We agree with Beales that Pound et al (2005) is a valuable and comprehensive review. We have cited this article elsewhere (Reference MitchellMitchell, 2006, Reference Mitchell2007). It highlights widespread and understandable caution about taking medication and brings to light ‘the lay practice of testing medicines, mainly for adverse effects’. We recommend this paper for further reading.
We also agree with Kelbrick that it is important to have a good therapeutic relationship with detained patients. This area was underemphasised in our article. Owing to space restrictions we did not review compliance therapy in detail but good reviews are available elsewhere (Reference McDonald, Garg and HaynesMcDonald et al, 2002; Reference McIntosh, Conlon and LawrieMcIntosh et al, 2006; Reference Nadeem, McIntosh and LawrieNadeem et al, 2006).
Khokhar & Ali helpfully discuss cultural factors. We recently conducted a study on ethnic differences regarding treatment preferences (rather than adherence) in a cancer setting (Reference Roy, Symonds and KumarRoy et al, 2005). More Asian than ‘Caucasian’ patients wanted to receive critical information from their GP rather than a hospital doctor. This was linked with their level of distress. More Asian patients received ‘bad news’ alone. We are currently trying to find out whether this has an effect on illness outcomes.
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