Patients aren't Compliant - why?

"I get asked this question a lot!" (a quote from Craig Ferguson, TV's host of the Late,Late Show)
Most recently (today!) I was asked "...which chronic conditions are associated with the poorest compliance rates?" by a healthcare communications agency in the UK. Here's my reply:

I have no robust data, as requested, but compliance is pretty poor across the board. I've spent my entire pharmacy career trying to wrestle the compliance problem into submission. Frustratingly, the main barrier often comes from the patient himself. Few realize or will admit they're being noncompliant, so they don't seek ways to correct a problem they don't think they have! Denial is so much easier. Just ignore it and it will go away...

However, from my own personal experience, I'd have to say that diabetics face the most challenges with compliance. Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely becaus oebesity is out of control and has almost become a "growth industry".

These patients have "3 strikes against them" from the day they are diagnosed.

Strike 1 - Many diabetics are poorly educated, and probably never fully understand why all these things are necessary.
Strike 2 - Many have limited income, so they don't or can't eat properly.
Strike 3 - More importantly, their drug regimen can be very complicated and difficult to follow under the best of circumstances.

Sadly, many never fully grasp or accept the seriousness of their disease until it's too late., resulting in amputation of limbs, loss of eyesight, loss of kidney function... This disastrous list is nearly endless.

At OnTimeRx, we've focused on simplifying routines with reminders to enable organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients, and diabetics because it's very difficult for them to manage their complex drug regimens. Compliance is important for everyone, and even a slight improvement would save billions of dollars every year. Ultimately, patients would be able to stay healthier and have better treatment outcomes. Win-Win!

I invite everyone to test our software reminder solutions and even the automated email reminders available on our website. Reminders really do help as evidenced by our unsolicited User Testimonials.

Here's to your health!