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.
