How Simple Innovation is the Key to Population Management

Posted July 25, 2014

One out of two people end up not taking prescriptions as instructed by their physician.

There are several core reasons why people don’t take medication as prescribed. And whether it’s for hypertension, diabetic medication or your daily allergy pill, MedaCheck works to change health outcomes by providing a timely and informational reminder to reduce nonadherence.

As we move to an outcomes-based model of healthcare, MedaCheck helps us expand our “points of care” with patients.

So what makes MedaCheck so effective?

“MedaCheck is similar to having a care team member right alongside a patient, when it matters most,” says Dr. Jeffrey Shepard, CEO of MedaCheck. “We’re helping guide a patient to take their medication and we answer any doubt or concerns they might have in that process. MedaCheck’s able to monitor them so if they need to see a nurse or caregiver, they can.”

MedaCheck’s focus is on seniors and the chronically ill, a segment in which there is a growing opportunity to reduce readmissions. Explains Dr. Shepard: “We’re also cutting down on avoidable hospital admissions for those outside of the so-called ‘high risk’ profile. We are saving lives, however you look at it.”

Changing People’s Support Systems

Pulling from our database with more than 156,000 medications (and growing), MedaCheck serves as an alert for both prescription and over-the-counter regimens.

MedaCheck does the following as we look to improve people’s ability to manage their own health, and in some cases, continue to live independently:

  • Reminds patients when it is time to take their medication;
  • Empowers patients with information—the right dosage at the right time;
  • Ensures drug interaction safety;
  • Monitors patients’ ongoing self-reported (and perceived) health status;
  • Serves as a tool that overcomes commonbarriers to health, addressing key issues with non-adherence (lack of education, lack of information, forgetfulness, concern over medication combination, lack of refill, etc.);

Not to be overlooked is how MedaCheck provides connectivity and structure for patients so that they can stay better connected with caregivers, any informal caregivers, or their loved ones.

MedaCheck: Changing The Physician/Care Team-Patient Encounter

Key concerns for healthcare leaders looking to use technology to enhance patient engagement include user accessibility, usability and the ability to measurably change health outcomes.

MedaCheck is a dedicated device (and software platform) that does not require users to have had experience with any smartphones or tablets. MedaCheck was built in order to be a “response only” device, allowing for seniors to use it just like they would use an alarm clock.

“Sometimes there is a bit of misinformation that treatment teams are not on-board yet with the use of technology for better patient education, compliance, and overall outcomes,” says Dr. Shepard.

“That could not be further from the truth. When we talk with current users, and physicians, pharmacists, PCMHs, ACOs, and others—they see our technology as a way to deliver more timely, more integrated care. They know that clear information for patients can change behaviors, and can mean less readmissions. They are very excited about the opportunity to hit their targets.”

While some technologies add a certain degree of “burden” for the care team to recommend or adopt, MedaCheck was designed to be simple to implement and to access for all members across the medical neighborhood.

…And just in case we need to remind you: it’s also user-friendly and simple for those who benefit most: the patients themselves.