E-DRUG: The terms compliance and patient (end)
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[With todays 3 contributions, I propose to close the discussion on compliance; I
hope you concord? WB]
Dr. Urquhart's comments are very helpful, but I would suggest that the search
for a term better than "compliance" is far from arcane, because continued use
of "compliance" tends, I think, to perpetuate a paternalistic attitude that is
inconducive to dialogue with today's patient. The need for a more
concordant style is no way implies that the prescriber should compromise with
the patient whose opinion runs contrary to established clinical evidence on
dosage, say, and who is thus asking the doctor to join in an unsound and
possibly dangerous action. The tough job, of course, is to explain the
situation to such a patient in a way that enlists his agreement. My point is
that it is no longer helpful for the prescriber to regard such a dialogue as
being about compliance, when it's really about persuading the patient to join
in an action that serves his/her interests. The difference is subtle,
perhaps, but it's not unimportant.
James B. Russo
Executive Director
Partnership for Quality Medical Donations
Bernville, PA USA 19506
Email: JBRusso@aol.com [manually added by moderator; WB]
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