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Treatment Compliance
Compliance is a serious issue for HF patients. Getting them to adhere with sometimes difficult treatment plans can be a challenge. Lack of compliance is also a huge drain on the health care system. For example, one study showed that 64% of readmission cases at one hospital were due to non-compliance with prescribed medication or dietary plans [36]. Another showed that 53% of readmissions at one hospital could have been avoided if the patients had complied with their treatment [37].
Factors contributing to non-compliance:
Lack of knowledge
Poor motivation
Decreased understanding
Forgetfulness
Lack of support from family and friends
Lack of a daily reminder routine
Financial factors
Perception that side effects outweigh benefits
Poor outpatient education program
Overall, there is little information available as to gender specific differences in compliance [15]. One study showed that women were more likely to adhere to Digoxin therapy than men were [38]
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15. Stromberg A, Martensson J. Gender differences in patients with heart failure. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 2003;2:7-18.
36. Ghali JK, Kadakia S, Cooper R, et al. Precipitating factors leading to decompensation of heart failre. Arch Intern Med. 1988;148:2013-2016.
37. Vinson JM, Rich MW, Sperry JC, et al. Early readmission of elderly patients with congestive heart failure. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1990;38:1290-1295.
38. Monane M, Bohn RL, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Avorn J. Noncompliance with congestive heart failure therapy in the elderly.Ar ch Intern Med 1994;154:433 –7.
