Adherence to therapy in psychiatric patients: an empirical investigation

Patient adherence, i.e. the extent to which a patient's behavior, in terms of taking medications and keeping scheduled appointments, has been demonstrated to be essential for the successful treatment of various psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of patient education on patient compliance to psychotropic medication after discharge from hospital. A sample of 36 psychiatric patients discharged from an inpatient care facility and receiving an oral form of psychotropic drug were the subjects of this study. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group; and a directive patient education group. The subjects were followed up after discharge for a 6-month period. In analyzing the data, results indicated that the difference in percentage of compliance between the two groups was statistically significant. Findings imply that patient education did have an effect on patient compliance to medication. The findings of the study support a technique that can be incorporated in both in-patient and out-patient programs in psychiatric mental health facilities. It would increase patient compliance to medication and hence decrease chances of rehospitalization.