The approach used with a non-compliant patient in treatment. When a patient is described as noncompliant they are viewed as rejecting optimal medical care. The term non-compliant is loaded with implications and stereotypes that are based solely on the individual’s medical assessment. Often patients have very practical reasons for not utilizing the doctor’s advice. The social worker should talk to the patient about barriers anything that can prevent compliance with the treatment regimen. Feelings, beliefs and understanding about treatment, and other pertinent information about the patient should be explored by the social worker. In addition to working with the patient to address barriers the social worker should directly observe the interactions
