Adherence as part of improving prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure

The criterion for a patient to be considered actively treated in a multicentre study is that the patient has taken at least 80% of the due dose of the study drug. The beneficial effect of the drugs proven in the studies can therefore be expected if patients adhere to the recommendations to a comparable degree. In reality, the patient's cooperation expressed as adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment looks much worse. In the search for ever more refined and sophisticated methods of improving the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure, we seem to underestimate the possibilities lying within reach. By improving patients' co-operation, self-care and adherence, it is possible to make a measurable difference to patients' fate, without incurring large financial outlays. By minimising the risk of heart failure exacerbation, improving self-care reduces the risk of hospitalisation and improves patients' quality of life. This article discusses the key elements to encourage patients to take an active role in their treatment and improve collaboration with the treatment team to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.