Treatment Adherence refers to how closely a patient follows a prescribed treatment regimen. Different types of therapeutic areas need different treatment methodologies and schedules of the prescribed medication dosage. Treatment adherence plays an important role in clinical as well as behavioural treatment in patients. While in certain cases of illness adherence to a health condition may not be critical, some illnesses need extremely high adherence and compliance to the treatment regimen. Treatment adherence could imply on behavioral treatment such as adhering to an exercise routine or a particular diet plan whilst being critical in cases of terminal diseases, oncology (cancer), CVD (Cardio-Vascular Diseases) etc wherein the patient needs to take their medication at a particular time( under pre-defined circumstances). Ensuring that the patient has taken his/her medication on time and by acknowledging the intake, the clinical fraternity( Doctors/Physicians/Nurses/Caregivers) can monitor their patients in a better way. Keeping a track of their patients and their medication intake compliance, they can zero in on to various health conditions applying to the patient.
From a Patient's standpoint, there are several reasons for them to become non compliant or non adherent to their medication intake/treatment schedule such as forgetfulness, busy work schedules, multiple medication intake and schedules, ignorance, severe health conditions, age etc. As a result of which they are not able to do due diligence and are subject to prolonged illnesses. It therefore is mandatory for the patient to be sticking to his medication/treatment regimen for better and quicker recovery.
While for the patient it means better health, for a healthcare institution it means better point of care, treatment adherence initiatives, close monitoring of the patients.
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