"Adherence" and "compliance" are often used interchangeably. However, it's important to note the

distinction between these terms especially, within integrative medicine wherein "adherence" is the ultimate goal.

• Compliance: the action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
• Adherence: steady or faithful attachment.

Adherence requires a high degree of patient involvement and accounts for shared decision making versus compliance, where the patient receives a prescribed directive.