Identified attributes of adherence to oral chemotherapy
in childhood ALL include (a) motivation or
willingness to stick to the prescribed treatment, (b)
persistence over a prolonged, defined treatment period
that usually lasts two to three years, (c) collaboration
with a healthcare provider, (d) mindfulness of dose requirements
and administration parameters, including
instructions regarding time of administration for each
agent and restrictions relating to concomitant administration
with or without food or dairy products, (e) the
cognitive capacity to correctly follow instructions, (f)
flexibility to adapt and conform to ongoing changes in
the regimen, (g) active participation in the process of
oral chemotherapy administration (e.g., development
of concrete solutions to issues with pill swallowing,
forgetfulness), and (h) identification of key participants
in the adherence process, including the person
responsible for home medication administration (parent,
caregiver, or patient) and the healthcare provider
who closely supervises the parent, caregiver, or patient