The Issue of Medication Nonadherence

Introduction

The article by Gliadkovskaya (2023) highlights the limitations of the current healthcare system in effectively tracking medication adherence, a shortcoming that the CEO of Assure Health, Jeffrey Nadel, describes as "flying blind" when it comes to making sure patients are doing what they are supposed to be doing (Gliadkovskaya, 2023). However, the emergence of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM), which is a mechanism that uses medical devices to monitor patient responses to treatment through non-physiological data, suggests that a possible solution is at hand

RTM provides actionable insights that can enhance diagnostic accuracy and targeted interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing costs (Axelrad et al., 2022). Yet, in spite of a potential embrace of this new technology by the healthcare industry, the shift towards home-based care also brings its challenges, such as the risk of medication nonadherence. Thus, this subject is of considerable importance. In Gliadkovskayas article it is revealed that survey panelists emphasized the importance of adherence, especially in home-based care, to insurers. However, they noted that current federal value-based programs lack sufficient incentives for adopting this technology, representing a missed opportunity. There were also expressed concerns about creating further fragmentation in patient care, emphasizing the need for technology to augment, not replace, primary care providers.

The Gliadkovskaya (2023) article also explores how a human touch, alongside technology, can improve patient engagement, particularly with senior patients. In the article, panelists discussed the transition to value-based care and the necessary policies to promote the adoption of RTM, emphasizing the need for more data to guide future decisions and applications.

Rationale for Choosing the Topic

Medication nonadherence is an important issue in contemporary healthcare (Pina et al., 2021). With the prevalence of chronic diseases necessitating long-term medication regimes and the universal shift towards value-based care, the importance of adherence becomes more pronounced. Inefficiencies and gaps in current adherence monitoring have serious clinical implications and lead to substantial financial burdens on the healthcare system (Pina et al., 2021). The introduction of RTM provides a potential solution, however, and its intersection with adherence presents a new avenue for improving patient outcomes and healthcare economics (Gliadkovskaya, 2023). Therefore, the chosen topic is not only relevant but also instrumental in understanding future healthcare trends.

Potential Impact on Practice

Positive Impact

RTM can significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring effective monitoring of medication adherence, translating into more effective treatment outcomes (Mosnaim et al., 2022). This advanced technology could lead to a considerable reduction in healthcare costs by minimizing avoidable hospitalizations and managing disease complications efficiently. In this way it can be a big help to patients.

Furthermore, RTM can provide valuable data in near-real-time, allowing healthcare providers to make informed, proactive decisions regarding patient health. The integration of care can also be optimized with RTM, leading to personalized, comprehensive, and coordinated care. For example, suppose a patient with a chronic condition such as hypertension is prescribed a new medication. Without RTM, healthcare providers would have to rely on the patient's self-reported data about their symptoms, side effects, and their overall response to the medication, often collected weeks or months later during a follow-up appointment. This information might not be entirely accurate due to human errors, memory recall issues, or even non-disclosure.

But with RTM, the patient's response to the medication can be monitored in near-real-time using medical devices. For instance, a connected blood pressure monitor can track the patient's blood pressure readings throughout the day and instantly transmit this data to the healthcare provider (Omboni et al., 2020). This data can give extra insights into how the patient's body is responding to the new medication. If the readings suggest that the patient's blood pressure is not being adequately controlled, the...

Integration of RTM technologies into existing healthcare systems is also not a straightforward plug-and-play process. It requires a deep understanding of the existing systems, including Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and how they interact. It's crucial to ensure that the new technologies can communicate effectively with existing systems, and that they comply with healthcare data standards and protocols such as HL7 (Health Level Seven) or FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources). These standards facilitate the exchange, integration, and interpretation of health data among different systems, ensuring seamless integration of RTM technologies.

Recommendations for the Future

To optimize the benefits of RTM, several steps should be taken. Firstly, regulatory bodies should focus on creating and revising policies that incentivize the use of RTM, ensuring providers receive adequate reimbursement. Secondly, there's a need for increased training and education in digital literacy for both healthcare providers and patients, with an emphasis on accommodating elderly patients who may be less comfortable with technology. Further research should be conducted to conclusively determine the effectiveness of RTM in improving medication adherence and patient outcomes. Data security measures should be robustly implemented to protect patient privacy. Lastly, ensuring interoperability between RTM systems and existing Electronic Health Record systems is vital for seamless integration into the current healthcare workflow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of Remote Therapeutic Monitoring holds significant potential in addressing the widespread issue of medication nonadherence. This topic underscores the transformative potential of informatics in healthcare, offering innovative solutions to persistent challenges. The future of RTM will be shaped by ongoing research, policy adjustments, and advancements in digital literacy and data security. Despite potential hurdles, the integration of RTM promises a more responsive, data-driven, and patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery. Ultimately, the use of informatics in the context of RTM is aimed at improving patient care. With the data provided by RTM, healthcare providers can move…