Compliance revisited: further notes on the problem of nonadherence to medical regimens.

A study of outpatients at a community hospital reveals that 46% consistently defaulted on some aspects of their medical regimens. The more complex the regimen, the more likely the patient was to default, with particular neglect of directives regulating personal habits, work, and diet. The authors recommend an educational intervention program to inform patients of the risks in noncompliance.