How to Teach a Noncompliant Diabetic Patient
Patients fail to comply with medical treatment for a variety of reasons: Inability to afford medications, failure to appreciate the seriousness of their condition, mental health issues such as depression, and an unsupportive family are a just few examples. Diabetes in particular requires adherence to testing, medication and diet. Noncompliance compromises treatment and leads to poor outcomes and possibly hospitalization. Improving compliance is an essential component of the therapeutic regimen.
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Instructions
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Assess the Situation
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Understand why your patient is noncompliant. Can he afford medication? Does he understand your instructions? Is he depressed? Pinpointing the reason will help you find a way to communicate to your patient.
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Look for warning signs that your patient may need special attention to follow the treatment regimen. Is she following her diet guidelines or is she gaining weight? Does she keep office appointments or is she often a no-show? Has she had multiple incidents of diabetic crisis? These are all signs that you need to try harder to reach your patient.
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Assess whether your patient is satisfied with his care. Unhappy patients are less likely to comply with treatment. Ask about his satisfaction with the customer service aspects of your practice as well as any issues he may have with the medical staff. Address any concerns.
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Examine your own perceptions toward your patient. Do you see your patient as an active partner in improving her health? Or do you view her as a burden and a complainer? Your perceptions can affect how you interact with your patient.
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Observe the family dynamics. Is your patient's family supportive and engaged in his or her healthcare? Or do family members encourage your patient to be dependent? Remember you may have to educate the family, too.
How to Teach a Noncompliant Patient
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Explain why you are prescribing a particular medication and the importance of testing and compliance in a way your patient can understand. If your patient understands the reasons behind your advice, she is more likely to comply.
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Learn what your patient expects from treatment. Is he frustrated because he does not see immediate results? Explain when he will see an effect from treatment and how much of an effect he will experience.
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Provide handouts or visual aids to clarify your points. Be specific.
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Ask the patient how therapy will affect her daily life. Patients are less likely to comply if they view therapy as a burden or a hindrance to their normal activities.
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Empower your patient. Make your patient a partner in his care. Help him find resources for information and support.
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