Connected Technology Improves Medication Adherence According to New Study from Philips

AMSTERDAM (June 1, 2016)—Royal Philips today announced new study results demonstrating the use of a connected medication dispensing technology can greatly benefit patients with chronic conditions, helping them better comply with long-term therapy. Over the span of one year, user data from more than 1,300 patients in the Netherlands was analyzed, showing 96 percent of patients using Philips Medido, a connected medication dispensing solution, were adherent to their medication schedule. Data from the study also showed that patients using Medido stayed adherent to long-term therapy over time, showing little or no change in adherence over the course of the year.

Successful treatment with prescription medication requires consistent use over time. Studies have shown that during the treatment of chronic illnesses approximately 50 percent of patients do not adhere to their physician’s long-term therapy recommendations. While patients rely on their medications to keep them healthy and help them manage chronic conditions, complex medication schedules can often lead to mistakes, such as missed doses, incorrect amounts, or taking medications at the wrong time. Through a connected medication dispensing solution like Medido, patients living with chronic conditions can better manage their medication schedules, resulting in higher medication adherence and reduced costs of care.

“Proper medication adherence is such a crucial part to managing a chronic illness, and yet the more complicated a patient’s care plan, the harder it can be to keep track of pills, doses, and the times they need to take their medication,” said Kimberly O’Loughlin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Home Monitoring, Philips. “By providing patients and caregivers with a solution that simplifies this part of the care process, they’re able to feel more independent and secure in their care, and feel more confident aging in the comfort of their own homes.”

The study looked into 881,000 medication moments of 1,379 patients in the Netherlands who on average took three doses per day. Key data and findings from the study include:

• 96 percent of patients using Medido had a medication adherence rate over the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard of 80 percent.
• Patients who required two or more medication doses per day maintained an adherence rate at around 94 percent with Medido.
• Medication adherence remained consistent over time, with no significant differences during the yearlong study.

In addition to improving medication adherence, connected technology solutions can have a significant economic impact. Earlier study findings conclude that an estimated costs saving of up to 40 percent per patient could be achieved for specific groups of patients when connected dispensing solutions are part of the patient’s regimen.

Philips Medido is an innovative home medication dispensing service designed to support chronically ill patients and care providers. When the patient’s scheduled medication time arrives, the dispenser automatically reminds them, ensures that the correct medication is being released at the correct time and then releases and opens individual pouches according to the patient’s prescribed regimen. The solution monitors removing medication from the dispenser and remotely alerts nursing staff when medication is not taken from the device, helping to streamline the normally time-consuming task of medication management and allowing them to focus on additional care issues.

Medido is currently available in the Netherlands, with additional launches expected in the U.S. and Europe later this year. For more than 40 years, Philips has been a leader in connected home health solutions with its Lifeline business, helping seniors live more safely and independently.

Find the full study here.

Visit usa.philips.com for more information.