ISSUES IN PATIENT COMPLIANCE

Patient compliance refers to the willingness and ability of an individ ual to follow health-related advice, to take medication as prescribed, to attend scheduled clinic appointments and to complete recommended i nvestigations. It is a major health issue, with outcomes related to le vels of morbidity, mortality and cost utilisation. Poor compliance has been reported as the most common cause of nonresponse to medication, with evidence to show that patients who adhere to treatment recommenda tions have better health outcomes than those who do not adhere, even w hen taking a placebo. Evidence-based practice guidelines, founded on c linical, behavioural and educational concepts, provide a means of meas uring outcomes related to health status. patient satisfaction and cost -benefit issues, and may help to ensure that responsibility for compli ance is shared between the clinician and the patient.