title: Theoretical foundations of adherence behaviors: synthesis and application in adherence to oral oncology agents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of theory can provide structure for understanding the dynamics of adherence to oral agents for cancer (OACs) and facilitate the development of strategies for patient assessment and care planning related to oral adherence.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The focus of this article is to identify common theories pertinent to medication-taking behavior, as well as their applications toward assessment and care planning regarding adherence to OACs. Approaches to apply these theories and their concepts in clinical practice are identified.
  
  
  METHODS
  Theories applied to adherence behaviors were reviewed, and their concepts were compared and synthesized. These concepts were then applied to medication adherence behavior.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Various theories can help healthcare providers to better understand the influences and determinants of patients' adherence decisions and behaviors. They can then be used to structure assessment and plan related aspects of care.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Irwin
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016903:Drug Monitoring
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
keywords: behavior; behavioral theories; medication adherence