Archive 1995–2023

Objectives. Adherence to medical prescriptions is a basic determinant of treatment success. Failure to comply with this rule is a serious problem that affects not only the patient but also the health care system. Non-adherence to medical treatment changes the course of the disease, can lead to deterioration of health or even death; also, it contributes to the increase in healthcare costs.

Literature review. Compliance with medical recommendations is influenced by many factors, which can be divided into factors dependent on the patient, healthcare provider and healthcare system, socioeconomic situation, and certain interactions between them.

Conclusions. In order to improve the compliance with medical recommendations, it is important to identify specific barriers for each patient and to adopt appropriate techniques to overcome them. Compliance with medical recommendations is improved with good cooperation between the doctor and the patient.