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As an occupational therapist working in the hospital setting, I work with patients on a daily basis suffering the effects of poor health literacy. Combined with chronic conditions that require daily medication for control and prevention, many people are admitted to the hospital repeatedly due to their inability to manage their medication regimen, which often changes again upon discharge.

The effects of people in our community without appropriate education and resources for medication management are significant. One of the simplest interventions to help prevent readmission, promote a better understanding of managing chronic conditions, and improve our community's health is the use of pill organizers, matched specifically by a skilled provider, to the person's needs.

Statistics:
Health literacy and medication management is a significant issue in healthcare, contributing to a range of adverse outcomes, including increased hospital admissions.

1. General Impact on Healthcare

Hospital Admissions: A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that medication non-adherence contributes to approximately 10-25% of hospital admissions.

Health Costs: Medication non-compliance is responsible for an estimated $100 billion in avoidable healthcare costs in the United States annually, with a substantial portion of this being linked to hospitalizations and emergency visits.


2. Chronic Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease: Non-adherence to cardiovascular medications (such as those for hypertension, heart failure, and post-heart attack care) is a key factor in hospital readmissions. For example, studies indicate that 40-60% of patients with chronic heart failure are non-compliant with their prescribed medications, leading to increased hospitalizations.

Diabetes: In diabetes management, non-adherence to insulin therapy or other diabetic medications can lead to higher rates of hospitalization. Research suggests that medication non-compliance is associated with a 50% increase in hospital admissions for diabetic complications.


3. Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Asthma and COPD: Non-adherence to prescribed medications in chronic respiratory diseases, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), significantly increases the risk of exacerbations, leading to hospital admissions. A study in Chest journal found that 30-70% of patients with asthma fail to follow their prescribed regimen, resulting in frequent hospitalizations due to uncontrolled asthma.


4. Mental Health

Psychiatric Medications: Medication non-compliance in psychiatric patients, especially those with depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, has been associated with higher hospitalization rates. Non-adherence is linked to up to 50% of psychiatric hospital readmissions, leading to worse outcomes and increased healthcare costs.


5. Economic Burden

Estimated Costs: The economic burden of medication non-adherence is substantial. It has been estimated that approximately $290 billion is spent annually on preventable healthcare costs in the U.S. due to medication non-compliance, much of which arises from unnecessary hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and complications from poorly managed conditions.


6. Medication Non-Adherence by Demographics

Older Adults: The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to medication non-adherence. Studies suggest that up to 50% of elderly patients do not take medications as prescribed, leading to increased hospitalizations for conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Socioeconomic Factors: Non-compliance rates tend to be higher in patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, often due to factors like medication costs, lack of education about their health condition, or inadequate access to healthcare. These factors are associated with higher rates of hospital readmissions.


7. Specific Statistics

Heart Failure: Research indicates that non-adherence to heart failure medications increases the likelihood of hospitalization by 2 to 3 times compared to those who adhere to their medication regimen.

Stroke Patients: Non-adherence to secondary prevention medications, such as anticoagulants and antihypertensives, increases the risk of recurrent strokes and hospital readmissions, with studies reporting non-adherence contributing to 25-30% of recurrent strokes.


In summary, medication non-compliance is a significant driver of hospital admissions across various chronic conditions. Addressing this issue through improved patient education, medication management strategies, and better access to healthcare could substantially reduce hospitalizations and associated healthcare costs.

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Donations 

  • Lindsey Demro
    • $25
    • 2 mos
  • Deirdre Matt
    • $25
    • 2 mos
  • Emilea Ridener
    • $30
    • 2 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $1,000
    • 2 mos
  • Katherine Ward
    • $5
    • 3 mos
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Organizer

Seanna Nichols
Organizer
Fishers, IN

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