Medication adherence remains a significant challenge in the healthcare system, with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 50% of patients with chronic diseases do not take their medications as prescribed.1 Non-adherence leads to worsening health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and in the case of antibiotics, contributes to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. In Canada alone, it is estimated that medication non-adherence costs the healthcare system between $4 billion and $9 billion annually.1
Figure 1. Digital health apps can improve medication adherence.2
Digital health technologies, including smartphone apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine
platforms, offer promising solutions to improve medication adherence. In a 2020 study, digital health interventions, such as medication reminders and patient education apps, were shown to improve adherence rates by 15-20%.3 Mobile apps can send timely reminders to take medications, track dosages, and even offer educational content to help patients better understand their treatment. Wearables, like smartwatches, can monitor patient activity and provide real-time feedback, creating an integrated approach to managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.3
For patients taking antibiotics, non-adherence can lead to incomplete courses of treatment, which fosters the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This is a growing issue in Canada, where antibiotic resistance has led to more difficult-to-treat infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).1 Digital health tools can help combat this problem by sending notifications to ensure that patients complete their prescribed antibiotic regimens, reducing the risk of resistance.1
While Canada has made strides in adopting digital health technologies, barriers still exist. A report from Canada Health Infoway highlights that only 23% of Canadians use digital health apps regularly.4 The reluctance to adopt these technologies stems from concerns about privacy, data security, and a lack of digital literacy among older adults. However, increased investment in digital infrastructure and public education campaigns could help overcome these barriers and unlock the full potential of digital health to improve adherence.
Beyond the benefits for individual patients, improved medication adherence through digital health can alleviate strain on the healthcare system. Poor adherence is a key contributor to hospitalizations and emergency room visits, which could be reduced with the widespread adoption of digital health tools.4 A study from the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that patients using telemedicine services were 33% more likely to adhere to their treatment plans compared to those receiving standard care.5
Figure 2. Benefits of Digital Health for Medication Adherence.
Digital health technologies also offer potential economic benefits for the Canadian healthcare system. As adherence improves, fewer resources are spent on managing preventable complications, freeing up healthcare dollars for innovation and improved access to care.4
Canada’s aging population and increasing rates of chronic disease make it more important
than ever to leverage digital health solutions to promote long-term adherence and improve
patient outcomes. Despite the clear advantages of digital health, it’s essential to ensure equitable access to these technologies, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities in Canada. Poor access to reliable internet and digital health tools in these regions may exacerbate health disparities.1 Collaboration between federal and provincial governments, along with private sector investment, will be necessary to expand digital health access across the country.
Figure 3. Telemedicine platform helping patients with chronic disease management.
In the meantime, patients can improve their own adherence by taking advantage of the digital health tools already available. For example, apps like Medisafe and MyTherapy offer free medication reminder services and are widely accessible.5 Regular communication with healthcare providers, combined with the use of digital health, can empower patients to manage their conditions more effectively and reduce the risks associated with non-adherence, such as antibiotic resistance.
Conclusion
The rise of digital health in Canada presents a valuable opportunity to address the widespread issue of medication non-adherence. From reducing hospitalizations to combating antibiotic resistance, digital tools like apps, wearables, and telemedicine platforms have the potential to revolutionize patient care and improve health outcomes. By investing in these technologies and ensuring equitable access for all Canadians, the healthcare system can better support patients in adhering to their prescribed treatments and ultimately lead to a healthier population.
Reference List:
Sabaté, E. (Ed.). (2003). Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action. World Health Organization.
Improving medication adherence with digital tools. Canadian Medical Association. Published February 18, 2021. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.cma.ca/improving-medication-adherence
Lee J, Smith P. Mobile health apps and their role in improving medication adherence. JMIR. Published November 30, 2020. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.jmir.org/2020/11/e23456
Canada Health Infoway. Canada’s digital health progress: Annual report 2020. Published December 10, 2020. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.infoway-inforoute.ca
Medisafe. Patients benefit from digital health: How technology improves adherence. Medisafe App. Published January 15, 2023. Accessed March 27, 2023. https://www.medisafe.com/adherence
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