Patients do not adhere to prescribed asthma medication for a variety of reasons. Reasons include physical inability to use the inhaler, forgetfulness, or a conscious decision not to use the medication as prescribed due to internal or cultural health beliefs or socio-economic factors. In some patients, poor self-care due to deep-seated psychological factors (i.e. factors of which patients have only limited awareness) may affect adherence to recommendations. Poor communication between doctor and patient can cause many other problems. Therefore, there is no single solution that will improve adherence in all patients. Simplification of the treatment regimen or effective reminders will be sufficient for some patients, while education or psychological counselling will be more appropriate for others. Doctors can also use a range of communication skills to improve how they present information, motivate patients and reinforce progress. This approach, combined with respecting patients' health beliefs and involving them in treatment decisions, can help create an atmosphere of mutual accountability and compliance in medication adherence.
Improving patient compliance with asthma therapy
16 December 2022