|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Barriers to Patient Compliance

A patient's ability to accept and follow the advice of medical professionals depends on a number of factors, such as the patient's feelings about how his care should be handled and the patient's relationship with clinicians and healthcare professionals. Many factors can become barriers to patient compliance, such as ineffective treatment application, the high cost of medication, poor communication and the patient's lifestyle. There is no one remedy that ensures that a patient would adhere to a treatment plan.

  1. The Patient's Sense of Empowerment

    • A patient's sense of control of his healthcare can become a barrier if his empowerment does not include a therapeutic alliance with the values and goals of clinicians and the medical system. A healthcare plan disconnect between a patient and medical professionals can create non-adherence.

    Failing to Recognize Situational Barriers

    • When a patient travels, is at work or is in a different situation than his normal routine, he may forget healthcare measures such as taking his medication. If the patient's healthcare providers do not remind the patient of the need for adherence to his treatment plan and provide practical ways to achieve wellness goals, the patient may become noncompliant.

    Not Understanding the Patient's Concept of Wellness

    • A barrier can arise if a clinician does not give the patient the opportunity to define what the patient believes is needed to achieve his wellness. Clinicians are not able to determine what education the patient needs about his treatment and can't provide the patient with relevant and concise information. For example, a clinician may give information about medication that is a detailed three pages when only one page is needed.

    Lack of Knowledge About Healthcare Options

    • Even though a patient and medical professionals are on the same page and motivated about a treatment plan, professionals must have the skills to carry out the plan. Medical professionals need to continually update their knowledge of treatment options and share new information with their patients.

    The Patient Does Not Feel Heard by Medical Professionals

    • Sometimes the patient is approaching the clinician with his own self-diagnosis, asking for a second opinion. A clinician needs to listen to the patient's ideas and ask the patient questions, even if the clinician has already come up with a correct diagnosis. If a patient does not feel heard, a barrier to compliance may occur. If a patient is not satisfied with the level of care he is receiving from his physicians, he is less likely to adhere to his treatment plan.

    Lack of Follow-up by Medical Professionals

    • The patient may not realize that there are negative consequences to his health if he does not comply with a treatment plan. If the doctor does not follow up on the patient, the patient lacks constant reminders from the doctor of the seriousness of the condition and the need to continue medical treatment. The result is noncompliance.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles