Unfortunately some providers call adherence to a health plan – compliance. This unhelpful label implies singular focus on the patient, as in “they aren’t compliant with taking their meds”.
The ability to develop and adhere to a health plan is probably the most complex magic lever of best health. Developing and adhering to a health plan involves studying population health; evidence-based best practice; collaborative relationships, behaviors, language, and alignment of the health team; standardized work flows with on-the-spot improvisation; electronic and non-electronic tools; leadership; and management of cultural and social habits and challenges. Setting up systems to make adherence more likely is challenging and labor intensive. The effort has to be worth the outcome.
Population health analytics – studies to predict those groups of people for whom adherence planning would yield the greatest benefit to health, experience, and cost. Evidence-based practice – adherence planning should be based on evidence – knowing it’s likely to do what the health team expects. Collaborative relationships, behaviors, language, and alignment of the health team – the intricate choreography with stars and cast who can speak to, understand each other, and work together for a common purpose. Standardized work flows with on-the-spot improvisation – adherence planning is largely production work repeated across groups of people. Yet each of us is slightly different and unique. Teams respond as people and circumstances change. Electronic and non-electronic tools – Adherence is not a point in time, but occurs and adjusts over time. Well meaning and determined people need help. Leadership – Creating and maintaining adherence friendly systems needs inspired leaders. Dance without a director is just a rave. Management of cultural and social habits and challenges – A person who doesn’t get a lunch break can’t take a mid day medication with food. A single parent with several children depending on public transportation can find it difficult to make a physical therapy appointment three times a week. Sensitivity to such challenges and public policy advocacy can increase the likelihood of adherence.
In short, adherence is serious work for everyone. It is not compliance.
