COMPLIANCE
Refers to the degree to which a patient is obedient and follows advice of health care provider.
Incorporates an evaluative concept that implies a negative or prejudicial attitude towards the patient.
Presumes failures to comply is the patients fault.
Refers to extent to which the patients behavior coincides with the health care workers advice/instruction.
ADHERENCE
Active, voluntary collaborative involvement of the patient.
Convey choice and mutuality in treatment planning and implementation.
Patients who are adherent are viewed as acting on an agreed-upon plan that they have had a part in designing.
Refers to the extent to which the patient participates in the established place.
Is there a difference or can the terms be used interchangeably.
There are implications and connotations of these two terms which may effect treatment outcomes and patient behaviors.
The implications may also affect health care provider attitudes.
