Neurológia pre prax 3/2012

Adherence to treatment in multiple sclerosis

According to Health Organization (WHO) adherence is defined as the extent to which the patients behaviour – taking medication, following a diet, and/or executing lifestyle changes – corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider. High level of adherence is necessary in the treatment of chronic diseases. Following article deals with adherence in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, especially focusing on the disease modifying drugs of first choice, that are all injections, and need to be taken long term and regularly. Some methods, how to measure adherence are discussed, as well as factors leading to non-adherence and some recommendations how to increase adherence. It is necessary to support adherence all the time in everyday clinical practice. Increasing the effectiveness of adherence interventions may have a far greater impact on the health of the population than any improvement in specific medical treatments.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, adherence, disease modifying drugs, injections.