I don't mean to jump, and the title "compliance" is not really reflective of
the message that came with it, but the word "compliance" will get me to the
ceiling everytime! (It's one of a handful of buttons I possess.) Sorry, it's
the result of an emphasis on solution-focused therapy techniques while
studying for my Masters degree. There are many reasons I would like health
professionals (HPs) to consider dropping this word from their vocabularies:
1. How many of HPs fully "comply" with behaviors known (or are pretty darn
sure) to be  associated with better health and how often do HPs "cheat"
themselves?
2. It's a passive word--sounds like HP can or should control client
behavior--the old "I know what you need better than you know what you need,
honeyx" sort of thing.
3. Sounds authoritative and rather demeaning. Although HP may possess
"expert" knowledge/skills, the HP is in a cooperative-peer relationship with
clients. The bottom line is the client is responsible for her own and that of
her children's health. She must decide for herself and her baby/child.
4. Clients follow through with interventions which "fit" with their
realities. Sometimes the HP hasn't explained the reason for changing well
enough; often environmental factors (family, friends, other HPs, stress,
household physical arrangements, etc.) have more influence on the client than
the HP. Offering options when possible helps, including transitional or
second-best options p.r.n., but sometimes other factors overwhelm or "fit"
the client better at the time.

I have let go of the burden of so-called client "compliance." Clients often
follow through with interventions I suggest because they say I'm the only one
who has explained the rationale behind my suggestions or the only one to
explain why someone else's suggestions are not all that helpful. I offer
options for them to "try on" and then we fine tune whichever "fit" best.

Of course, some clients also choose to ignore intervention options I suggest.
That is their choice, since the client owns the problem/situation. (I support
and encourage; I can't motivate--that comes from within the client.) At least
I know I did all I could so they can make informed choices.

OK, OK. I'll get off the soapbox so someone else can have a turn. Didn't mean
to jump and didn't mean to go on! (Although I feel better having gotten it
off my chestx) Thanks.

Karen