title: Improving adherence to topical treatment.
abstract: The efficacy of topical medications generally increases when they are used as directed. To help patients achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes, it is worthwhile for physicians to utilize strategies that may improve patient adherence. Effective strategies include positive patient-physician relationships, patient education, follow-up visits or calls, and patient participation in treatment decisions.
authors.affiliation: Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, Carolina 27157-1071, USA. sfeldman@wfubmc.edu
authors.forename: Steven R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Feldman
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D055118:Medication Adherence; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations