Open AccessImproving compliance with prednisone therapy in pediatric patients with rheumatic disease
Author(s) -
Pieper Kathryn B.,
Rapoff Michael A.,
Purviance Mark R.,
Lindsley Carol B.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/anr.1790020407
Subject(s) - prednisone , medicine , rheumatic disease , compliance (psychology) , intensive care medicine , physical therapy , disease , pediatrics , psychology , social psychology
Compliance with regimens for pediatric rheumatic diseases is often poor, and few studies have evaluated strategies for improving compliance. This study utilized relatively simple behavioral and educational strategies to improve compliance with prednisone for three patients with pediatric rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erthematosus and dermatomyositis). These strategies were implemented in a pediatric rheumatology setting and resulted in improved compliance that was maintained at 6‐ and 12‐month follow up. During baseline, patients were found to be overmedicating as well as undermedicating. This study is a systematic replication of an earlier study that demonstrated that behavioral and educational strategies can improve compliance with medications for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It also raises the possibility of overmedicating as a compliance problem to be managed.