Theoretical Foundations of Adherence Behaviors: Synthesis and Application in Adherence to Oral Oncology Agents

Background: The use of theory can provide structure for understanding the dynamics of adherence to oral agents for cancer (OACs) and facilitate the development of strategies for patient assessment and care planning related to oral adherence.

Objectives: The focus of this article is to identify common theories pertinent to medication-taking behavior, as well as their applications toward assessment and care planning regarding adherence to OACs. Approaches to apply these theories and their concepts in clinical practice are identified.

Methods: Theories applied to adherence behaviors were reviewed, and their concepts were compared and synthesized. These concepts were then applied to medication adherence behavior.

Findings: Various theories can help healthcare providers to better understand the influences and determinants of patients’ adherence decisions and behaviors. They can then be used to structure assessment and plan related aspects of care.