Cambio de conductas en tratamientos de larga duracion: Relacion medico-paciente

chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, among others, need long term treatments. the constitution of a basic alliance is the cornerstone of any therapeutic action. in the patient-centered approach, the aim is to enter their world in order to understand the subjective experience of the disease in a broader frame. it is relevant to involve the patient as an active, respected and fundamental participant of the changing process. the way a treatment is prescribed is as important as the treatment itself; the aim is to teach the patient how to follow his/her own treatment, relapses must not be considered failures but opportunities for learning. patients need to find their own solutions and motivations and be responsible for their health on a daily basis. we need to empower them to do so. long-term, successful and effective interventions require a treatment which focuses on compliance and self care.