The effect of physician–patient collaboration on patient adherence in non-psychiatric medicine

Abstract

Objective Factors contributing to treatment adherence are poorly understood but the physician–patient interaction is one factor that is known to affect patient adherence. Methods This meta-analysis systematically reviewed the published literature to determine the magnitude of the relationships between physician–patient collaboration and patient adherence. Results A statistically significant weighted mean effect size of M d = 0.145 from 48 published studies indicated better physician–patient collaboration is associated with better patient adherence. The relationship between collaboration and adherence was sustained for pediatric and adult populations, chronic and acute conditions, and primary physician and specialists. Conclusion These results emphasize the need for physician–patient collaboration within the medical consultation. Practice implications The inclusion of the patient's perspective during the consultation is essential to obtaining cooperation once the patient has left the physician's office.