This press release was first published on Connected Health in BOSTON, MA, JUNE 23, 2010
The Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners Healthcare, announced today encouraging initial findings from a medication adherence study, using a wireless electronic pill bottle to remind patients with high blood pressure to take their
medication. The ongoing study measured a 27% higher rate of medication adherence in
patients using Internet connected medication packaging and feedback services compared to
controls.
The randomized controlled study assessed the impact of the wireless GlowCap developed by
Vitality, Inc. GlowCaps fit popular pill bottles and signal patients with light and sound when it is
time to take the medication inside. An embedded wireless connection enables the GlowCap to
respond to the patient with automated calls for any missed dose, weekly progress reports, and
refill reminders. GlowCaps also share adherence with physicians and a social network if the
patient chooses.
“As healthcare providers, we must find strategies that help patients become more adherent to
their medications and care plans,” said Alice Watson, MD, MPH, Center for Connected Health.
“We are extremely encouraged by these interim results, showing a high rate of adherence in
users of the GlowCap system.”
In total, one hundred and thirty nine patients diagnosed with hypertension and taking an antihypertensive
medication were enrolled in a six month study starting in August 2009. Participants
were required to have Internet access and an email account to receive reports. Each participant
was randomized into one of three groups: those in the control group did not receive any
communication or GlowCap services; the intervention group received visual and audio
reminders from the GlowCap as well as missed dose reminder phone calls, medication refill
reminders and progress reports emailed to the patient, family member and /or their primary care
provider. Participants in an intervention-plus group additionally received a financial incentive if
they exceeded a monthly adherence goal of 80%.
Three month interim analysis shows study participants in the intervention and intervention-plus
group achieved adherence rates of 98% and 99%, respectively. This was significantly higher
than the control group, which had an adherence rate of 71%. The study is also measuring blood
pressure control and subject satisfaction. Final analysis of the study is anticipated this fall.
“GlowCaps use real-time feedback loops to act on a number of behavioral motivators:
reminders, doctor accountability, social support and help with refills,” said David Rose, Chief
Executive Officer, Vitality. “These are instructive findings for pharmaceutical manufacturers and
payors who have a vested interest in improving patient outcomes with their products and
services.”
Each year millions of people fail to take medications as prescribed by their physicians; the
World Health Organization estimates that adherence to daily medication averages 50% for
those suffering from chronic diseases. Numerous studies demonstrate that poor-adherence
reduces the effectiveness of medications, jeopardizes patient health, and increases health care
costs. Recent research, including work by the New England Healthcare Institute, calculates the
costs resulting from non-adherence at $300 billion annually.
About Vitality
Vitality solves the billion-dollar adherence problem for pharmaceutical companies, retail
pharmacies, and healthcare providers. Leveraging the best research on behavioral economics,
Vitality’s wireless GlowCaps motivate people to take their medications as prescribed using
social feedback, reminders, caregiver support, and automated pharmacy refills. www.vitality.net
About the Center for Connected Health
The Center for Connected Health, a division of Partners HealthCare, is creating effective, new
solutions and innovative interventions to deliver quality patient care outside of the traditional
medical setting. Our programs use a combination of remote-monitoring technology, sensors,
and online communications and intelligence to improve patient adherence, engagement and
clinical outcomes. The Center also offers expert online second opinions, enhanced medical
education and training, and engages in innovative research to discover new pathways to better
care, including the use of virtual worlds and online coaching.
Boston-based Partners HealthCare is an integrated health system founded in 1994 by Brigham
and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to its two academic
medical centers, the Partners system also includes community and specialty hospitals,
community health centers, a physician network, home health and long-term care services, and
other health-related entities. Partners is one of the nation’s leading biomedical research
organizations and a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. Partners is a nonprofit
organization.