Doctors not communicating clearly with patients

Doctors prescribing new medication often do not communicate to patients important details, such as potential side effects, how long or how often to take the drug or the specific name of the medication, according to an article in the current issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

Almost half of all Americans take at least one prescription drug, and half of older adults take three or more. Taking medications properly is essential in ensuring their effectiveness.

However, patients often do not adhere to prescribed therapies, which can lead to worsening disease, failure of the treatment, adverse effects, drug overdose, unnecessary hospitalisation and higher health care costs.

Patients who report better general physician communication, better explanations about how to take their medications and more medication information are more compliant, the authors write. One-on-one educational interventions can improve patient compliance and health outcomes.