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Compliance with treatment
By Stanley Hayes, MD
Compliance is a term, when used in the care of persons with arthritis, that refers to how well people follow "advice" or adhere to their treatment program.
Although medications are usually the most obvious part of the treatment that comes to mind, there are other aspects of arthritis treatment that are important. These include rest and exercise in the proper amounts.
The issue of compliance is important to physicians who care for people with arthritis because treatment can have multiple parts. Seldom is there a single or simple remedy to treat all the different types of arthritis.
By adhering to your specific program, sometimes for very long periods of time, you can expect the best possible outcome. This includes not only the relief of pain but also the prevention of joint destruction and the preservation or improvement of functional capabilities.
One reason people have difficulty adhering to treatment programs is the lack of information about their particular type of arthritis and what to expect, both from the arthritis and from the treatment. Understanding why certain exercises are important to maintain movable joints is just as important as knowing that there are exercises or work tasks that may be harmful.
Also, understanding your medications can affect compliance. It is important to know what medications are supposed to do, how quickly they take effect, and what side effects can be expected.
Another obstacle to compliance is an area called misinformation. Misinformation is simply wrong information sometimes offered by friends, family, or even total strangers. You will see a great deal of misinformation in the headlines of tabloids at the grocery store checkout lane.
You may also find "remedies" pushed by vitamin and natural food dealers. Many of these sound healthy, perhaps even logical, but in truth have no real benefit and may lead patients away from proven, effective treatments. Of potential danger are "mystery drugs" obtained across the border in Mexico that may be harmful or interfere with regular medications prescribed by one's physician.
Frustration, depression, and even anger frequently harm the patient's willingness to continue with a total treatment program. It is important to discuss these feelings with the physician, nurse, or therapist. Learning that other patients share very similar feelings helps relieve the loneliness.
Financial burdens also present a very real obstacle in terms of expensive medications, as well as going to the doctor or therapist. Some resources are available that a social worker can direct the patient to for help.
It is helpful to realize that arthritic diseases are generally chronic and require long term treatment. Preventing damage before it occurs is much better than trying to correct a problem later.
Beginning effective treatment early and continuing all aspects of treatment as prescribed are both vital in the care of arthritis.
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