title: Population-based medication adherence programmes: a window of opportunities.
abstract: Medication non-adherence is a global epidemic causing countless deaths and billions of dollars wasted unnecessarily in health care. Between 33% to 69% of all medication-related hospital admissions in the USA, are due to poor medication adherence with a resultant increase in the cost of care of over USD 100 billion a year (Senst et al 2001). In less developed parts of the world, medications deserve additional attention, as access to medications as well as out-of-pocket costs play a larger role (Taj et al 2008). To achieve better medication adherence hospitals must employ integrated multifaceted technologies and strategies to improve patient's quality of life, decrease costs and comorbidities, and reduce avoidable admissions and emergency room visits. This article explores what is known about medication adherence and the use of technology tools, including integrated mobile health, EHRs, e-prescribing, social media and medication reminders.
authors.affiliation: Sentry Data Systems, USA.
authors.forename: Holly E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Sentry Data Systems, USA.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Kirsh
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000379:methods*; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology; D061108:Social Media