[Behavior changes in long-term treatment. Physician-patient relationship]

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, among others, need long term treatments. The constitution of a basic alliance is the cornerstone of any therapeutic action. In the patient-centered approach, the aim is to enter their world in order to understand the subjective experience of the disease in a broader frame. It is relevant to involve the patient as an active, respected and fundamental participant of the changing process. The way a treatment is prescribed is as important as the treatment itself; the aim is to teach the patient how to follow his/her own treatment, relapses must not be considered failures but opportunities for learning. Patients need to find their own solutions and motivations and be responsible for their health on a daily basis. We need to empower them to do so. Long-term, successful and effective interventions require a treatment which focuses on compliance and self care.