Non-Compliant Clients

When clients ignore medical advice, fail to follow doctors orders or refuse to participate in recommended health improvement activities, they are said to be non-compliant or non-adherent. Nearly 70 percent of hospital admissions and 23 percent of nursing home admissions in the United States are the direct result of non-compliance.

WHY SOME CLIENTS ARE NON-COMPLIANT

Instructions given to them are unclear or too complex.
They are physically unable to comply.
Their decision-making ability is hampered by depression or hopelessness.
They are unwilling to participate because they feel a lack of control over their own lives.
Treatment costs too much.
A negative past experience with a treatment or a medication.
They don’t understand their disease or condition.
They are unable to comply due to an altered mental status.

TOP TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING COMPLIANCE TO THE PLAN OF CARE

Relate better eating habits to achieving health goals. For example, show your client how healthy eating results in better blood sugar results or lower blood pressure.
Have your client set a goal like "lose 10 pounds, or "be able to walk to the corner (or down the hall) and back." Decide on a realistic reward for when the goal is reached.
Help your client comply with orders to rest by encouraging delegation! Tell your client to share the load. Pass the work around! Rally friends and family members to help, if possible.
Develop a system with your client for keeping track of medical appointments. This can be a calendar, appointment book, dry erase board, or any other system the client feels comfortable using.
Speak to the nurse or social worker if your client tells you she is unable to afford her medications. Often, prescriptions can be changed to a generic or something more affordable.
Try to understand WHY clients might be non-compliant. Then, help come up with a plan.
- Let your client know you only want what’s best,
- Reassure your client that you won’t force anything,
- Support whatever decision is made, and
- Remember to follow up with praise for even the smallest efforts!