Introduction One of the major functions of the physician is participation in primary and secondary prevention, i.e. advising patients to alter harmful lifestyles, performing regular health examinations and screening procedures. Often, physicians feel ineffective in their roles as counselors because they lack the skills, time or both and they are pessimistic about their patient's level of motivation and ability to stick to long-term behavior changes. Data indicate that considerable noncompliance occurs whenever some form of self-administration or discretionary action is involved. One reviewer of the compliance literature has established that, on the average, only one third of patients correctly follow physician's directions.
Patient noncompliance has far-reaching implications.
It interferes not only with the physician's efforts but also with public health. Informing the patient. The physician needs to assist the patient in knowing what to do Obtaining a commitment to behavior change. The physician needs to work toward obtaining a specific patient commitment to change the identified harmful behavior. Negotiating and tailoring the regimen.