ACP American College of Physicians - Internal Medicine - Doctors for Adults

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Patient Compliance: The Missing Link to Medication Safety

All physicians know that care of the patient doesn't stop at the clinic door. In fact, most ambulatory patient-safety accidents happen outside the clinic, as a result of medication errors, including non-compliance. But you can know the risk factors associated with medication errors and non-compliance, and you can work to prevent them. Below are just a few of the factors associated with errors of non-compliance:

• Advanced age
• Multiple co-morbidities or medications
• Depression
• Perception of overmedication

For example, in a study of elderly primary-care patients, 86% misunderstood physician instructions regarding medication schedules. And patients with depression are three times more likely to be noncompliant with medical recommendations. For patients with non-compliance risk factors, take a little extra time to explain how to use the medication, and why it's important. If side effects are possible, let the patient know what to expect and what to do if the side effects are more than transitory. Working together, patients and physicians can promote safety beyond the clinic door.

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