Adherence vs Compliance
Adherence and compliance are terms often used interchangeably in healthcare, but they have distinct meanings. Therapeutic Lifestyle Change is a coach-assisted, but self-directed process. For this reason, we use the term "adherence" (not compliance) regarding your level of "program participation."
Adherence
Example: A patient is prescribed an antibiotic to take twice daily for 10 days.
Key Differences:
Conclusion: Adherence and compliance are related but distinct terms. Adherence reflects a more active and engaged role, while compliance indicates a more passive role in following instructions. It is important to realize these differences because your level of participation in your Therapeutic Lifestyle Change process is your choice.
Adherence
- Refers to the extent to which you participate in the recommended TLC Action Plan.
- Emphasizes your autonomy and willing engagement.
- Involves an informed choice by you to accept, defer, or reject each element of the Action Plan.
- Indicates a more passive behavior where a patient simply follows the healthcare provider's instructions without necessarily understanding or agreeing with them.
- Focuses on the patient's ability to meet the prescribed requirements.
- May not reflect the patient's true involvement or understanding of the treatment plan.
Example: A patient is prescribed an antibiotic to take twice daily for 10 days.
- Adherence: The patient takes the antibiotic as prescribed, understands why it is important, and makes lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and smoking while on the medication.
- Compliance: The patient takes the antibiotic as prescribed, but doesn't fully understand why or does not make any lifestyle changes.
Key Differences:
- Patient Involvement: Adherence emphasizes patient involvement, while compliance does not.
- Active vs. Passive Behavior: Adherence is an active decision, while compliance is a passive behavior.
- Emphasis on Understanding: Adherence focuses on understanding the treatment plan, while compliance does not.
Conclusion: Adherence and compliance are related but distinct terms. Adherence reflects a more active and engaged role, while compliance indicates a more passive role in following instructions. It is important to realize these differences because your level of participation in your Therapeutic Lifestyle Change process is your choice.
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