The use of an automated point-of-care medication delivery system that dispenses labeled medications when ordered by physicians increases both medication adherence and patient satisfaction, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Managed Care.
For the two-year clinical study, researchers analyzed data on 800 diabetic Medicare members in South Florida. Among the participants, medication adherence rates jumped from 17 to 29 percent for hypertension, statins and antidiabetic medication when patients were given prescription medications at the point of care at the behest of a physician. The point-of-care delivery system was also associated with higher rates of satisfaction, with 80 percent of participants reporting the physician-led delivery system to be more convenient than traditional retail pharmacies.
"The medical community has long known that lack of medication adherence increases morbidity and mortality in ways that also create up to $170 billion in additional medical expenses each year," said Jessica Chen, MD, chief quality officer for ChenMed, a U.S. leader in providing affordable care and superior medical experience to seniors. "We strongly favor having our physicians investing the time needed to truly nurture relationships with patients, including real-time discussion of each and every prescribed medication."
More articles on quality:
In South Dakota, state-run mental health hospital operates without accreditation
Majority of Americans say they'd participate in Alzheimer's trial, yet enrollment numbers remain low
Many elderly patients receive, use medications inappropriately