The Patient-Physician Relationship and Adherence: Observations From a Clinical Study

Improved patient-physician relationships (PPR) are associated with better patient satisfaction and disease outcomes, however, there is limited literature assessing how PPR affects adherence in dermatology. We recruited 30 subjects with a clinical diagnosis of rosacea. Subjects were instructed to use ivermectin 1% cream once daily for 3 months and adherence was measured using the Medication Event Monitoring System cap. The Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9), a validated questionnaire assessing patients’ perceived strength of the relationship with their doctor, was completed. Mean adherence for all subjects over three months of the study was 62%. PDRQ-9 scores positively correlated with adherence rates for 3 months of treatment (r(26)=0.52; P=0.006). The perceived strength of the PPR may have a role in patients’ adherence to their medications. Improving the PPR, through empathy and effective communication, may facilitate better medication adherence and treatment outcomes. Perche PO, Singh R, Cook MK, et al. The patient-physician relationship and adherence: observations from a clinical study. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(8):838-839. doi:10.36849/JDD.7103.