Knowledge

Without adequate knowledge of a condition or treatment, even the most innovative therapies can fail to achieve their intended outcomes.

For many patients, challenges begin the moment a prescription is written. When patients do not fully understand why they have been prescribed a medication, how to take it, or what side effects to anticipate, adherence becomes far more difficult.

Without clear instructions, culturally appropriate counseling, or coordinated communication between prescribers, pharmacists, and caregivers, individuals can quickly become overwhelmed. They may stop treatment prematurely, take incorrect doses, or never begin therapy at all. In fact, approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed, and over time studies have found that over long follow-up periods in some conditions 80%–100% of patients discontinue treatment altogether. These gaps have serious consequences. Medication nonadherence in the U.S. is linked to an estimated 125,000 preventable deaths each year and costs the U.S. just under 300 billion dollars in avoidable healthcare costs.

Sustained patient support is just as important as initial counseling in driving strong, long-term treatment adherence. Supporting patients with the knowledge they need for successful treatment takes many forms and does not need to be complex. For example, patient advocacy groups, whether it be small and volunteer-based, or hosted by a large charity, provide beneficial education and community resources that help patients and families navigate treatment. Additionally, multichannel communication, such as pharmacist phone calls, nurse emails, or text-based reminders help meet patients where they are and reinforces ongoing engagement with care. By recognizing knowledge as a core component of accessibility, we can work to close critical gaps that surround successful treatment completion today.

It’s important to recognize that while an individual’s health is always a private matter, knowledge of conditions and appropriate treatments should be as widespread as possible and flow seamlessly between providers, patients, loved ones, and the broader community. The more everyone is able to understand and communicate, the more we all will be able to better understanding the true needs and potential solutions for real people everywhere.