Did you know that taking prescribed medications is one of the most important factors in chronic disease management? If you don't take your medications as prescribed, you can't expect to get the best results from your treatment plan. Studies show that 50% of people with a chronic illness don’t take their medications regularly. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of taking medications, common reasons people don’t take them, and the most effective ways to make sure you take your medications consistently.
In the medical field someone not taking their medications exactly as prescribed is referred to as non-compliance or non-adherence. Not taking medications as prescribed reduces the effectiveness of the treatment for the management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. One review found that people with diabetes and heart disease who do not take their medications regularly are twice as likely to die from complications of these conditions. The scope of this problem is wide in the U.S., with poor medication adherence costing $100 billion a year in preventable hospitalizations and complications.
For someone who doesn’t have to take medications regularly to maintain their health the solution may seem simple: just take your medications. However, there are a variety of causes behind someone not taking their medication as prescribed. The most common reason is that patients forget to take their pills or aren’t aware of how they should be taking them. Other reasons could include unpleasant side effects, high cost, or difficulty navigating the system to get refills in a timely manner.
Fortunately, there are several interventions that can help improve medication compliance. One of the most effective is professional medication management. An RN Care Manager can provide medication management services that help make it easier for you to take your medications as prescribed, resulting in better health outcomes. These services include filling your medication organizer, providing education about your medications, and coordinating with your provider and pharmacy for refills. You and your RN Care Manager work together to identify which interventions will be most effective in helping you with taking your medications. Your RN Care Manager can even review common side effects and interactions to make sure you are satisfied with your treatment plan.
The cost of professional medication management may seem high at first, but it is well worth the benefits you gain in terms of health and quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with managing a chronic condition in Gainesville, Florida reach out to our RN Care Managers here at Integrative Care Services. Don’t let difficulty with medication adherence be the reason you aren’t living your life to the fullest.
Do you have any questions about medication management and adherence? Let us know in the comments below! We hope this post has helped to educate and empower you to take control of your health. Happy healing!