What does patient compliance refer to?

Patient compliance specifically refers to the extent to which a patient correctly follows the prescribed medication regimen from their healthcare provider. This includes taking the right dosage of medication at the appropriate times and adhering to the total treatment plan suggested by their healthcare professionals. Adherence is crucial in achieving the desired therapeutic outcomes and can significantly influence the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

By contrast, frequency of hospital visits pertains to how often a patient sees healthcare providers, which does not directly measure adherence to medication regimens. Patient's personal health goals may motivate adherence but are not the same as compliance, as a patient's goals can vary independently of their treatment. Similarly, understanding of medication instructions is important for compliance, but it does not encapsulate the broader concept that includes actually taking the prescribed medications as directed. Therefore, the focus on adherence to the regimen accurately captures the essence of what patient compliance entails.