The role of information
Researchers have examined the role of information and the type of information on
improving patient compliance with recommendations made during the consultation by
health professionals. Using meta-analysis, Mullen et al. (1985) looked at the effects of
instructional and educational information on compliance and found that 64 per cent
of patients were more compliant when using such information. Haynes (1982) took a
baseline of 52 per cent compliance with recommendations made during a consultation,
and found that information generally only improved compliance to a level of 66 per cent.
However, Haynes reported that behavioural and individualized instruction improved
compliance to 75 per cent. Information giving may therefore be a means of improving
compliance.Recommendations for improving compliance
Several recommendations have been made in order to improve communication and
therefore improve compliance.Oral information
Ley (1989) suggested that one way of improving compliance is to improve communica-
tion in terms of the content of an oral communication. He believes the following factors
are important: primacy effect – patients have a tendency to remember the first thing they are told;
to stress the importance of compliance;
to simplify the information;
to use repetition;
to be specific;
to follow up the consultation with additional interviews.Written information
Researchers also looked at the use of written information in improving compliance.
Ley and Morris (1984) examined the effect of written information about medication
and found that it increased knowledge in 90 per cent of the studies, increased
compliance in 60 per cent of the studies, and improved outcome in 57 per cent of the
studies.
Ley’s cognitive hypothesis model, and its emphasis on patient satisfaction, under-
standing and recall, has been influential in terms of promoting research into the com-
munication between health professionals and patients. In addition, the model has
prompted the examination of using information to improve the communication process.
As a result of this, the role of information has been explored further in terms of its effect
on recovery and outcome.82 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY