed can account for up to 50% of treatment failures.
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Studies back up the prevalence of patient noncompliance.
A 2016 study found that a third of people living withkidney transplantsdont take their anti-rejection medications.
They may not get over their illness or injury.
They may get sicker, injure themselves furtheror worse.
About 20% are never filled.
Of those that are, 50% are not taken correctly.
They also may express denial in the face of a potentially fatal diagnosis such ascancer.
This can lead toapathyabout your treatment.
Other factors, such as level of education, affected the ability to understand the condition and treatment plan.
Others may simply be resistant to intervention.
Support systems and competent caregivers make a difference in their ability to adhere to treatment.
Without access and communication, it’s hard for people to comply with care.
Healthcare providers play an important role, as do telehealth and monitoring services.
This may be due to poor communication between the healthcare provider and the patient.
Feeling scared by a serious diagnosis may make confusion even worse.
This can lead to receiving care that is unwanted or suboptimal, which may result in noncompliance.
What Can Be Done?
Healthcare experts continue to study the reasons behind patient noncompliance and are working to find solutions on their end.
Remember that noncompliance can have dire consequences.
Patient noncompliance is a complex issue with many contributing factors.
Researchers continue to identify ways to help people to be partners in their own care.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to be successful in meeting your health and wellness goals.
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