Medication non-adherence is a crucial problem in the United States. Almost 30% to 50% of US adults do not take their long-term medications as prescribed. This can lead to approximately $100 billion in preventable costs yearly. A CDC report revealed that medication adherence can improve clinical outcome levels and reduce mortality for patients having chronic conditions.
Reasons for Medication Non-adherence
The common reasons why patients don’t take their medications are listed below. Non-adherence is intentional and based on an individual’s knowledge and perceptions.
- Fear is the prime reason for medication non-adherence. Patients can be scared of the long-term side effects of medication intake.
- Taking medication for a long period may not be affordable for an individual.
- When a patient has to take too many medications then the probability of non-adherence is generally more.
- Patients who suffer from mental conditions like depression are less likely to take their pills on time.
How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology improve medication adherence?
AI has the potential to significantly improve medication adherence. Here are six ways that Artificial intelligence can help promote medication adherence:
- Reminders and Alerts: Automatic reminders and alerts can be sent to patients via AI-propelled solutions and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Software. Reminders can be in the form of text messages, phone calls, and mobile app usage. The timely reminders can assist patients to take their medications and combat the issue of non-adherence.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: To produce individualized treatment recommendations, Artificial Intelligence systems can examine patient data such as medical history, demographics, and lifestyle factors. AI can boost patient engagement and adherence by customizing medication regimens to each patient’s requirements.
- Intelligent Pill Dispensers: AI-powered pill dispensers can be set to distribute drugs at predetermined periods. These devices can monitor medication adherence, deliver reminders to patients, and even alert healthcare providers if problems emerge. Therefore, clinicians can intervene without delay.
- Smart Packaging: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology can help design intelligent medication packaging. Smart packaging can provide real-time feedback to patients. This helps patients to stay on track by taking their pills as prescribed.
- Behavioral Insights: Providers can leverage AI algorithms to assess patient behaviors and patterns that can lead to medication non-adherence. Once clinicians can understand behavioral insights they can address barriers to non-adherence and enhance medication adherence.
- Virtual Assistants and Chatbots: Virtual assistants and chatbots powered by AI can provide medication-related information, answer patient questions, and provide support. The bots can assist patients in learning about their prescriptions, providing dosing instructions, and addressing concerns.
Moving ahead
AI can unlock a treasure of data that can improve medication adherence and in return boost patient outcome levels. Artificial intelligence technologies should be integrated into a complete healthcare approach in which healthcare providers, pharmacists, and caregivers collaborate to help patients comply with their prescription regimens.
