Improving medication adherence is a major challenge in healthcare. Case managers play a critical role in bridging the gap between prescribed medications and patients actually taking them as directed. This blog highlights practical, evidence-based techniques to enhance adherence, focused on patient education and behavioral support.
1. Why Medication Adherence Matters
- Only 50% of patients with chronic illness follow their medication plans. This leads to treatment failure, hospitalizations, and preventable costs of $100–300 billion annually in the U.S. (AAFP).
- Non-adherence is linked to 125,000 deaths each year (Dialog Health).
As trusted patient advocates, case managers are uniquely positioned to improve these outcomes through tailored support and innovative tools.
2. Identify Barriers to Adherence
Patients may skip doses for many reasons:
- Unintentional barriers: Forgetfulness, complex schedules, or unclear instructions.
- Intentional barriers: High costs, fear of side effects, or doubts about effectiveness.
According to the CDC, effective adherence strategies must consider these challenges and offer personalized solutions (CDC).
3. Simplify and Support
- Simplify regimens by consolidating medications into once-daily doses where possible (JAMA).
- Provide tools like pillboxes, blister packs, and reminder systems to help patients stay on track (CDC).
- Recommend digital solutions, such as mobile apps, that alert patients about upcoming doses.
4. Educate and Empower Patients
Clear education can change behavior:
- Use plain language to explain why each medication matters and what benefits to expect.
- Provide printed instructions, videos, and demonstrations for patients with different learning styles (US Pharmacist).
- Encourage questions and involve caregivers for additional support.
5. Apply Behavioral Techniques
- Use motivational interviewing to explore patient concerns and increase their confidence in following treatment plans (JAMA).
- Help patients set realistic goals and build routines, making medication-taking a habit.
- Implement behavioral contracts or self-monitoring tools to strengthen accountability.
6. Collaborate and Follow Up
Case managers can collaborate with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to:
- Conduct medication reviews.
- Provide regular check-ins to monitor progress and troubleshoot barriers.
- Offer refill reminders and assistance navigating prescription coverage.
Regular support has been shown to significantly improve adherence rates (CDC).
How MedScope Supports Medication Adherence
At MedScope, we understand how critical it is to keep patients engaged in their care. Our Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and remote monitoring solutions are designed to:
- Provide 24/7 access to help in case of medication-related emergencies.
- Offer check-ins and reminders, supporting patients with complex medication schedules.
- Enable case managers to stay connected and intervene early when adherence issues arise.
By integrating MedScope’s tools into care plans, case managers can help patients maintain independence while improving health outcomes.
Help Your Patients Stay on Track
Improving medication adherence takes education, behavioral support, and the right technology. MedScope’s solutions make it easier for case managers to monitor patients and provide consistent care.
Learn how MedScope can support your patients and care team. Request more information here.