Adherence refers to the extent to which patients take their medications as prescribed and is an imperative component for improved health outcomes and preventing complications. Proper adherence ensures that patients receive the full therapeutic benefit of their treatments. This is especially important for chronic conditions and complex treatments such as injectable or infusion therapies, where consistency is key to managing the disease effectively.
Non-adherence can lead to worsening of the condition, unnecessary complications, and even hospitalizations, which can be more costly and burdensome for both patients and the healthcare system. When done well, adherence support can eventually reduce long-term healthcare costs by preventing severe disease progression and the need for more intensive treatments.
Oftentimes, injectable and infusion therapies have complex administration schedules which can be difficult for patients to follow consistently. Some therapies come with side effects that can discourage adherence resulting in patient temptation to stop taking their medication; or they may not understand that the risk of side effects is outweighed by the positive impact the medication has on slowing disease progression.
The journey of managing a chronic illness or a serious condition can be daunting. Patients often experience anxiety, stress, and even depression. Personalized support can offer emotional reassurance and reduce the psychological burden, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment plan. Support systems empower patients by providing encouragement and positive reinforcement for staying the course. When a patient understands that they are not alone and have a network of care available to them it will boost their confidence and motivate them to persevere.
Strategies UBC Utilizes to Support Patients & Improve Adherence:
- Education and Training: Comprehensive clinical programs revolving around education about the treatment process, the benefits of treatment, realistic expectations for therapeutic effect, and how to manage potential side effects is crucial. When patients understand the importance and impact of their treatment, they are more likely to follow through. We empower patients to stick to their regimen by providing hands-on training and in-person resources for administering injectable or infusion therapies to help patients feel more comfortable and capable, reducing their fear and uncertainty.
- Support Programs: Personalized support programs to address individual patient needs, enhance caregiver understanding, drive improved health literacy, and provide reminders, on-demand clinical support, and assistance with medication management. Each patient is unique, and so is their psychosocial environment. Involving family members and caregivers in the adherence process can provide additional layers of support to help with medication administration, offering emotional support, and ensuring that the patient is adhering to their treatment plan. Personalized holistic support means integrating healthcare and home to develop tailored engagement cadences that consider the individual’s specific needs, preferences, and circumstances that will most likely lead to long-term adherence.
- Financial Assistance: Eligibility programs that assess the patients’ financial needs. The high cost of injectable and infusion therapies can be a significant barrier to adherence so financial support programs, such as co-pay assistance, insurance navigation, and patient assistance programs, can help alleviate this burden, making treatments more accessible and sustainable for patients.
- Technology Solutions: Mobile apps, automated reminders, self-enrollment portals, and telehealth services provide ongoing support, monitoring, and help to ensure patients stay on track and have easy access to available support services. These digital tools can also track adherence data, providing valuable feedback to both patients and healthcare providers by identifying patterns, addressing issues early (as they arise), and adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Integrating various aspects of care, from medical to emotional support, provides a holistic approach that addresses all facets of patient need, ensuring comprehensive and cohesive care.
Adherence to treatment is a multifaceted challenge, especially for patients prescribed expensive injectable or infusion therapies. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes patient education, financial support, and personalized care. By addressing these barriers and providing robust support systems, manufacturers can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall health.
UBC understands that adherence support is not just a complementary aspect of healthcare; it is a vital lifeline for patients navigating the complexities of high-cost injectable and infusion therapies.
By providing personalized, comprehensive support that addresses the unique challenges each patient faces, we ensure they receive the full benefits of their prescribed treatment. This not only leads to better health outcomes but also builds a foundation of trust and empowerment that encourages patients to stay committed throughout their journey. UBC is committed to making adherence support a cornerstone of patient care, ensuring that no one is left to navigate their health journey alone.
About UBC
United BioSource LLC (UBC) is the leading provider of evidence development solutions with expertise in uniting evidence and access. UBC helps biopharma mitigate risk, address product hurdles, and demonstrate safety, efficacy, and value under real-world conditions. Our purpose-built patient access solutions are tailored to each patient’s unique journey for a seamless, scalable experience that connects your therapeutic to those who need it most.
About the Author
Marci Gott, Executive Director, Patient Services
Marci Gott is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical & healthcare industry. She has significant experience in critical care, specialty medicines, direct-to-consumer marketing, and establishing reimbursement and clinical support centers. Marci joined UBC in 2018 as the Director of Operations & Client Services. She oversees Clinical & Reimbursement teams, Site of Care shared services, and the Nationwide Network of Home Health Agencies & Per Diem field nursing teams.
