Review Question - QID 212462

This patient who is attempting weight loss and exercise changes is engaged in lifestyle and behavioral changes. The most effective intervention for improving patient adherence is having follow-up appointments with the physician to assess progress in attaining goals.

Multiple methods have been described for helping patients to increase adherence with lifestyle changes. One such strategy is known as extended care by which physicians provide long-term contact either individually or by group through mediums such as by person, by phone, or via the internet. This group of strategies has generally been thought to be the most effective in ensuring long-term adherence with lifestyle changes. Other strategies include skills training for dealing with relapses, social support such as by referring to a support group, treatment tailoring, and self-monitoring.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Asking the patient to bring a family member to next appointment may increase social support but is not the most effective method for increasing treatment adherence.

Answer 2: Informing the patient of the health consequences of not intervening may increase self-monitoring but is not the most effective method for increasing treatment adherence.

Answer 3: Providing appropriate publications for the patient's educational level may increase self-monitoring but is not the most effective method for increasing treatment adherence.

Answer 5: Referring the patient to a peer support group addressing lifestyle changes may increase social support but is not the most effective method for increasing treatment adherence.

Bullet Summary:
Extended care through following up appointments with physicians increases adherence with behavioral changes.