ABSTRACT
We expect people to consult doctors when they experience symptoms and to follow doctors’ advice, especially if the consequences of not doing so are serious. In fact, professional help seeking is not easily predicted on the basis of clinical symptoms and people often do not follow the advice they are given. The patient’s own world view shapes their health behaviours, including service usage and adherence. In this chapter we explore what perceptions and beliefs determine health seeking and adherence. We also discuss how doctors and other health care professionals can manage consultations effectively so that they maximize patient satisfaction, empowerment and recovery.
