What does the term "treatment adherence" refer to?

The term "treatment adherence" specifically refers to the extent to which a patient follows their prescribed treatment regimen. This encompasses a variety of behaviors, such as taking medications as directed, attending therapy sessions, and making lifestyle changes as suggested by healthcare providers. Adherence is critical because it directly impacts the effectiveness of treatment outcomes. When patients are adherent to their treatment plans, they are more likely to experience positive health effects and achieve their recovery goals.

Understanding treatment adherence is essential for healthcare providers, as it allows them to assess patient progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans. Factors influencing adherence can include the patient's understanding of their condition, their motivation, and any barriers they may face in following treatment protocols. Thus, this concept is central to successful therapeutic interventions in counseling and substance use treatment fields.