April 16, 1999
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
B- 354 Rayburn House Office Building
Research has shown that approximately 125,000 Americans die each year as a consequence of taking prescribed medicines improperly, many more are hospitalized, further resulting in more than a $100 billion a year in direct and indirect costs. Adherence to medical regimens is a multidimensional challenge that includes the individual consumer, the providers of therapy, and the environment in which these interactions occur. Research on adherence to medical regimens in chronic diseases — such as tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and AIDS — has shown that faithfulness to treatment decreases over time. Research has also shown that cultural and psychosocial factors can interfere with an individual’s ability to follow prescribed therapy.
This briefing will explore the cultural and social barriers that individuals have in adhering to medical advice/treatment, including their beliefs, attitudes, personality, knowledge, and support systems. It will also look at the role and characteristics of patient-provider interactions — the provider’s style of consultation and listening, the information exchange allowed, and the language used. Finally, it will look from a public health perspective at the social and medical implications of not adhering to the medical regimens prescribed for treating such diseases as diabetes and AIDS.
(with generous support from the Ford Foundation)
Postive RSVPs only via Telephone: 202/842-3525, Fax: 202/842-2788, or Email: socscience@aol.com by April 14, 1999