How does patient-provider communication influence adherence to asthma medications?

Abstract

Objective: To assess hypothesized pathways through which patient-provider communication impacts asthma medication adherence.

Methods: A national sample of 452 adults with asthma reported assessments of patient-provider communication, proximal outcomes (understanding of asthma self-management, patient-provider agreement, trust in the clinician, involvement in care, motivation), and adherence to asthma medications. Structural equation modeling was used to examine hypothesized pathways.

Results: Significantly positive direct pathways were found between patient-provider communication and all proximal outcomes. Only positive indirect pathways, operating through trust and motivation, were found between patient-provider communication and medication adherence.

Conclusion: Patient-provider communication influences many desirable proximal outcomes, but only influences adherence through trust and motivation.

Practice implications: To promote better adherence to asthma medication regimens and, ultimately positive asthma outcomes, healthcare providers can focus on implementing communication strategies that strengthen patients' trust and increase patient motivation to use asthma medications.

Keywords: Asthma; Medication adherence; Patient-provider communication.