Patients More Likely to Take Medications When Refills are Synced

Source: Kaiser Health News, Science Daily, Specialty Pharmacy Times, Long-Term Living Magazine, The Bulletin,  Penn Medicine News, August 8, 2016 A CHIBE study published today in Health Affairs found that a refill synchronization program – in which patients received all prescription refills at the same time – increased medication adherence by an average of three to five percent compared to a control group. Researchers found that refill synchronization had the greatest impact on patients who were least likely to take their medication before the intervention, increasing medication adherence in this subgroup by nine to thirteen percent over the control group. “The logistical challenges involved with keeping track of remaining pills and obtaining timely refills and renewals are magnified for patients who need to take multiple medications, and often create an obstacle to medication adherence,” said lead author Jalpa A. Doshi, PhD. The results of the study suggest that syncing prescription refills may be an effective strategy for reducing these obstacles.