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E-prescribing improves medication adherence, study finds
02.03.2012
Poor medication adherence is a problem that costs the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars each year and contributes to low-quality treatment outcomes. However, a new study suggests that doctors may be able to improve the odds of their patients picking up their medications from the pharmacy by using an e-prescribing system.For a number of different reasons, many patients resist filling their prescriptions. Cost is the biggest issue. Convenience is another, as many individuals are unwilling to drive across town to the pharmacy after their doctors appointment only to wait around for their prescription to be filled. Studies have shown that up to 50 percent of patients do not take their medications as prescribed and that the problem contributes to 125,000 premature deaths each year.
To assess the impact of e-prescribing on medication adherence, a team of researchers from Surescripts examined 40 million prescription records. The results showed that patients of doctors using e-prescribing systems were about 10 percent more likely to pick up their prescriptions than those using paper-based, phone or fax systems.
The researchers estimated that this could have a profound impact on lowering healthcare costs. By keeping patients healthier and avoid complications that stem from not taking medications correctly, the team projected that e-prescribing could save the U.S. between $140 and $240 billion over the next 10 years.
"In a huge study, they have shown a clear link between e-prescribing and first fill medication adherence. This speaks to the potential of technology to improve the efficacy of drug therapy, which ideally should promote better health outcomes and reduce costs," said Harvard Medical School professor William Shrank, in reference to the efforts of the researchers.
Categories: Patient Safety
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