We often hear the term noncompliance when talking about patient-doctor relationships for individuals with hemophilia. In essence, it means the hemophilia patient hasn’t done what the doctor has asked them to do. They haven’t taken their factor as prescribed or have acted in a way that may exacerbate their illness. They have not complied with the rules created by their doctor, which govern their diagnosis and their lives.

The difference between the word compliance and adherence is conversation. Adherence implies that there’s been a dialogue between the patient and the doctor and the treatment plan agreed upon is specific for the individual patient and mutually understood.

You adhere to an agreement. You comply with an order.

We should be able to trust our medical professionals, but at the same time, our medical professionals need to understand that not every patient experiences life in the same way. By creating a dialogue with our doctor about a personalized treatment plan, we are much more likely to be happy with the agreement. As a result, we are much more likely to be able to follow through with the plan because it aligns with our personal lifestyle.

So speak up for yourself, speak up for your child. You deserve a dialogue with your doctor and you deserve a personalized treatment plan.

It’s time to rid the world of non-compliance, focus on adherence, and make the act of conversation a normal thing between health providers and the individuals they aim to serve.

What are your thoughts on adherence? Share your stories, thoughts, and hopes with the Patient Worthy community!