Adherence and how to influence it

Adherence to treatment has been paid a great deal of attention in recent years. We already know that cooperation with patients significantly

affects treatment outcome and non-adherent behaviour borne in mind more often. There are a number of ways how to influence

adherence. The main role in this regard is played by the physician and other health care workers. Repeated, systematic education with

the use of methods improving its efficacy (written documentation, use of illustrative materials and models) increases the understanding

of the disease as well as the therapeutic intervention by the patient, which is an essential precondition for improved cooperation. The choice

of rational pharmacological treatment with an emphasis not only on efficacy but also good tolerance is undoubtedly an important element

in the strategy towards improved adherence. The amount of time devoted to this issue will certainly pay off in the form of better treatment

outcomes and, ultimately, in improved prognosis of the patients.

Keywords: adherence, cardiovascular risk, arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, education