Memory and Adherence

Question 1

How does depression affect adherence to treatment?

Answer 1

Depression has been seen to produce an 11 fold increase in poor adherence to treatment

Question 2

Why was worry about stroke associated with increased non-adherence in the cross-sectional study investigating non-adherence to post-MI medication?

Answer 2

. Some believed cerebrovascular events were inevitable so thought it was pointless to engage with treatment (out of their hands)
. Anxiety can lead to denial and lack of engagement
. Some believed medication increased risk of stroke
. Some recognised they had a higher risk of stroke if they didn’t adhere to medication but still didn’t engage

Question 3

What percentage of information given to them by their doctor do patients forget?

Answer 3

Around 50%

Question 4

Give the 3 main factors which can be influenced in a consultation that improve adherence to treatment.

Answer 4

Memory (able to remember regimen), understanding (know why it is necessary and how it will help them), satisfaction (satisfied with how consultation went)

Question 5

Give three ways in which a doctor can increase the chance of a patient adhering to treatment?

Answer 5

Exploit primacy (grade of importance) and recency(order in which info presented) effects
. Include association with visual imagery
. Incorporate cueing e.g. take this pill before meals