Identifying and Managing Treatment Nonadherence

Abstract

Nonadherence to medical treatment is exceptionally common and associated with poor clinical outcomes, a negative impact on quality of life, and a large financial burden on health care systems. This article first addresses key contributors to nonadherence from patient-specific, treatment-specific, and health care system-specific factors. Second, it outlines tools for the practicing clinician to identify, evaluate, and manage nonadherence across the spectrum of chronic disease in partnership with patients.

Keywords: Health communication; Multimorbidity; Nonadherence; Partnering; Polypharmacy; Synchronization.