Patient adherence in Germany: benefit vs. cost-containment - Quintiles

While it's not a new matter, adherence is a complex one to solve, with influences from society and the economy, the healthcare system, the disease and its treatment, the physician and caregivers and from the patient him - or herself. The most obvious impact of non-adherence is that on the patient. By not taking the drugs at the right times and in the right doses, patients may not get the full benefit of the treatment. Because of this, their symptoms may not get better, or their disease may progress. However, these poorer outcomes also have an impact on both the healthcare system in the following way:

• Not adhering to drug regimens means fewer prescriptions filled
• This might lead to reduced benefits from the drugs and poorer outcomes for patients, again resulting in higher costs for the healthcare system, and more pressure on healthcare professionals

By helping with the issue of adherence through support and education, patient programs could make a real difference in cost containment for healthcare providers, as well as improving outcomes for patients (and their families). These programs need to be designed around patients' needs, and tailored to the specific factors that have an impact on adherence. - See more at: http://www.quintiles.com/blog/patient-adherence-in-germany-benefit-vs-cost-containment#sthash.qUYNVNb1.dpuf



Patient adherence in Germany: benefit vs. cost-containment - Quintiles