Improving Medication Adherence: Key Stats and the Role of EHRs
Posted by 1st Providers Choice on
Did you know that according to the American Medical Association (AMA), patients don’t take their medications nearly half the time? Among patients receiving two treatments, 40% did not fill their prescriptions. This alarming statistic highlights a significant problem in healthcare: medication non-adherence.
Taking medications at the correct dosage is crucial for staying healthy, avoiding complications, and preventing unnecessary hospital visits. It can also save billions of dollars in healthcare costs every year.
Take a closer look at some key statistics about medication adherence and explore how electronic health records (EHRs) can help ensure patients stick to their treatment plans, improving medication adherence and health outcomes.
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The Scope of Medication Non-Adherence
Medication non-adherence is a widespread issue affecting millions of patients every year. More common than often realized, it can have severe consequences if left unaddressed or without the right software solutions.
Let’s examine the differences between patients who comply with their medication regimen and those who are least compliant.
Patients Skip Medications Half the Time
A staggering 40% of patients with chronic illnesses don’t take their medication, according to the AMA. This means half of the people who need regular medication to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are not following their treatment plans. The result? Increased hospital visits, more severe health issues, and higher medical costs.
Who is Most Likely to Adhere?
Adherence rates are highest among seniors over 65, who recognize the importance of their medications for maintaining their health. Additionally, individuals with higher education levels demonstrate better health literacy, which helps them understand and stick to their treatment plans.
Interestingly, nationwide studies found that redirecting personal spending from basic needs to healthcare was more common among younger and low-income individuals. This finding suggests that while older adults and the well-educated adhere better, specific demographics are making significant sacrifices to afford their medications, highlighting the need for more medication adherence strategies.
Who is Least Likely to Adhere?
National studies confirm that young adults and people with low socioeconomic status are less disposed to adhere to their medication regimen. Young adults often underestimate the importance of consistent medication, and those with limited financial resources struggle to afford their prescriptions.
In another study published in the Canadian Family Physician, researchers examined over 200,000 patients and 91,000 unique prescriptions. They found that overall non-adherence rates ranged from 13.7% for patients prescribed antidepressants to 30.3% for patients prescribed antihypertensive therapies. This demographic is particularly at risk for poor health outcomes due to non-adherence.
Understanding these patterns can assist healthcare providers in customizing their approaches to enhance medication adherence across various populations.
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Reasons for Medication Non-Adherence
Ever wonder why some people struggle to stick to their medication routines? Well, there are many reasons behind it, and they’re not always what you’d expect. Let’s take a peek:
Side Effects
Some patients fear the potential side effects more than the actual medical condition. For instance, a patient taking medication for hypertension might experience dizziness, leading them to skip doses. Additionally, patients may not always communicate these side effects to their providers, which prevents clinicians from making necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.
Cost of Medication
Money matters, especially when it comes to healthcare. Case in point: between 2022 and 2023, the prices of over 4,200 drug products went up, almost half soaring past the inflation rate. On average, each drug product saw a price hike of a whopping $590!
Accessibility Issues
Patients who have mobility issues may have trouble getting to the pharmacy. Factors like pharmacy distance can mess with adherence, making it a hassle for some people to pick up their meds regularly.
Patient Perceptions
Patient attitudes can also affect medication compliance. These attitudes may manifest as patients believing they can handle things independently or perceiving they do not need a particular medication, especially when they are not experiencing symptoms.
EHR Features that Improve Medication Adherence
Have you considered the potential for electronic health records to support your commitment to medication adherence? Let’s dive into the remarkable features that can truly make a difference in your patient’s medication regimen:
Automated Reminders/Alerts
Automated reminders help your patients never miss a dose. By customizing the alerts, you can connect your patients to food pantries and other assistance programs, which will help them sustain their basic needs while maintaining medication adherence.
Electronic Prior Authorization (EPA)
Given the critical time it takes to get patients to take their medication, minimizing delays is a priority. A built-in EPA feature is handy as it speeds up medication approvals by sending authorization requests electronically between providers and insurers.
Patient Education
Patient education features in EHRs allow you to share all the medication-related information with your patients efficiently. Knowing more about their meds and health can empower them to make better decisions and stick to the prescribed treatment plan.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)
Prescribing clinicians find it invaluable to have a complete picture of a patient’s medication history for safe prescribing practices. With the PDMP tool, which seamlessly integrates with state databases, healthcare providers can track controlled substance prescriptions in real-time. This capability enhances patient safety and empowers clinicians to make informed decisions about treatment plans.
Pharmacy Integration
One of the benefits of electronic health records is that it facilitates e-prescriptions and seamless integration with pharmacies. This streamlines the medication fulfillment process, making it easier and more convenient for patients to get their meds when necessary.
Patient Portals
Some patients probably wish they could access their health information and medication instructions anywhere. With patient portals, they can! These portals give them access to their health information and medication instructions anytime, anywhere. Your patients can stay informed and in control of their health at home or on the go.
Telehealth Integration
Patients often need to talk to their doctor about their meds but can’t reach the office. No problem! One of the advantages of EHR systems is that they allow virtual consultations so providers can address the patient’s medication concerns from the comfort of their homes.
Takeaway
Medication non-adherence affects millions, with patients not taking their medications as prescribed about half the time. While older adults and those with higher education levels tend to adhere better, specific demographics, like young adults and those with low socioeconomic status, face challenges.
The rising cost of medications, accessibility issues, and patient perceptions contribute to non-adherence. However, electronic health records enable strategies to improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Tap Into Our Expertise
Discover how EHRs from 1st Providers Choice can revolutionize your practice. With over 40 years of experience and 5-star ratings on trusted review sites like Capterra, we offer tailored solutions to boost medication adherence and improve patient experience.
With 1st Providers Choice, you can choose as many features as your clinic needs—including automated reminders, patient education, medication tracking, pharmacy integration, patient portals, and telehealth modules.
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