13 May, 2025
WHY DO SOME PATIENTS STAY ON TREATMENT WHILE OTHERS DROP OFF?
When a patient is newly diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as heart failure or asthma, they often begin treatment with the best intentions. But many discontinue within just a few months. Why?
A new peer-reviewed study by Axios International, published in the Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research, explores this question using real-world insights from our programs in the UAE to help shape more effective, personalized adherence strategies.
REAL-WORLD EVIDENCE: KEY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ADHERENCE
This study followed patients newly diagnosed with one of five chronic diseases—ankylosing spondylitis, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, or asthma—for at least 12 months. Using real-world data collected through Axios’ Patient Needs Assessment Tool (PNAT), researchers were able to analyze the key predictors of sustained treatment versus early discontinuation. PNAT is a proprietary tool developed by Axios to identify the risk factors most likely to impact long-term adherence in chronic disease care and determines the most effective adherence interventions based on his/her identified risk factors. (Read more about PNAT here.)
TOP FACTORS LINKED TO ADHERENCE
The study found that patients were significantly more likely to remain on treatment if they:
- Were satisfied with the time spent with their doctor
- Felt involved in making treatment decisions
- Could manage their disease confidently
- Received emotional and practical support from family and friends
- Had low dependence on others for daily activities
One of the most predictive factors was the quality of time with the prescribing physician. In fact, patients who reported a positive experience during consultations were nearly seven times more likely to continue treatment at 12 months. Conversely, those who reported high levels of anxiety and stress were far more likely to be lost to follow-up—a term the study used as a proxy for likely discontinuation of treatment.
Cultural and social factors also played a role. Over the 12-month period, patients reported significant changes in areas such as:
- Difficulty participating in community activities
- The influence of cultural habits
- The role of spiritual beliefs
These insights suggest that as patients adapt to life with a chronic condition, their personal and social environments shift in ways that may either support or undermine their ability to stay on treatment.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Study findings highlight the importance of personalizing adherence interventions to help patients stay on treatment and achieve better medical outcomes. Tools like Axios’ PNAT can help identify at-risk patients early and inform the development of targeted interventions that directly address the medical, behavioral, emotional, and social barriers to adherence. With the right tools and personalized approaches, we can support patients not only to begin care, but to sustain it over time to achieve optimal medical outcomes.
Read the full article: Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research
Learn more about PNAT: Axios PNAT Tool
