Basic drug information given by physicians is deficient, and patients' knowledge low.

Objectives: Our aim was to assess basic drug information given by physicians when prescribing new topical medication and to compare this with outpatients' subsequent knowledge.

Methods: Basic drug information was noted during consultations. Subsequently, patients answered a questionnaire regarding diagnosis, treatment, and satisfaction with the consultation.

A prospective study of patient adherence to topical treatments: 95% of patients underdose.

Background: Adherence is essential to a positive treatment outcome. Whether adequate doses of topically applied drugs are used among patients with dermatologic conditions has not been investigated adequately.

Objectives: The objective of this prospective study was to determine to what extent first-time outpatients with dermatologic conditions apply the appropriate dosage of initial treatment with topically administered medication.

One in 3 prescriptions are never redeemed: primary nonadherence in an outpatient clinic.

Background: Despite being essential to medication adherence, redemption of initial prescriptions (ie, primary adherence) has been investigated only sparsely.

Objectives: The objectives were to determine the frequency and risk factors for primary nonadherence among outpatients with dermatologic conditions.

Methods: Every 15th day during 2006, all patients receiving a prescription for an initial treatment with a previously untried medication were studied.