Title: Technology and the healthcare system: implications for patient adherence

Authors: Juliet B. Beni

Addresses: Department of Psychology, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA

Abstract: Patient nonadherence is a growing and costly problem in the healthcare system, especially for patients with chronic illness. Between 25% and 40% of patients are nonadherent to treatment, and estimated costs directly associated with patient nonadherence in the US healthcare system are $290 billion a year. Nonadherence to preventive and treatment regimens is correlated to negative consequences for patients; however, many barriers to the promotion of successful adherence remain. Some such barriers include financial constraints, physical disability, side effects, forgetfulness, age and complex multi-drug regimens. The implementation of technology in healthcare systems is changing the way in which healthcare providers and patients must approach adherence. The following review applies a framework, the Information-Motivation-Strategy Model©, developed by DiMatteo and colleagues, to the field to conceptualise the changing factors affecting patient adherence as global healthcare moves toward increasingly technology-based systems of care.

Keywords: health technology; patient adherence; patient compliance; provider–patient communication; patient treatment; treatment adherence.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEH.2011.044345

International Journal of Electronic Healthcare, 2011 Vol.6 No.2/3/4, pp.117 - 137

Published online: 19 Dec 2011 *

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