It is clear that adherence is one of the most important keys to driving down health care costs and improving health outcomes. Adherence means taking a medication as prescribed consistently: right medication, at the right dose, and at the right time. According to a study by Mayo Clinic, 50% of patients are non-adherent which means that for 50% of patients on a chronic condition medication, doses are missed, taken improperly or not taken at all. Non-adherence costs the U.S. 2.3% of GDP or $290 Billion.
Although it's impossible to escape news of the opioid epidemic, we haven't heard the whole story. At Progressive Care, I've met patients from all walks of life and witnessed firsthand the caustic consequences of opioid misuse and abuse. The opioid epidemic is a deeply emotional and complicated issue. In this three-part series, we'll explore the causes, obstacles, and solutions to the over-prescribing of opioid medications.
Taken by themselves, each state has relatively common solutions. Dependency would entail a managed withdrawal and introduction of effective medicinal alternatives. Addiction would require rehabilitation. However, dependence and addiction often exist at the same time. Most patients who are opioid dependent are also addicted, which is a much more difficult situation to solve.
Each pain type, severity, and unique patient condition requires a specialized approach whereby all options are explored before an opioid is deemed necessary. This methodology will help patients achieve primary relief and preserved functionality without putting them at unnecessary risk. The right pharmacy partner will make the difference as pharmacists, those specially trained in pharmacology are often the missing link and an obvious vital resource for doctors struggling to deliver solutions. It takes time, patience, and expertise to get it right, but the cost of cutting corners is already evident.
Every day, the United States loses 116 lives to the opioid epidemic.(1) Pharmacists are asking what can be done to combat the opioid epidemic and treat pain effectively.
In the ever-changing healthcare environment, minimizing pain is a top priority, but for over a decade, physicians have relied on opioid medications that put millions of patients at risk.
The economic burden created by the opioid crisis – including healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement – costs the U.S. an estimated $78.5 billion per year. (2)
Education on the state of the opioid epidemic and alternative therapies is a starting point for pharmacists to combat this public health emergency.
