Medication Compliance and Asthma: Overlooking the Trees Because of the Forest

Abstract

A number of reviews have described medication compliance and asthma. The consensus emerging from the analyses and discussion of the topic is that compliance to treatment regimens is generally poor. The current article describes several trees overlooked in the forest of data generated about compliance and asthma. The paper focuses on neglected issues concerning determinants of compliance, assessment, and changing noncompliant behavior. Based on available data, the conclusion is that it is time for health care personnel and patients to share the blame for the lack of medication compliance in asthma.

Key Words:

• Asthma
• Compliance
• Adherence