Factors affecting adherence to asthma treatment: patient and physician perspectives

To identify important factors affecting treatment adherence of patients with asthma and to summarise this information as a guide for physicians.

Information from literature and interviews with 12 respiratory physicians (four each from France, Spain and UK) and 46 asthma patients was obtained. Factors affecting adherence to asthma treatment were identified, reviewed and a flow chart developed to indicate the relationship between key factors.

Major factors influencing adherence included: the patient-physician relationship; the patient's understanding of the disease and its treatment; the patient's beliefs and perception of the disease and its treatment, and, importantly, the patient's willingness to take an active part in his/her asthma management.

Patient adherence to asthma can be improved, and the likelihood of treatment success increased, by paying attention to the factors that influence patients' willingness to participate in their treatment.