Compliance Declines Between Clinic Visits

Authors:
  • JCJoyce A. Cramer
    Joyce A. Cramer
  • RSRichard D. Scheyer
    Richard D. Scheyer
  • RMRichard H. Mattson
    Richard H. Mattson
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Abstract
• Adherence to prescribed drug dosing regimens declined substantially during the interval between clinic visits and drug level tests. Using microelectronic monitors to observe pill-taking habits, 20 patients averaged 88% compliance before and 86% compliance after the visit, but this dropped to 67% compliance a month later. These data indicate that spot drug levels do not represent long-term "steady-state" drug serum concentrations. (Arch Intern Med. 1990;150:1509-1510)