Doing “everything right” is tremendously person dependent. The truth is that there is no one size fits all when it comes to health improvement. There is only the plan that aligns with you and your priorities. For example, you may be doing “everything right” rushing to the grocery store to cook the heathy dinner, squeezing in the workout after work because your doctor told you how critical it is. By the time you finish dinner, it’s too late to rest or recover from your day because you know you need 8 hours of sleep, and to do that, you must go to sleep, ASAP. On paper, this could be “everything right” but we all know the level of stress that may build within that lifestyle.
Beyond “Just Do What I Say”: Redefining Patient Adherence
Let’s get real about what patient adherence actually means. It’s not about being “good” or “bad” at following instructions. The World Health Organization defines it as “the degree to which a person’s behavior corresponds with agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.” Notice the word “agreed” – that’s crucial.
Think of it like this: adherence is a partnership, not a dictatorship. It’s the difference between someone grudgingly following orders versus actively participating in their own healing journey.
There’s no perfect journey to get there, there’s only your journey to get there. To determine that, it’s crucial to discuss where you have had success previously, and what you know about yourself that may lead to success now. We call this “exploring your self knowledge.”
Why the Gap Exists (It’s Not What Most People Think)
1. Life Gets in the Way
Sometimes it’s not about motivation – it’s about memory, complex schedules, or juggling multiple responsibilities. These unintentional barriers are real and need practical solutions.
2. Beliefs Matter More Than We Realize
People’s personal health beliefs, fears about side effects, and previous experiences shape their choices more than most providers recognize.
3. System Barriers Are Real
Cost, access to care, and complicated treatment plans can make adherence feel impossible for some patients.
Closing the Gap: A Better Way Forward
Modern adherence strategies focus on:
- Building trust through honest conversations
- Creating simple, doable action steps
- Using technology wisely (but not relying on it completely)
- Regular check-ins and adjustments
- Meeting patients where they are – literally and figuratively
Making It Work in Real Life
The key to better adherence isn’t more rules or stricter monitoring. It’s about:
- Starting with small, achievable steps
- Building confidence through early wins
- Creating backup plans for tough days
- Celebrating progress, not perfection
Want to understand where you stand with patient adherence? Take our Patient Motivator Questionnaire: Click here to assess your approach
Moving Forward: A New Understanding
Exploring patient self knowledge and experience is best done when the provider is able to drop their bias and expectations at the door. Think of yourself as the co-pilot, offering directions and tips when needed, but not steering the plane directly for the patient.
Remember: Perfect adherence isn’t the goal. The goal is helping people make sustainable progress toward better health, one step at a time.
Ready to transform your approach to patient adherence? Start with our Daily Health Audit tool to identify where you can make the biggest impact.
Dr. Luke Alley is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Health and Well-Being Coach dedicated to transforming how healthcare providers approach patient adherence and treatment success.
