Technology’s role in medication adherence a win-win for both primary care providers and patients

Technology's role in adherence: ©Perfect Lab - stock.adobe.com

In the rapidly evolving landscape of health care, technology is becoming a game-changer, offering new ways to tackle enduring challenges. One of the most pressing issues for primary care providers is ensuring that patients adhere to their prescribed medication regimens.

For any patient dealing with illness, whether acute or chronic, taking medications as directed is essential to achieving the best health outcomes. Yet, it’s alarming that fewer than half of all patients stick to their prescribed medication schedules. This widespread non-adherence results in over 200,000 preventable deaths each year and costs the health care system a staggering $300 billion annually not to mention some $25B paid in readmission penalties by almost half of all U.S. physicians annually.

The barriers to proper adherence are diverse, including forgetfulness, confusion about medication types, financial constraints, and the misconception that treatment can be discontinued when symptoms improve.

Thankfully, advancements in technology are making a significant impact on this issue, offering tools that enhance medication adherence, improve patient outcomes and streamline the health care system.

Enhancing patient health through technology

The challenge of medication non-adherence leads to poorer health outcomes and escalates health care costs. However, new technological innovations are making it easier for patients to follow their prescribed medication regimens, thereby improving their overall health. For example, smart pill bottles with built-in sensors can send reminders to patients’ smartphones, prompting them to take their medication. This type of technology is crucial for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, where consistent medication adherence is key.

Streamlining medication management

Advances in technology have simplified the way patients manage their medications. Mobile apps designed for medication management offer patients tools to schedule their doses, receive reminders and track their adherence. These apps often include additional features like medication databases, dose calculators and interaction checkers, which help patients better understand their treatment plans and stick to them.

Furthermore, connectivity is a significant benefit. Telehealth platforms facilitate real-time communication between patients, pharmacies and health care providers. This allows patients to quickly report adherence, side effects or other concerns directly to their primary care provider, who can then provide immediate advice. This continuous support helps patients feel more confident and engaged with their treatment plans.

Reducing medication-related errors and anxiety

For patients, particularly those on multiple medications or older adults, confusion over dosages and timing is a common issue that can lead to non-adherence. Technology helps to minimize these risks by providing clear, concise instructions. Smart medication dispensers, for example, are designed to dispense the correct dose at the appropriate time, reducing the likelihood of mistakes. These devices also offer visual and auditory reminders, ensuring patients stay on track with their medication schedules. Additionally, for devices that are networked, turning off the reminder alarm and forgetting to take medication is avoided.

Moreover, the ability to monitor and track medication intake provides reassurance for both patients and their caregivers. Notifications can be sent if a dose is missed, allowing for timely intervention. This capability is especially valuable for caregivers of elderly or chronically ill patients, offering peace of mind and reducing the stress associated with managing complex medication regimens.

Financial benefits for primary care practices

Adopting technology to improve medication adherence can also create new revenue opportunities for primary care practices. Telehealth consultations, remote monitoring services and personalized digital health solutions are services that can be billed to Medicare, providing financial incentives for health care providers to incorporate these technologies into their practices. This not only enhances patient care but also contributes to the financial health of the practice.

Creating a more effective health care system

The broad implementation of technology to support medication adherence has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of the health care system. By reducing medication non-adherence, we can lower the rates of hospital readmissions, emergency room visits and complications from untreated conditions. This leads to better patient outcomes and less strain on health care resources.

Additionally, digital health records and medication tracking systems help reduce the administrative burden on health care professionals, allowing them to dedicate more time to direct patient care. Much of a practice’s administrative time is spent on tasks related to medication management and adherence, which are often not billable. Furthermore, data collected from adherence technologies can be used to identify trends, predict potential problems and develop targeted interventions, making health care delivery more efficient and effective.

The takeaway

As health care continues to embrace digital innovation, it’s clear that technology will play an increasingly vital role in patient care. Just as electronic medical records have become standard practice, the integration of technology into medication adherence is rapidly becoming a crucial component of health care. These advancements are proving invaluable in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support.

For primary care providers, adopting these technological solutions not only leads to better patient outcomes but also enhances the efficiency and financial viability of their practices. As technology continues to evolve, its role in promoting medication adherence will only become more integral to delivering high-quality patient care.

Justin Monger is the Founder and CEO of MedSure Systems, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive medication management system designed to alleviate the low med compliance challenge.