An Integrative Review of Patient Medication Compliance from 1990-1998

PURPOSE: The purpose of the integrated review was to summarize studies about medication compliance and identify their implications for research and practice. Thirty research studies exploring patient medication compliance were reviewed. Study variables related to patients included characteristics that affect compliance, common medication errors, and strategies used by patients to remember to take their medication. Other studies evaluated methods for measuring compliance and interventions for improving compliance. CONCLUSIONS: There has not been a "gold standard" identified for measuring compliance, therefore it is difficult to compare results due to differences in operational definitions. Dosage frequency, patient's confidence in their provider, belief in the efficacy of a drug along with acceptance of illness have been shown to have a positive effect on compliance. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses and other health care providers can promote medication compliance by developing a collaborative relationship with the patient. Education and reminders are especially important at the beginning of treatment. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of nursing interventions to promote compliance.