Adherence and compliance in the management of asthma: 1

Abstract

This article explores the issues surrounding compliance with treatment in patients with asthma. Epidemiological data (Pendleton, 1991) suggest that although overall mortality rates from asthma are falling, this is not the case in the adolescent and young adult age groups. Also, there has been little impact on morbidity figures for the disease. All of this is set against an expenditure of £430 billion per annum on asthma medication. It would appear that patients are not complying with the prescribed treatment. This article examines the reasons for possible non-adherence with therapy and suggests that healthcare professionals must review their attitudes to this problem. The next article will examine in more detail issues relating to patients' adherence.