title: [Focusing on the patient perspective in the use of medicines].
abstract: Patients' own views on medicines will grow in importance when trying to improve the quality of medicines use. Today, there is a general trend from paternalism towards concordance. Clarifying the patient's expectations and fears/worries is the first step in establishing a patient centered approach. A reserved attitude towards medicines is common, and therefore two-way communication is essential in ensuring a rational use of medicines. Patients use several information sources, which may cause unnecessary worries and discontinuation of treatment. Improving physicians' communication skills and use of techniques like motivational interviewing may be helpful in managing the situation.
authors.forename: Hannes
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Enlund
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kastarinen
authors.forename: Katri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hämeen-Anttila
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations