Herbs and psychology. Impact of co-operation with patient on therapy

Abstract

Common lack of cooperation between the patient and the doctor or medical staff cause the failure of even the best therapeutic solutions. A patient who modifies medical recommendations or uses other forms of treatment on his own affects the therapeutic process, also o|en unconsciously harms himself and has impact on the medical results. The term „compliance” means patient participation, which consists solely in adapting to the medication’s instructions. A number of data indicate the ineffectiveness of this cooperation and the resulting therapy failures, no matter how serious the disease affects the patient being examined. Even in developed countries, the rank of this problem is increasing. The patient’s conviction about the legitimacy of treatment, trust in a doctor, pharmacist or herbalist, as well as the recommended treatment will influence on the therapeutic process. The specialist’s approach to the patient, making him aware of the dangers of discontinuing treatment, possible
side effects, and the benefits of reliable, long-term therapy is crucial to the success of the recommended therapy.