There’s no shortage of research to figure out the keys to solving the mystery of medication adherence. With as many as 50 percent of patients not taking their medication as directed, it’s a costly problem that can produce complications leading to increased healthcare costs. Some researchers have found that financial incentives can make a difference. Other employer wellness tools, such as StickK use charity donations and other incentives if participants meet their wellness goals.
Janssen’s update of its medication reminder app Care4Today includes a charity donation as a an incentive for users to take their medication on time. Here’s how its mobile health app works. Users can select a charity that will receive a 5 cent donation from Janssen Healthcare Innovation for each day through May 17, 2014 they indicate they have taken all of their medications on time. AIDS United, American Diabetes Association and Save the Children are among the charities taking part so far. Janssen has committed a minimum donation of $20,000 to each of them.
In another new component users can see their adherence record in a chart form to give them a better perspective of their doses. They can also share that information with their healthcare provider or caretaker. Additionally uses can set up reminders for any prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, nutritional supplement or other activities. Each reminder message prompts a response that’s recorded in the adherence report.
Other pharmaceutical companies are keen to develop adherence solutions too. Last year Merck initiated a collaboration with Geisinger Health System to develop adherence tools. Sanofi has used crowdsourcing to develop adherence apps for diabetes.
