Medication Non-Adherence. Whats the Real cost?
Staying on top of complex medication schedules can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially tough for those with chronic illness. And it’s estimated that 50% of these individuals will miss doses at some point. This is known as medication non-adherence, and it can have serious consequences, both financially and for quality of life.
The Cost of Non-Adherence
In 2017, researchers conducted a review to estimate the cost of medication non-compliance per patient per year. They looked at various countries and illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, and mental health.
All the studies took into account the direct and indirect costs to the patient and healthcare system. However, many of these studies failed to consider the costs to the community and families affected by chronic illness.
Medication non-adherence across hypertension, dyslipidemia and depression costs $10.4 billion annually, significantly contributing to avoidable health care costs in Australia. It’s not just about the money, though. Approximately 10% of all hospital visits in older adults are due to missed medications, putting even more strain on an already taxed healthcare system. Moreover, missing medications can lead to flare-ups of symptoms and set back recovery, lowering patients’ quality of life.
The Importance of Quality of Life
No one wants to visit the emergency room due to mix-ups with their medications or forgetful refills. This can be especially stressful for those with chronic illness. Missing doses can lead to flare-ups of symptoms, further compromising quality of life.
The Role of Healthcare Providers
Healthcare systems around the world continue to struggle with limited resources, and medication is often a first-line treatment for those with chronic illness. However, keeping up with complex medication schedules can be difficult.
The Webster Pack Alternative: SimpleDose
SimpleDose offers a unique solution with its simplified packaging, making it easier for those with chronic illness to manage their medications. By streamlining the packaging process, we can reduce medication non-adherence caused by confusing schedules or forgotten doses.
Helping with online scripts (eScripts) and shipping straight to your door to provide automatic refills, SimpleDose can help ensure you never miss a dose again. Plus, our pill organiser makes it easy to stay on track. If you or a loved one could benefit from this service, check us out at www.simpledose.com.au.