Doctor's orders : why adherence is critical to improving health outcomes across the life course / authors: Arunima Himawan and Brighter Together Consulting.

"Nearly half of all adults and approximately 8% of children (aged 5-17) worldwide have a chronic condition. Yet, studies have consistently shown that adherence to medication is poor; estimates range from under 80% to under 50%, with an average of 50%. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that adherence to medication for chronic conditions is as low as 50% in developed countries and even lower in developing countries. Non-adherence is also expensive for governments. Figures suggest that the annual costs of medication non-adherence range from $100 billion to $290 billion in the USA, €125 billion across Europe and AU$7 billion in Australia.10% of hospitalisations in older people are attributed to non-adherence. The typical non-adherent patient requires three extra medical visits per year, leading to increased treatment costs of $2,000 per annum. We could see a considerable improvement in health outcomes (and consequently longevity), not only by developing new drugs, but by helping people adhere to existing treatment regimens that have already been researched, tested and prescribed for them. But adherence isn't usually prioritised by governments, health providers or healthcare professionals (HCPs). Adherence isn't measured at a national level for any disease, apart from in Sweden where hypertension is recorded. And as governments don't prioritise adherence, health providers aren't measured or incentivised for improving it, meaning HCPs may not have the time and resources (or reminders) to focus on it during consultations."--From publisher's website.