ARTICLES

There are many reasons, some modifiable, that patients do not adhere to cardiovascular-disease treatments, therefore, a comprehensive framework for assessing and understanding adherence is needed1 The COM-B system is a framework for understanding behavior that has been applied to adherence, encompassing Capability, Opportunity and Motivation2,3 COM-B allows  for a precise understanding of the relationship between…

Patient Support Programs (PSPs) are behavioral interventions designed to help patients adhere to their medication and treatment plans PSPs are increasingly incorporating digital components, such as SMS, web portals and artificial intelligence to reach the broadest patient population possible Effective PSPs are personalized, applying behavioral-science techniques to digital interventions to increase their effectiveness PSPs are…

Commonly used strategies to influence behavior are often also the least effective Using theory driven behavioral interventions, such as motivational interviewing,  can influence patient health behavior and disease outcomes A range of behavior change techniques can be used for improving treatment adherence Effectiveness of commonly used behavior-change strategies Commonly used strategies to influence behavior may…

Measures and survey tools, in conjunction with objective measures, are useful tools for characterizing patient health behavior Effective use of these tools has the potential to improve adherence Measures and survey tools are useful for characterizing patient health behavior Quantitative methods are useful for characterizing health behavior and supporting patients in the self-management of their…

Beliefs have a strong influence over a patient’s motivation to adhere to treatment These include patient beliefs about their illness, their treatment and their own capacity for adhering (self-efficacy) It is vital that clinicians assess patients individually to understand their beliefs and motivations, supporting them in adhering to their medication regimens Beliefs have an important…

Adherence is a behavior that encompasses the patient, the healthcare provider and the ability to follow agreed recommendations e.g., dietary changes and exercise Adherence comprises multiple stages and can be divided into intentional or non-intentional behaviors There are a variety of factors that influence one’s ability to adhere, extending from the initial consultation through to…

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality globally, and disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries Around 40-50% of patients with cardiovascular disease demonstrate poor or non-adherence to their treatment regimen. This can have a detrimental impact on not only the individual, but also the wider community Adherence as a behavior requires the understanding and…