#United States #Hollywood, Florida #Medication Management #DrFirst #Memorial Healthcare

Memorial Healthcare System's Innovative Approach to Medication Adherence

In an era where medication non-adherence poses serious risks to patient health, Memorial Healthcare System has taken a significant step forward by launching a comprehensive medication management initiative. This program, designed to enhance the medication adherence of diabetes patients, utilizes advanced population health technology and prescription fill data from DrFirst to identify at-risk individuals, facilitating timely interventions from healthcare teams.

Understanding the Challenge

Medication non-adherence is not an isolated issue; it is a widespread epidemic in the United States, significantly impacting healthcare outcomes. Statistics reveal that this issue contributes to approximately 69% of hospital admissions, leading to nearly 125,000 deaths each year, along with an astonishing $300 billion incurred in avoidable costs. Factors such as high medication costs, misunderstanding the importance of treatments, and the complexity of managing multiple prescriptions create barriers for patients.

Recognizing the intricate challenges patients face, Memorial Healthcare System has made it a priority to tackle these barriers directly, embarking on a mission to enhance the health outcomes of those living with diabetes.

The Initiative Unfolded

The new program will engage over 1,100 diabetes patients, integrating a robust support system that includes telehealth services and digital tools to ensure patients receive timely clinical interventions. This initiative not only emphasizes proactive healthcare but also enhances medication management across the board. The choice of DrFirst as a partner stems from their proven track record in medication history solutions, which have been utilized successfully by Memorial for nearly a decade.

Dovena Lazaridis, PharmD, the Director of Ambulatory and Population Health Pharmacy Services at Memorial, emphasized the initiative's proactive approach: “By developing programs that serve high-risk patients, we shift from reactive to proactive interdisciplinary care—improving access, optimizing therapy, and supporting adherence.” This shift is expected to reduce hospitalization rates and improve patients' overall health.

Streamlined Access and Integration

The integration of DrFirst's population health management solution into their Epic electronic health record (EHR) system aims to streamline workflows and provide real-time access to prescription fill data. This access will support informed decision-making at the point of care, ensuring that the healthcare teams can address potential issues before they escalate.

“With effective timing and data-driven decision-making, we can identify patients lagging with their medications and intervene effectively,” stated DrFirst CEO Laizer Kornwasser. This transition from a reactive to a proactive care model is central to the initiative’s success and aligns with the broader objective of preventing complications and hospitalizations.

Future Expansion Plans

The current focus on diabetes management is just the beginning for Memorial Healthcare System. Plans are already in motion to extend population health efforts to other prevalent conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The overarching goal is to enhance the health and efficiency of care across various health domains.

About Memorial Healthcare System

Memorial Healthcare System, situated in South Florida, has long been committed to quality care, community outreach, and patient satisfaction. With nearly 17,000 staff members and several hospitals and care facilities, their dedication to improving access and delivering equitable care is unwavering. For decades, the system has emphasized a person-centered approach, driving safe and positive health outcomes across the communities they serve.

About DrFirst

Founded 25 years ago, DrFirst is widely recognized as a pioneer in healthcare IT, working tirelessly to empower patients and providers in achieving optimal health outcomes through effective medication management solutions. With several prestigious awards under their belt, including the Edison Awards for their innovative use of AI in healthcare workflows, DrFirst has established itself as an industry leader, catering to over 100 million patients annually.

Through this initiative, Memorial Healthcare System not only aims to make significant strides in medication adherence but also sets a precedent for healthcare systems to follow in improving the quality of care for all patients nationwide.