It can be difficult for patients to adhere to treatment, but behavioural science can help, through the simple intervention of making a plan. Also known as an implementation intention, this helps patients work to specific guidelines concerning performing certain behaviours.

Why it matters

Non-adherence to medication and health-related lifestyle changes have a detrimental impact on patients and on the healthcare system. For example, only 50% of type 2 diabetes patients adhere, costing an estimated $300 billion annually in the US alone.

Takeaways

• When people who intend to adhere to medication and treatment programmes don’t, this is known as the intention-action...