Table 4.

Improving treatment adherence in adolescents

• See the young person alone and discuss confidentiality

• Use a non-judgmental approach and ask open ended questions

• When asking about medication use, indicate to the young person that poor adherence to treatment is normal behaviour

• Explore what the young person knows about health and correct any misunderstandings

• Educate the young person about his or her illness and treatment

• Negotiate short term treatment goals

• Use the simplest regimen

• Tailor the regimen to the young person's daily routines

• Identify and discuss any potential barriers to adherence

• Explain the treatment regimen and repeat the instructions

• Give written instructions

• Avoid jargon in oral and written instructions

• Suggest reminders—for example, stickers on the bathroom mirror, medication calendar

• Enlist the support of parents, significant adults, trusted peers

• Review treatment and monitor adherence frequently—give useful feedback