In healthcare, we often assume that if a care plan is clearly explained, patients will follow it. After all, clarity is the foundation of good communication…. right?
Not quite.
At TimeDoc Health, we know firsthand that while clarity is essential, it’s not the only factor driving patient success. In fact, one of the biggest myths in care management is:
MYTH: If the care plan is clear, patients will follow it.
REALITY: Clarity isn’t always enough — support and context matter.
And the data backs it up.
In a recent poll we ran, 75% of respondents said that real-life barriers are the biggest reason patients don’t follow care plans—far more than confusion, forgetfulness, or not feeling heard.
This insight reinforces what we see every day at TimeDoc Health: even the clearest care plan can fall short if it doesn’t account for the daily challenges patients face.
So why do patients struggle to follow care plans?
We asked our community to weigh in, and the answers reflected a key truth: patient follow-through is a complex challenge influenced by more than just instructions.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common barriers patients face:
1. They Don’t Understand It: Even the most clearly explained plan can be full of medical jargon or assumptions about a patient’s health literacy. Without personalized education or real-time follow-up, understanding can break down quickly.
2. They Forget: Between work, family, and life’s daily stressors, remembering every detail of a care plan can be tough. Without reminders or digital touchpoints, even motivated patients can slip through the cracks.
3. They Face Real-Life Barriers: Social determinants of health play a huge role in adherence. Transportation issues, food insecurity, financial stress, or caregiving responsibilities can all derail even the best care plans.
4. They Don’t Feel Heard: Patients are more likely to stick with care plans when they feel like their needs, fears, and circumstances have been acknowledged. Engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all—it has to be human-centered.
Our Approach at TimeDoc Health
At TimeDoc Health, we turn care plans into care experiences. We know that clarity alone isn’t enough—patients need consistent support to follow through. That’s why our chronic care management and remote patient monitoring solutions are built to meet patients where they are, offering real-time engagement, personalized check-ins, and guidance that adapts to real-life challenges.
We believe care coordination works best when it’s rooted in connection—not just communication. Our approach helps providers stay in sync with their patients, driving better outcomes through stronger relationships.
Want to improve patient follow-through? Start by asking the right questions and building care around the full picture of the patient’s life.