Patient compliance with NAFLD: what can we do to improve it? A review

The problem of adherence to doctor's recommendations remains relevant at the present time. Moreover, in the last decade, this problem has become the object of scientific and practical research not only in medicine, but also in clinical psychology. The problem of compliance acquires a special role in such a multidisciplinary problem as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The development of a management strategy for this group of patients requires careful patient compliance with recommendations not only for prescribed medication, but also for long-term dieting and regular physical activity. The presented review article provides evidence that the low compliance of patients with NAFLD is a serious problem that requires a comprehensive solution. Unfortunately, for the most part, the use of traditional methods to increase compliance is often ineffective. Currently, innovative, patient-oriented approaches based on the principles of behavioral psychology and modern technologies, including telemedicine, the use of comics for patients of different ages, online bulletin boards, psychological testing, and simplification of treatment regimens are used to increase compliance of patients with NAFLD to diet, exercise, and medication. The use of the technologies described in the article can significantly affect compliance by changing the approach of doctors to communication and interaction with the patient, even within the framework of a standard appointment, so that the patient becomes an ally in treatment with a clear understanding of why he follows each suggested recommendation.