Does patient knowledge improve treatment outcome?

[Does patient knowledge improve treatment outcome?] [Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes. 2008] - PubMed Result

Non-compliance in patients is rarely provoked by intention or laziness. Thus, patients should not be the first to be blamed for lack of therapeutic success. Non-compliance from health care providers to supply patients with necessary information and skills, though, is an important cause of insufficient treatment outcomes. Patient knowledge can improve health outcomes. But this knowledge must be evidence-based and relevant for the patient. In addition, knowledge must enable patients to assume an important part in disease control and treatment. Evaluation of patient information or self-management programmes should consider that knowledge is just one component of a complex intervention..... cont'd