Medication non-adherence is a serious, widespread issue that impacts clinical outcomes and contributes to rising healthcare costs. In fact, 20-30% of prescriptions written are never filled by patients and around half of all medications for chronic conditions are not taken as prescribed.1-2 As a result of this non-adherence, patients may experience preventable complications, disease progression, acute events and hospitalizations.
To better understand these challenges and work toward a solution, Avella, in partnership with the University of Arizona and the National Institute of Health (NIH), conducted a compelling research study that reveals the impact of specific medication adherence strategies in renal transplant recipients. View the findings from this clinical trial in our latest case study.
| Objective |
- Assess the effects of a behavioral contract on adherence
- Determine effects of intervention on direct healthcare utilization & costs
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| Hypothesis |
- Behavioral contracting and pharmacist interventions will enhance a renal transplant recipient’s engagement in their medication therapy
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| Conclusion |
- Study results found participants in the intervention group had a statistically significant improvement in adherence rates over patients in the control group, and were 78% more likely not to be hospitalized, saving $27,852/month in healthcare costs
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In addition, we've developed a variety of solutions to address key factors that contribute to non-adherence, including: forgetfulness, health literacy, adverse effects and cost. We offer extensive counseling to patients in order to identify and overcome any barriers to adherence. Our dedicated Prior Authorization and Funding teams work to speed the approval process of medications and secure financial assistance for our patients. Avella's adherence programs include:
- GlowCap prescription bottles for Novartis oncology medications. These easy-to-use devices provide sound and light notifications to alert patients that it's time to take their medication.
- Our mobile application sends refill reminders and allows users to conveniently refill prescriptions.
- Telephone or face-to-face counsels.
- Mid-therapy calls for select medications/disease states to address potential adverse effects or adherence issues.
- Wellness calls that include refill reminders.
View the findings from the latest case study to see how easy-to-employ adherence strategies result in significant improvements and decreased heathcare costs.
- Peterson AM, Takiya L, Finley R. Meta-analysis of trials of interventions to improve medication adherence. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2003;60:657-65. [PMID: 12701547]
- Haynes RB, Ackloo E, Sahota N, McDonald HP, Yao X. Interventions for enhancing medication adherence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008: CD000011. [PMID: 18425859]