Med-Q smart pill box with alarms offers up this advice for the challenges associated with medication adherence. First, the goal was to expose challenges associated trying to stay medically adherent. Second, non adherence can lead to bad health. The Med-Q smart pillbox with alarm and timer helps to move the needle toward greater medication adherence.l 

3 Parts of Adherence: Initiation, Implementation, Discontinuation

First of all, there are three parts to medication adherence. Each of the 3 points must be followed. Hence, mistakes in adherence can cause a major break down. The first process is called initiation. First example, this is when the patient takes the first pill. Second, this process is implementation.   Hence, how well the patient’s is actual taking their pills and supplements.

For example, if they are taking the medication as directed by their health care professional. Finally, the last process is known as discontinuation.  This is when the patient stops taking the medication. Furthermore, stopping the meds either with or without approval of their doctor or PA. First of all, medication adherence is looked at according to this taxonomy. Finally, one is able to take into account factors that influence how patients will or will not take medications as directed.

 

Med-Q shows some of the Factors that Contribute to Medication Non Adherence

Medication adherence is affected by lots of different issues and factors.

For example, social and economic factors. In addition, the patient’s mental perceptions as well as personal motivation levels. Another example, physical/cognitive impairment (ex. Alzheimer’s or Dementia ). Others will include, specific issues related medication therapy as well as the medical condition that is being treated. Finally, even the health care system in which the person seeks care has a big impact. There are proven tools and strategies to promote optimal medication adherence. For example, Med-Q smart pill box with alarm and timer. Note,  each patient and situation is unique. Therefore, needs specific attention.

The effect of Social and Economic Factors

Social and economic factors weigh heavily on medication compliance. For example. living in poverty. The lack of money means no pill box reminder. No smart[pill box reminder with alarm means more mistakes. Another example, the transportation challenges of getting to the doctor. Furthermore, high medication costs coupled with inadequate insurance. Finally, lack of money and the ability to pay is also one of the  drivers of medication compliance.

The effects of Patient-Related Factors

Common factors that impact the ability to use medication are not rare. For example, simply forgetting is the #1 problem. A close second, personal beliefs about what the medications are capable of doing. Third, a lack of health literacy and basic knowledge. Medication labels are very confusing. Again, the instructions such as “Take 1 pill by mouth every 12 hours” or “Take 1 tablet orally, twice a day,” which describe the same exact dosing info. This leads to more medication errors. Again, a smart pill box with alarms and timers can solve this one problem.

Improving Adherence with a smart pill box with alarms

In short,  reading prescription labels is particularly challenging for the approximately 70 plus Americans men and women that have basic health literacy. Coupling low health literacy with poorly standardized medication labels produces a recipe for disaster. To sum up, these can create sub-optimal adherence. Again, a smart pill box with alarms can solve the ;problems.

There is no easy answer to improve medication adherence. However, combining approaches with caregiver help and medication reminders have been shown to help. To sum up, try to tailor the patient’s specific adherence barriers or challenges. Finally, equip the patients with the understanding and medication compliance tools that they need.