A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS' TREATMENT ADHERENCE

Abstract

Noncompliance, or failure to adhere to a therapeutic regimen, is a common phenomenon in health care (Schultz and Videbeck, 1994). Azrin and Teinchner (1998) reported that outpatient medication adherence is a major problem, especially for patients repeatedly hospitalized for psychiatric disorders. Relapse is known to be closely linked to noncompliance with/lack of adherence to medication (Kaplan, 1988; Kelly & Scott, 1990; Weiden & Olfson, 1995). In fact, Green (1988) reported that nonadherence with prescribed medication regimens was the primary factor leading to rehospitalization in 92% of the multiple admission patients he studied. It is essential for the nurse to explore the factors underlying the noncompliant behavior, or identifying reasons for treatment resistance (Fonnan, 1993) to assist the patient to make positive changes in this area. Various studies have reported substantial benefits from patient education, including improved compliance with the medication regimen (Guimon, 1995; Kemp et al., 1996) and lower relapse rate (Rund et al., 1994). The aim of this study was: 1- To determine causes, forms, and consequences of treatment noncompliance/nonadherence. 2- To construct, implement, and evaluate the impact of a psychoeducational program on compliance with/adherence to treatment and consequently, on the quality of life among the studied sample.