While there are many possible contextual factors that can complicate a patient’s care, they sort into a relatively small number of categories. Simply prescribing more insulin, for instance, without addressing the cost issue would not logically lead to better diabetes control. Such an inability to afford a needed treatment, due to a change in life circumstances, has been termed a “contextual factor.” 2 Contextual factors must be taken into account when planning patient care. 1 For instance, a diabetic patient who has lost their job and can no longer afford their insulin may “stretch out” the medication, resulting in a loss of control of their chronic condition. For clinical decision-making to be effective, a patient’s life circumstances, or context, should be considered along with their clinical state, the applicable research evidence, and preference for treatment options.
