Effect of obtrusive measures on antibiotic compliance

The influence of compliance measurement activities on patient behavior was studied. The project measured the relationship among physical capsule counts, patient interviews, and the amounts of excreted ampicillin. The capsule counts and patient interviews were conducted in a manner that disguised their intent. Sixty college-age patients were assigned to one of three experimental groups: a telephone interview, a personal interview and capsule count, or a control group. Stimulation (interviews) occurred on the 2nd day of the prescribed regimen, and urine was collected on random days thereafter. Results indicated that both stimulation types were associated with more positive compliance rates. The influence diminished rapidly. The reactive influence of experimentor intervention associated with personal and phone communication was demonstrated.