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Patients' beliefs and preferences regarding doctors' medication recommendations
Sarah L Goff1, Kathleen M Mazor, Vanessa Meterko
1Meyers Primary Care Institute, Worcester, MA 0199, USA. Sarah.goff@bhs.org
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|January 22, 2008
Summary
Patient preferences on how doctors prescribe medication influence adherence. Understanding patient beliefs about doctor-industry relationships and treatment choices is key to improving medication adherence.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Patient Adherence Studies
- Medical Decision-Making
Background:
- Significant medication non-adherence affects 20-50% of patients.
- Patient acceptance of prescriptions is crucial for adherence.
- Limited understanding exists regarding patient beliefs on medication prescribing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate patient beliefs and preferences concerning medication prescribing.
- To identify factors influencing medication adherence based on patient perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Fifty health plan members participated in in-depth telephone interviews.
- Participants responded to questions after listening to a doctor-patient prescribing vignette.
- Thematic analysis was used to identify key beliefs and preferences.
Main Results:
- Patient views on prescribing centered on doctor-patient relationships, external influences, and professional expertise.
- Concerns were raised about pharmaceutical industry influence on prescribing.
- Participants often believed a single "best" medication exists for most conditions.
Conclusions:
- Patient beliefs and preferences about prescribing may impact medication adherence.
- Further research is needed on how pharmaceutical relationships affect trust and adherence.
- Investigating patient-doctor discussions on treatment equipoise is warranted.
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