Keep medication plans as simple and straightforward as possible. For example, minimize the number of doses per day. Tailor the plan to the patient’s situation and lifestyle, and try to reduce disruption to the patient’s routine. Indicate the purpose of each medication. Make it clear which medications must be taken and on what schedule. It is helpful to say which drugs the patient should take only when having particular symptoms.
After proposing a treatment plan, check with the patient about its feasibility and acceptability. Work through what the patient feels may be obstacles to maintaining the plan. Try to resolve any misunderstandings. For example, make it clear that a referral to another doctor does not mean you are abandoning the patient. Provide oral and written instructions. Do not assume that all of your patients are able to read. Make sure the print is large enough for the patient to read.
Encourage your patient and his or her caregivers to take an active role in discovering how to manage chronic problems. Think in terms of joint problem solving or collaborative care. Such an approach can increase the patient’s satisfaction while decreasing demands on your time.