What's Happening?
Pharmaceutical companies are being encouraged to leverage pharmacy-based engagement strategies to improve medication adherence among patients. Despite significant investments in direct-to-consumer marketing, adherence rates remain low, with over a quarter of prescriptions in the U.S. going unfilled. The pharmacy counter is identified as a critical point of care where personalized outreach can significantly influence patient treatment decisions. The industry is seeing a shift towards utilizing pharmacists to provide real-time care guidance and patient education, which has been shown to improve adherence rates. This approach is particularly important as independent pharmacies become more crucial in healthcare delivery, especially for underserved
populations.
Why It's Important?
Improving medication adherence is crucial for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. Non-adherence costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $300 billion annually. By engaging pharmacists more effectively, pharmaceutical companies can enhance patient trust and ensure that more patients follow through with their treatment plans. This strategy not only benefits patients but also strengthens the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, potentially leading to increased prescription fill rates and better health outcomes. As the healthcare landscape evolves with new therapies and treatments, the role of pharmacists in patient care is expected to grow, making this engagement strategy even more vital.
