8 ways to make non-compliance a non-issue

Compliance is a serious issue for veterinarians and pet owners. Many pet owners don’t realize the dangers and consequences of abandoning or interrupting treatment, and most are not aware of other options that could make administering medications more pleasant for them and their pets. Below are the 8 ways in which veterinarians can help make non-compliance a non-issue for their clients and patients.

1. Give pet owners information about the dangers of non-compliance.
2. Give pet owners simple, detailed instructions and easy administration techniques.
3. Prescribe medications that taste better.
4. Prescribe medications that are smaller and easier to administer.
5. Prescribe medications that are more affordable, when possible.
6. Provide automated refill reminders.
7. Make it easier, safer and more convenient for pet owners to get the medications they need.
8. Increase communication and follow-up with pet owners.

The high cost of non-compliance

Several studies have been conducted regarding non-compliance among companion animals. Some of the findings may surprise you:

• The rate of compliance for chronic medication is just 76%. That means an astounding 24% of pets are not being treated with the medications they need to live healthy lives – and in some cases, simply to live.¹
• Pet owners who are shown one or more ways to administer medication had a significantly higher rate of compliance (73% vs. 59% for those not shown). Yet, only 43% of practices show pet owners how to administer medication.²
• 60% of owners would pay more for medication that is palatable and easy to administer.³
• 93% of veterinarians say that compliance monitoring has a positive impact on their practice.⁴
• 72% of pet owners would like to receive information in writing about their pets’ medication so they could refer back to it.⁵

Get more out of your veterinary practice.

Non-compliance, losing customers and increasing costs are key challenges that your practice faces every day. These challenges could cost your practice your most valuable assets: time, money and patients. That’s why we develop innovative ways to deliver medications, services and solutions that go beyond the basics, to help you with every facet of your practice.

We've recently published an eBook, 3 ways to get more out of your veterinary practice: Improve compliance, client retention and profitability with compounding, now available on our website. In it, you will get a comprehensive overview of:

• what options you have for your most difficult-to-medicate patients
• how to improve the patient/pet owner experience during visits
• innovative ways to keep costs down for your practice
• new programs designed to make prescribing even easier for you

Bonus material for veterinary team members

• Resources for veterinarians
• Request your free trial Rx for in-office use and evaluation
• Order compounded preparations online

	Renee Lupo, R.Ph., F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P. Technical-Services Pharmacist
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About Renee Lupo

Renee Lupo, R. Ph, F.A.C.A., F.A.C.V.P., technical-services pharmacist for Wedgewood Pharmacy, was the company's lead technical/clinical pharmacist, working with prescribers and their staffs to develop custom formulations. She passed away on May 31, 2012, after a brief illness. A scholarship was established in her name at the University of the Sciences.