Not only do I have the opportunity to participate and write blogs for this site; but I also peruse the diabetes site and learn from my co-bloggers.  Today I read a blog written by one of our colleagues discussing "non-compliance" in terms of the doctor-patient relationship. I am aware that this blog related primarily to adult patient-doctor relationships; but I think there was enough discussion to merit "noncompliance" from the pediatric perspective. My psychosocial colleagues have suggested that we eliminate the term noncompliance and replace with "non-adherence." There is an important subtle difference. Non-compliance implies that the patient/family is willingly not complying with the suggested care plan; whereas non-adherence suggests that the patient/family is having difficulty with the suggested care plan. 

Several of the comments appropriately pointed out that not enough time is spent with the doctor/diabetes team to define a mutually agreeable treatment plan. Clearly this is a major problem with our present healthcare system. So, how can we, as diabetes healthcare providers, prevent ourselves from non-compliance as mentioned in one of the comments (or rather non-adherence) given the time-constraints that plague our attempts to provide the best health care?

Clearly, the answer must lie in teamwork. To get the most information out of our visits together, the child/teen/caregiver must come to the appointment prepared with an agenda. During the visit, the healthcare provider will discuss the objective information gleaned from blood sugars, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation. It is then expected that the patient/family discuss issues pertinent to their concerns as well as clarify the information presented during the office visit. Communication between patient/family and physician/diabetes team is essential. There is a significant amount of "give and take" during these visits and care plans are negotiated between the patient/family and healthcare provider.  At the conclusion of the visit, we generally hammer out two to four goals that have been mutually agreed upon by the child/teen and responsible caregiver.

For example:

1. Try to test blood sugars minimally four times/day
2. Try to bolus before meals and snacks as much as possible
3. Try to change pump catheters at least every two to three days

We will then mutually agree upon insulin dose adjustments and ensure that everyone understands what has transpired during the visit.  How much time do I have to discuss the above? At Children's National, I schedule patients 20 minutes apart, so our team can weigh and measure, take vital signs, obtain lab work, and download meters. I then meet with the families and take as much time as is necessary. Sometimes the visit lasts 10 minutes and sometimes as long as 40 minutes depending on the needs and concerns of my patient/family. And yes, people are sitting in the waiting room and waiting...