As of June 2020, more than 14 million Americans are unemployed due to COVID-19. With this devastation comes a myriad of challenges, including for many a loss of health insurance. Coupled with financial insecurity and increased anxiety, people are forced to make difficult choices. Paying for medication may, unfortunately, fall behind other necessities for some patients.
Medication adherence can be harmful to any patient; however, it is particularly problematic for those with multiple chronic conditions who are at high-risk for adverse health outcomes. To improve medication adherence, medical practices and practice managers can increase engagement with patients.
Talk about medication adherence with patients.
Simply talking about whether and how patients take their medications can open up an entire conversation regarding patient-specific barriers and challenges. Keep in mind it is not only what a physician or other provider says but how they say it. Strive for empathy. Acknowledge that many patients struggle with taking their medications as prescribed. Help patients open up about their own unique challenges and then help get them back on track for success. Remember: Providers cannot fix a problem if they do not know about it.
Work with your life science connections.
Life science experts not only possesses a wealth of knowledge about new and emerging treatments—they can also share information on specific PAPs, drug discount programs, or clinical trials.
Point patients toward prescription delivery services.
In times of social distancing, patients may not take their medications simply because they do not want to go to the pharmacy out of fear of being exposed to the virus. Fortunately, many pharmacies and home delivery services offer fast and even free delivery services so patients can get the medications they need. Amazon’s PillPack, for example, not only delivers medications right to one’s doorstep—it even packages daily medications so patients do not need to sort or count pills. Encourage patients to sign up for this type of service if they are unable or unwilling to venture outside of their homes during COVID-19.
Encourage patients to ask their pharmacists for an extended-day supply.
Many pharmacies offer a 90-days supply of maintenance medication prescriptions and may even waive early refill limits on 30-days prescription maintenance medications. The fewer trips patients need to make to the pharmacy, the better.
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