ABSTRACT
Although such education improves patients’ knowledge, several studies
have failed to demonstrate the translation of this into improved adher-
ence or better outcome. Knowledge is not necessarily power.
ing adherence included some form of exploration of potential obstacles to
adherence from a patient’s perspective. A trial of a cognitive-behavioural
intervention combined with psychoeducation (compliance therapy) was
compared with non-specific counselling for patients with psychosis on
acute psychiatric admissions wards. This resulted in the development of a
manual for use in this patient group. The second, published in 1999, was a
trial of antidepressant drug counselling conducted by nurses in primary
care compared with drug information leaflets. Both study interventions
improved adherence in comparison to their control groups.
