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Rational Use of Drugs

Non-Compliance

Not yet clinically reviewed

This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.

Failure of the patient to follow the doctor’s guidelines is called non-compliance. Incidence of non-compliance varies from 10-90% in different studies.

Important Reason for Non-compliance

  1. Lack of proper explanation regarding drug use
  2. Inability to comprehend the prescription
  3. Wrong interpretation by the patient
  4. Due to difficulties of the patients like illness, age, hearing difficulty, etc.
  5. Inability to understand the need of the drug and its continued use
  6. Does not fit into the patients need, taste and routine needs individualization
  7. Cost constrain.

Always Check for the Following Before Prescribing

  1. Will it be economical and feasible for the patient?
  2. Did you explain the disease and drug details to the patient and make sure that they have comprehended it?
  3. Did you explain the probable common side effects?

How to Cross-check in the Follow-up Visit for Compliance?

  1. Directly asking the patient
  2. Pill counting
  3. Clinically by improvement and occurrence of ADR
  4. Pharmacokinetically by drug level monitoring.