Compliance with the therapies recommended by a doctor is a primary element for the success of the treatment. Failure to adhere can lead to serious complications that affect not only the patient but also the doctor and, above all, the healthcare system. Even though compliance and adherence are relatively similar, there is a big difference between one and the other. According to the World Health Organization (2003), compliance indicates “the extent to which a person's behavior – taking medications, following a diet and/or making lifestyle changes – corresponds to recommendations agreed upon by a health professional ”. On the other hand, compliance is the degree to which a patient has no means of communicating with a healthcare provider regarding the prescribed medication. Unlike compliance, adherence requires doctor-patient collaboration and patient consent to medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. Inevitably, both compliance and adherence are very similar and are necessary for effective treatment of chronic diseases or illnesses. Most chronic diseases are treated through the use of drug treatments such as therapies. However, the full benefits of the therapies are hampered because, according to Consumer Health Interactive readers, “one in five reported not taking antibiotics as directed. The majority – 78% – reported having finished their entire course of prescribed antibiotics. But 14% said they only took antibiotics until they felt better; 4% took some and saved the rest for another occasion; and another 3% failed to fill the prescription” (Jaret, 2014). Non-adherence to medications can substantially aggravate and aggravate an illness, increase healthcare costs... middle of paper... hymn, while the indirect method includes number of prescription refills, monitoring intake of medications and any side effects encountered. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the doctor-patient relationship is an important element in educating patients about the importance of medication adherence. Age, gender, cost and side effects are just some of the reasons that influence compliance, but none are as crucial and important as a strong doctor-patient relationship. Highlighting advantages/disadvantages of the treatment, formulating a detailed regimen to implement the treatment, carrying out frequent check-ups are essential to develop a strong patient-doctor relationship and reduce the possibility of illness or pathology. Although both the doctor and the patient are responsible for the success of the treatment, the patient has a greater burden in ensuring that the treatment is carried out successfully.