Compliance with therapeutic regimens in pediatrics: a review of implications for social work practice

Area of Science:

• Social Work in Healthcare
• Pediatric Health Management
• Patient Adherence Research

Background:

• Patient non-adherence to therapeutic regimens presents a significant challenge in pediatric healthcare.
• Existing literature on compliance lacks a structured framework for social work intervention.
• The Health Belief Model offers a potential theoretical basis for understanding and improving adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of medical social workers in enhancing pediatric patient and family adherence to therapeutic regimens.
• To review the theoretical and empirical literature on treatment compliance.
• To adapt the Health Belief Model for social work practice in pediatric settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of theoretical and empirical studies on patient compliance.
• Analysis of the Health Belief Model as a conceptual framework.
• Discussion of implications for social work practice and program development.

Main Results:

• The Health Belief Model provides a robust framework for understanding factors influencing patient adherence.
• Medical social workers can implement targeted interventions based on the Health Belief Model to improve compliance.
• Social work programs can be designed to integrate compliance-enhancing strategies.

Conclusions:

• Medical social workers are integral to improving pediatric patient adherence to medical advice.
• Integrating the Health Belief Model into social work practice can lead to more effective compliance interventions.
• Further research is recommended to evaluate the impact of social work-led compliance programs.