[Patient compliance/noncompliance, determining factors, physician-patient interaction]

In the second part of this three-part review on patient compliance we attempt to outline the term of noncompliance in its various aspects. Noncompliance may arise on one hand by misunderstandings in the communication between physician and patient. Furthermore, compliance can be refused, or the patient may for various reasons be incapable of compliant behaviour. Patients who are aware of the mode of action of a drug usually take their medicine more reliably. The essential factors influencing compliance are explained and discussed. The interaction between patient and physician is, also by its multilayered complexity, an important component of patient compliance.