Treatment compliance in chronic illness: Current situation and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Compliance Studies

Background:

• Chronic diseases pose a significant global mortality risk, impacting all demographics.
• Treatment non-compliance is a major barrier to improving patient outcomes and quality of life, incurring substantial socio-healthcare costs.
• Existing diagnostic and treatment advancements are hindered by persistent issues with patient adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize 'therapeutic adherence' beyond pharmacological compliance, including non-pharmacological aspects like patient agreement and lifestyle modifications.
• To determine the clinical and socio-health consequences of non-compliance.
• To identify reasons for non-compliance and explore strategies for enhancing adherence.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual development of therapeutic adherence.
• Analysis of clinical and socio-health impacts of non-compliance.
• Exploration of non-compliance drivers and improvement strategies.

Main Results:

• Therapeutic adherence is defined comprehensively, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological patient behaviors.
• Non-compliance is linked to significant negative clinical outcomes and increased healthcare expenditures.
• Various factors contribute to non-compliance, necessitating multifaceted improvement strategies.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic adherence is a vital objective for healthcare systems worldwide.
• Effective management requires a holistic approach involving all stakeholders in patient care.
• Strategies to improve adherence are essential for mitigating the impact of chronic diseases.