title: Understanding and improving patient compliance.
abstract: The problem of patient compliance, as well as the ability of the physician to understand, detect, and improve compliance are described in relation to a new model of health decisions and patient behavior. The health decision model combines decision analysis, behavioral decision theory, and health beliefs. This model provides a framework for modifying general health beliefs; treatment recommendations; experience with therapeutic regimens and health care providers; patient knowledge and social interaction patterns. Physicians, guided by certain ethical restraints, are in a unique position of responsibility and opportunity to actively encourage patient compliance with treatment.
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support