Using a health promotion model to enhance medication compliance

Noncompliance with antiepileptic medication regimens is a leading cause of treatment failure. As a behavior, its causes are multifactorial and the degree to which it is exhibited varies from patient to patient. Interventions to encourage positive behavioral change need to be based on an understanding of the psychological, physiological and psychosocial aspects which explain noncompliance. Pender's Health Promotion Model provides a framework that can be used by the nurse to identify factors which interfere with the patient's ability to practice compliance and develop a treatment plan.