Why do patients fail to follow long term treatment?

ABSTRACT

To enhance their understanding of issues around adherence to treatment, eight health professionals adhered to a randomly selected six-week treatment regimen suitable for patients with type 1 diabetes. These regimens are designed to promote optimal diabetes control and promote patients' health and wellbeing. The participants were expected to undertake a number of invasive tasks, including blood-glucose monitoring and the administration of placebo injections. The extent to which members of the team felt able to manage their care was measured using self-reported questionnaires and their reflections were documented throughout the trial. The trial forced the team to question their expectations of children and young people with diabetes, and those of their parents. It also gave them an insight into factors that influence adherence to treatment.