What it means
The extent to which a person takes medicines, follows a diet, goes to appointments and makes other changes agreed on with the care team. It has largely replaced the older word "compliance," which suggests simply obeying orders. Cost, side effects, complicated schedules, forgetfulness, beliefs and poor understanding all reduce adherence.
For the nurse
Ask without judging how the client really takes their medicines, and why doses are missed. Simplify the schedule when possible, use pill organizers and reminders, and use teach-back to check understanding.
At a glance
| Spanish | adherencia terapéutica |
|---|---|
| Also written | adherent |
Related terms
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.
relapse
The return of a disease or its symptoms after a period of improvement, or a return to substance use after a time without it.
medication reconciliation
Comparing a client's full list of current medicines with new orders at each change in care, to find and fix differences.