There is a term that healthcare professionals use that makes so much sense to us but may feel very derogatory to patients. Non-compliance.

I have had a patient complain to me, while I was on Leader Rounds, that they had been called non-compliant. They expressed embarrassment and frustration and told me that it was not true, they were compliant! I spent time letting them know that it was only the way it is stated and is not meant as an insult. But was I fully transparent and truthful?

What is the definition of non-compliance? Well, it means that one does not comply with what is asked, that’s easy.

But what does it mean to the healthcare professional, if we are honest, completely honest, even in our frustration. It might mean the patient is not doing what we asked,