Dermatology patients’ and their doctors’ representations about adherence

The aim of our study was to identify representations about patient adherence among dermatologists (N=40) and their patients (N=153). A combined qualitative-quantitative methodology was applied. Dermatologists identified good doctor-patient relationship, information from the doctor, and background information as the most important determinants of adherence. In patients’ rankings, information from the doctor and understandable communication received the highest scores. Multidimensional scaling arranged patients’ results into four content groups which helped to reveal the structure of the representations. Our results may contribute to the evidence-based confirmation that transparency of views and expectations in doctor-patient communication is a basic determinant of successful adherence.