MEDICATION
challenge. Some pharmacists, GPs and care agencies are still not aware of the aides which are now widely available to patients.
There are currently six million patients in the UK that take four or more medications, and around 200,000 patients in the UK require support to take their medication correctly — above and beyond existing adherence systems.
The Future Of Adherence Adherence packs were fi rst introduced in the UK some 30 years ago, so what can be done now to improve adherence rates? Given the advancement of technology in recent years, the outlook is brighter for patients with adherence issues. As an example, MTS Technologies® is planning to trial a ‘Clever Card’ prototype with two health care providers within the next six months. It is hoped that following a successful trial phase, the product can be launched and rolled-out to health authorities, pharmacies and care agencies.
The ‘Clever Card’ uses technology to prompt and record medication adherence. Once a blister is opened, a message is sent to a cloud-based system that notifi es carers and/or
pharmacists that the medication has been taken. This information can then be passed on to a nominated family member. Tailored to each patient, care agency or NHS organisation, messages can be sent to customers via a series of different channels e.g. text message, phone call or face-to-face.
and care agencies are still not aware of the aides which are now widely available to patients.
This approach also encourages more able patients to become involved in monitoring and assessing their own medication administration. Several studies in the US have shown that patients who track their medication administration steadily become more compliant with the required regimen.
So, what would this mean for patients with Type 2 diabetes? The improved ways of working could lead to signifi cant health benefi ts, including better control of blood pressure
Some pharmacists, GPs
and blood glucose levels, as people would be more likely to take critical medicines, at the right dose and at the right time.
While the introduction of a ‘Clever Card’ could signifi cantly improve the health outcome for a wide number of patients, in order to make a real difference, the healthcare community must come together and recognise that there are solutions to non- adherence available for patients.
The problem of medication non-adherence requires a multi- faceted approach to address patient behaviours, attitudes and other barriers. MTS Medication Technologies®
is launching a campaign
this month entitled ‘Adherence, Let’s Take Care Of It’ to help push adherence to the top of the health agenda.
After all, given that we live in an age where medication can signifi cantly improve, prolong or even save lives, why are we still grappling with helping patients to take the right medication or dose at the right time?
www.letstakecareofi
t.com
Patients who track their medication administration steadily become more compliant with the required regimen.
twitter.com/TomorrowsCare
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