The Department of Family Medicine at the Medical University of Lodz has been conducting extensive scientific research for over 25 years, particularly focusing on the issue of non-adherence to therapeutic recommendations. Research conducted by the department shows that nearly 50% of patients, both with chronic and acute conditions, do not follow prescribed treatment, leading to serious health and financial consequences. A priority of the department is to increase awareness among primary care physicians about this issue, as reflected in publications by Prof. Przemysław Kardas, such as “Przestrzeganie zaleceń terapeutycznych” (2008) and “Nieprzestrzeganie zaleceń lekarskich” (2006).

In its efforts to deepen the understanding of adherence, the Department of Family Medicine coordinated the international research Project ABC “Ascertaining Barriers for Compliance: policies for safe, effective, and cost-effective use of medicines in Europe” between 2009 and 2011 as part of the 7th EU Framework Programme. The project aimed to identify barriers to treatment adherence and develop policies for the safe, effective, and cost-efficient use of medicines across Europe.

For years, the department has also been conducting research on preventing hospitalizations among elderly residents of Lodz. Studies have shown that the most common causes of hospitalization for older adults are chronic diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, stroke, hypertension, and heart failure. These findings led to the development of specific preventive measures, summarized in the monograph Hospitalisations of elderly inhabitants of Lodz. Frequency, cause, prevention possibilities. (2001), authored by P. Kardas and E. Ratajczyk-Pakalska.

In 2020, the Center for Compliance Research was established within the Department of Family Medicine to intensify research on therapeutic adherence. The center, led by Prof. Kardas, is the only research unit of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. Its educational and outreach activities help strengthen the reputation of the Medical University of Lodz as an innovative and forward-thinking institution. The research team at the center has unique national expertise in studying patient treatment adherence, reflected in numerous international projects and scientific publications.In addition to research on therapeutic adherence, the Department of Family Medicine conducts studies in areas such as eHealth and Big Data utilization, active and healthy aging, prevention of polypharmacy, and treatment of chronic diseases. The department played a key role in the international Skills4Adherence project, through which a dedicated online educational program was developed. Additionally, the department is involved in the ODIN project, which introduces innovative robotic solutions to clinical medicine, including a robotic platform for hospital transport.

The research conducted by the department has a significant impact on improving the quality of healthcare and treatment outcomes, as well as contributing substantially to the development of family medicine at both national and international levels.