Posted April 24, 2008
Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare: News
Helping Patients Improve Adherence, Maintain Wellness Activities
Three separate studies conducted by the Center for Connected Health suggest how available consumer technology — the telephone, a pager system and the
Internet — may help patients adhere to their prescribed medications and maintain an exercise regimen.
Results of a study featuring a reminder system to improve medication adherence, using an electronic pill bottle and desk lamp linked to a pager system, showed significant acceptance among participants. Following the study, 65% of participants reported that the technology was effective in improving their adherence.
"The time is now for healthcare institutions, employers and payers to incorporate connected health into their standard healthcare programs," Kvedar added. "The technologies are rapidly evolving, giving us increasingly consumer-friendly, simple and effective tools to deliver quality care outside of a medical setting. Patients and providers are also increasingly embracing connected health programs to improve care, communication and quality of life."
Other presentations by the Center for Connected Health included data on the growing application and acceptance of remote online consultations, increasing satisfaction for e-visits for the management of acne, and experiences with distance education programs.
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