Steps to Improve the Drug Compliance

The doctor prescribing the treatment could play a vital role to instill confidence in the patient for proper drug compliance as well as improving it. Sharing of knowledge about the disease and drugs could motivate the patient for timely intake of drugs. The patient and his /her family members should be explained the schedule of the treatment regimen. The following tips could be beneficial for improving the drug compliance:

1. Educate the patient about the dosage, timings and mode of administration of a drug.


2. Un-necessary investigations should be avoided during the course of treatment.


3. Written material or audiovisual aids about the drug information should be made available to the patient for proper compliance.


4. The physician/surgeon should be extra generous to the elderly patients.


5. The treatment related cost-benefit issues should be discussed with the patient or his/her family members.


6. The patient should be encouraged to maintain a periodic record of his/her weight, diet, blood pressure and blood sugar level if so required.


7. The doctor should write prescriptions legibly to avoid any mistaken dispensing.


8. The doctor should prescribe rationally and accurately to win the faith of his/her patient.


9. The importance and consequences of a missed dose should be explained to the patient.