Abstract
Background: people with alcohol-related liver disease require complex treatment plans that often include the need for medication for the rest of their lives. Between 30% and 50% of all patients do not take their treatment as prescribed, leading to a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Aim: to consider the factors which influence beliefs held by patients with alcohol-related liver disease about their medication to provide an evidence base to support interventions to reduce medication non-adherence. Method: an observational cross-sectional patient survey. Results: statistically significant associations were found between positive attitudes towards medication and the illness representation dimensions of 'illness identity' and 'illness comprehension'. Conclusions: medication adherence in patients with alcohol-related liver disease is likely to be improved by an intervention that strives to improve the patient s understanding of their illness condition and their perception of their illness symptoms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 730-736 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | British Journal of Nursing |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue number | 13 |
| Early online date | 11 Jul 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 11 Jul 2018 |
Keywords
- Adherence
- Chronic conditions
- Liver disease
- Nursing intervention
- Patient education
- Patient perceptions