Treatment compliance and potentially inappropriate drug prescribing - important concepts in family medicine activity

Abstract

Background. Treatment compliance is a complex phenomenon, influenced by factors related to the patient, the treatment, the patient-doctor relationship, and the socioeconomic factors. Therapeutic compliance is achieved when the patient is motivated, the treatment is simple and the doctor provides clear information. Objective(s). The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that enhance patient compliance with treatment, and the causes that lead to the inappropriate prescription of medications in general practice. Materials and methods. The reviewed articles from PubMed, focused on analyzing the factors that influence patient compliance with treatment, as well as the factors associated with inappropriate medication prescribing in general medical practice. The eligibility criteria included articles published within the last 5 years with information relevant to the aim of the review. Results. The prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use is an indicator that assesses the phenomenon related to inappropriate prescription of medications in the elderly population, over 65 years of age. Many factors contribute to the overall quality of medication prescribing: avoidance of inappropriate medications, appropriate use of indicated medications, monitoring of side effects and drug levels, avoidance of drug-drug interactions, patient involvement, and integration of patient values. Treatment compliance decreases when the patient is uninformed or unmotivated, and when the therapeutic regimen is complex. Conclusion(s). The family doctor must integrate these concepts into daily practice, leading to an increase in the quality and efficiency of treatment. The application of questionnaires for compliance and periodic review of therapeutic regimens represents a consultation in itself that takes place in the GP's office.