#United States #Pleio #Gentry Health #GoodStart Program #Avon Lake, Ohio

Enhancing Specialty Medication Adherence through Emotional Support

In a groundbreaking initiative, Gentry Health Services has joined forces with Pleio to tackle the challenges related to medication adherence in specialty pharmacy. This collaboration aims to improve the treatment journey for patients with complex disease states through a peer-to-patient emotional support program known as GoodStart. Launched in April 2024, this program has already yielded impressive results, fundamentally transforming the way patients engage with their medication regimens.

The Impact of GoodStart

Over the six months since its inception, the GoodStart program has demonstrated a remarkable impact on patient care:

• - A staggering 80% increase in total average medication fills.
• - A 65% boost in the volume of patients utilizing the program.
• - A 5% increase in the portion of days covered (PDC), a critical measure of patient adherence.

These figures reflect Gentry's commitment to improving clinical outcomes and maintaining an optimal treatment journey for its patients. Katie Warmuth, the Director of Specialty Pharmacy at Gentry, expressed her enthusiasm about the progress made through this initiative. "Our goal at Gentry Health Services is to initiate treatment promptly and keep patients on therapy while enhancing their experience and satisfaction," she noted.

A Human-Centric Approach

What sets the GoodStart program apart from traditional patient support services is its emphasis on building genuine relationships. Rather than merely sending reminders about medication, the program focuses on fostering connections between trained GoodStarters and patients right from the moment their script is received. These interactions provide judgment-free, supportive environments that address emotional barriers that can lead to medication nonadherence.

On average, GoodStarters engage patients for more than six minutes per conversation, ensuring that patients feel understood and empowered to navigate their medication journeys with confidence. This interpersonal connection is crucial for patients taking biological medications, where emotional support can significantly impact adherence and overall health outcomes.

Empowering Patients and Supporting Pharmacy Teams

By supplementing existing pharmacy support services, the GoodStart program not only empowers patients but also helps alleviate some of the pressures faced by pharmacy staff. With more time available for individualized counseling, Gentry's pharmacists can better meet the diverse needs and expectations of their patients.

Mark Gregory, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Pleio, emphasized the importance of connecting with patients on an emotional level. "Patients managing chronic conditions require personalized support that signifies human connection to conquer emotional challenges and build daily confidence in their medication routine." The partnership results highlight how these peer connections contribute positively to patients’ adherence, benefiting both their health outcomes and pharmacy care teams.

Looking Ahead

Gentry Health Services and Pleio are excited about the measurable successes they've achieved so far and plan to expand their collaboration to support more patients across various therapeutic areas. This initiative marks a significant step forward in transforming how patients interact with their medications.

About Gentry Health Services

Gentry Health Services is a cutting-edge pharmacy based in Avon Lake, Ohio, focused on improving clinical outcomes for patients with complex health issues. The pharmacy is accredited nationally and is dedicated to ensuring patient satisfaction at every interaction. To discover more about their services, visit gentryhealthservices.com.

About Pleio

Pleio is committed to enhancing patient experiences by prioritizing human connections in healthcare. Their platform, GoodStart, emphasizes personal interactions that go beyond traditional healthcare approaches, breaking down barriers to adherence through empathy and technology. Learn more about Pleio at Pleio.com.