How digital seniors manage their medicines

Prescribing medication as prescribed is a challenge for many people. Especially seniors often find it difficult to keep track of several medications. The older the society gets, the bigger this problem will become. Increasing digitization can provide a solution.

Seniors generally have poor drug compliance. This is due to various factors. Some patients are simply forgetful. Others feel that the medications do not help or they find the side effects too strong. Still others have problems with filling their pill cans, with the dosage or with the payment of their therapy.

Many people and companies assume that seniors have no access to the digital world. This is wrong. In fact, in America alone, around 25 million people over the age of 65 use smart phones. The app developer has taken on this new target group and analyzed them. 

This includes reading relevant information, watching videos and tutorials, and sharing research and lab results with family members and caregivers.

It is particularly important to older users is reliable and simple. A popular feature is the alarm, which is sent to family and medical personnel if a medication intake has been forgotten. Additionally, users appreciate the warnings about drug-drug interactions and the option to share reports of adherence with healthcare professionals.

  • Installation Rates - An assessment of the effectiveness of each program begins with measuring installation rates. In particular, the question of what percentage of seniors installs the app is important. Programs designed for subgroups of seniors with specific indications (such as cardiology) and personal networks of the target audience should expect installation rates of 50 percent or more.
  • Activity level - Once the app has been installed, it's about the activity. What percentage of seniors are active users? And for how long? Various elements influence this number. 
  • Created impact - In two areas, the value of digital medication programs should be immediately apparent: improved overall adherence and better identification of non-adherent high-risk patients.