The adherence of patients to their prescribed healthcare plans plays a pivotal role in determining the success of treatments. It refers to the extent to which patients comply with the recommended course of action. However, healthcare providers often face challenges in achieving optimal patient adherence due to various intricate factors.
In the realm of healthcare, the emergence of data analytics has opened new possibilities for understanding patient behaviour. Leveraging these data-driven insights, healthcare providers can make informed decisions aimed at enhancing patient adherence. This blog aims to explore the potential of data-driven insights in improving patient adherence and offers actionable measures that can be taken to foster better adherence, yielding measurable results.
Patient adherence is a personal problem for every individual on a medication regime. There could be various aspects behind a patient being poorly adherent, or at times; the case could be an amalgamation of more than one factor. This makes understanding the problem statement more twisted and the solution more intricate.
Poor patient adherence alone costs the US healthcare system a tolling $300 billion yearly, about 14% of its annual budget. On the other hand, poor patient adherence causes over 120,000 deaths yearly, accounting for patients with chronic illnesses such as blood pressure, heart diseases, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
It is high time that we understand the underlying problems behind poor adherence to the medication regime and take measures to improve the medication success rates determined by patient adherence.
A data-driven approach to understanding the reasons behind low patient adherence reveals four significant factors that influence patient adherence to medication regimes. These factors include the type of disease, medicine administration process, economics of medication, and personal experience. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers can increase adherence rates and improve medication success rates.
Type of Disease: The severity and duration of the disease play a role in patient adherence. Patients may have different relationships with their medication plans based on the nature of their condition. For example, diseases like diabetes and cancer have higher adherence rates compared to conditions like asthma and hypertension. Healthcare providers should consider the disease severity when developing treatment plans and educating patients about the importance of adherence.
Medicine Administration Process: The method of medication administration also influences patient adherence. Injectable medications tend to have higher adherence rates, while oral and inhaled medications may have lower rates. Understanding the preferred administration method for each disease and patient population can help improve adherence. For instance, for diseases like asthma, alternative administration methods or additional support may be needed to increase adherence.
Economics of Medication: The economic aspect of medication plays a crucial role in patient adherence. Lack of affordable insurance coverage and the cost of medications can hinder adherence rates. Healthcare providers should be aware of the financial challenges patients may face and explore options to make medications more accessible and affordable. This may involve collaborating with insurance providers or offering assistance programs to support patients with chronic diseases.
Personal Experience: Patients' personal experiences with healthcare providers and treatment can significantly impact their adherence. Negative experiences may lead to a loss of interest in the treatment plan, particularly for long-term medication regimes. Healthcare providers should prioritize patient-centered care and take into account patients' unique experiences and beliefs when developing personalized treatment plans. Effective communication and understanding patient preferences can help improve adherence rates.
To increase adherence and medication success rates, healthcare providers can implement the following strategies:
Patient-Focused Treatment Plan: Develop treatment plans that are tailored to individual patients. A patient-centric approach that considers patients' challenges and preferences has been shown to improve adherence rates. Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for gathering necessary information and creating personalized treatment plans.
Use of Timely Medication Dispensers: Automated medicine dispensers can help patients remember their doses and improve adherence. These dispensers can be programmed to dispense pills and provide reminders through connected devices such as fitness watches or mobile phones. Electronic medication dispensers have been found to increase adherence rates by 22%. Consider partnering with companies like Coherence Health, which offers electronic medicine dispensers designed to address the challenges of following a long medication regime.
Public Awareness of Adherence: Increasing public awareness about the importance of patient adherence can positively impact adherence rates. Campaigns, public health messaging, and initiatives from both government and private institutions can help educate patients about the consequences of non-adherence. A well-informed patient is more likely to actively participate in their treatment plan and adhere to the prescribed medication regime.Today, only about 47% of patients know the consequences of non-adherence, and this number must increase to increase patient adherence.
Understanding Complex Problems: Patients with multiple chronic diseases may face complex treatment plans. Healthcare providers should strive to understand these complexities and develop curated medication regimes that address all the patient's conditions. By tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and considering the interplay between different diseases, adherence rates can be increased.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, addressing the factors that contribute to low patient adherence through a data-driven approach can improve adherence rates and medication success. By adopting patient-focused treatment plans, utilizing timely medication dispensers, increasing public awareness, and understanding complex problems, healthcare providers can enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Patients can also take an active role in their treatment by staying informed and working collaboratively with their healthcare providers.Coherence Health can help you get your medicine dispenser by connecting with us here.