CARE CHEMIST LAUNCHES PRESCRIPTION REMINDER SERVICE TO IMPROVE MEDICATION COMPLIANCE IN NEW ZEALAND


Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, has launched what is thought to be the country’s first online prescription reminder service, in a bid to improve medication compliance.

In a study last year, it was discovered that 28% of consumers sometimes forget to refill their prescriptions on time, and 52% said it would be useful if their pharmacy would remind them when it's time to refill. On top of that, 43% admitted that they occasionally forget to take their medication and 21% acknowledged being careless about taking drugs as prescribed.

According to Care Chemist spokesperson, Tania Adams, prescription adherence is a problem that can seriously impact a person’s health and result in unnecessary and costly treatments, such as hospital admissions, re-admissions, and surgeries

‘Non-compliance with a prescribed drug reduces or eliminates the positive effects of a medication,’ explains Tania. ‘As well as compromising a person’s health, not maintaining a medication plan can also mean more costs in the long run. New systems, such as the online prescription reminder service, will make medication management much simpler for both patient and pharmacist. It is far less likely that repeat prescriptions will be forgotten or picked up late.’

‘A reminder service will also reduce patient waiting time, allow better time management for pharmacists and reduce the likelihood of expired medicines not being identified,’ adds Tania.

The newly developed offering allows customers to register for the no cost prescription reminder service at www.carechemist.co.nz. When their prescription is next due for renewal, Care Chemist sends them a reminder email or SMS text message, prompting them to head over to their pharmacy to collect it. The system will email their chosen Care Chemist to ask them to make up the script so that they can then have it ready for collection at the pharmacy. Customers can also set up a reminder to go to the doctor to get a new prescription when they need one.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz

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