Non-compliance with taking medication prescribed by a doctor is becoming an increasing burden on the NHS. Medication Reminders help patients remember to take the prescribed medication correctly, at the right times, and also increases the likelihood the patient will complete the course of medication.
The WHO estimates that 50 per cent of patients in developed countries fail to comply with their drug treatment which results in a considerable waste of pharmaceutical expenditure. It also contributes to a worsening in the health of the patient, increasing costs for the NHS and other healthcare bodies.
The Global Initiative for Asthma have concluded improvements in medication compliance could reduce the total medical costs associated with asthma by 45%.
Diminishing Treatment Effectiveness
There is considerable evidence that medication non-compliance is lessening the effectiveness of antibiotics. This in turn builds resistance to the medication and reduces available treatments for infections. Counteracting this effect is an increasing cost for the medical industry and consequently the consumer and tax payer.
Pharmaceutical Medication Reminders
Surgery Connect Medication Reminders not only remind patients when their medication needs to be taken but can also provide motivation by reminding the patient of the benefits of the treatment. Instructions for taking the medication, completing the course and renewing the prescription if necessary can also be included.
Affirmative reminders have proven to be effective in motivating patients in maintaining prescribed medication, thereby reducing healthcare costs and maximizing pharmaceutical company revenues.
Patient Feedback
Reminders can include the option to respond, for example where mental patients are on probationary release from an institution and need to confirm they have taken their medication as a condition for release.
Self monitoring and reporting is another facility provided by reminders. such as blood pressure readings. Patients involved in chronic disease management can report their activities without having to phone the practice or hospital.
Patient Medication Reviews
Reminders can also be used to request patients attend a review of their medication as part of evaluation of efficacy and suitability. Pharmaceutical companies may wish to be involved in medication reviews to assist in their own evaluation.
Medication Non-Compliance Solution
The increasing pharmaceutical treatments available are creating a growing drain on the health system as more patients become involved in treatment regimes. Mobile technology is providing Health Authorities an opportunity to mitigate the additional costs associated with medication non-compliance. Surgery Connect Medication Reminders offer a simple but extremely cost effective solution to the problem of medication non-compliance.
Surgery Connect Medication Reminder Uses:
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Medication Compliance Reminders |
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Medication Instructions |
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Compliance and Treatment Motivation |
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Prescription Renewal |
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Patient Feedback |
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Health Advice |