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Volume 37, issue 1

Review article

Why do patients not follow therapeutic recommendations?

Anna Jopowicz1, Agnieszka Piechal1,2, Iwona Kurkowska-Jastrzębska1
1. 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw
2. 2nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre Preclinical Research and Technology CePT
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2021, 37 (1), 75–93
Date of publication: 30-03-2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33450/fpn.2021.02.002
Keywords: compliance with medical recommendations, taking medicines, compliance, adherence

Abstract

Objectives. Adherence to medical prescriptions is a basic determinant of treatment success. Failure to comply with this rule is a serious problem that affects not only the patient but also the health care system. Non-adherence to medical treatment changes the course of the disease, can lead to deterioration of health or even death; also, it contributes to the increase in healthcare costs.

Literature review. Compliance with medical recommendations is influenced by many factors, which can be divided into factors dependent on the patient, healthcare provider and healthcare system, socioeconomic situation, and certain interactions between them.

Conclusions. In order to improve the compliance with medical recommendations, it is important to identify specific barriers for each patient and to adopt appropriate techniques to overcome them. Compliance with medical recommendations is improved with good cooperation between the doctor and the patient.

Address for correspondence:
Agnieszka Piechal
2nd Department of Neurology
Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw
9 Sobieskiego Str., 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
email: apiechal@wum.edu.pl