Improve Patient Compliance

Non-compliance: When pets won't cooperate.

Compliance is a real issue for far too many 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. When they become frustrated with administering medication, they may just decide to take their business elsewhere. When non-compliance results in lost business, it could cost your practice more than you realize.

Did you know?: The high cost of non-compliance

Several studies have been conducted recently regarding non-compliance among companion animals. While we have all known the issue has existed for quite some time, some of the findings may surprise you.

• The rate of compliance for chronic medication is just 76%. That means an astounding 24% of pets aren't being treated with the medications they need to live healthy lives -- and in some cases, simply to live.
  
• Pet owners who are shown one or more ways to administer medication had a significantly higher rate of compliance (74% vs. 59% for those not shown.) Yet, only 43% of practices show pet owners how to administer medication.
  
• 60% of owners would pay more for medication that is palatable or easy to administer.
  
• 93% of veterinarians say that compliance monitoring has a positive impact on their practice.
  
• 72% of pet owners would like to receive information in writing about their pets' medication so they could refer back to it.
  

8 ways to make non-compliance a non-issue.

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.

Let Wedgewood Pharmacy do our part to help.

Wedgewood Pharmacy is committed to ensuring that your patients not only receive the proper medications they need, but continue to take them as prescribed. That's why we offer solutions like an array of flavors and innovative dosage forms to help make medications more appealing to even the most uncooperative animals; printable patient counseling materials that give owners information about the important of adherence and offer administration tips; and refill reminders so there is no interruption in their pets' treatment schedules.

They'll look forward to their meds with Gourmeds®.

Now you can give your patients the medications they need and treat them to great tastes like natural chicken and fish, too. Gourmeds – tasty, chewable tablets – are flavored with natural food-grade ingredients that pets love, so they’re easy for pet owners to administer. Learn more about Gourmeds and see available preparations.

Tiny Tabs® deliver big.

Anyone who has tried to pill a pet that refuses to cooperate knows that it’s a big problem. Luckily, Tiny Tabs are a tiny solution. Learn more about Tiny Tabs and see available preparations.

When all else fails, prescribe Twist-a-Dose®.

We understand the need for alternative routes of delivery when oral dosing is not a feasible option. With the Twist-a-Dose transdermal-gel applicator, you won’t have to worry whether cats that refuse certain capsules and oral liquids are receiving their prescribed medications. Wedgewood Pharmacy recommends that you consult with a pharmacist before you prescribe a transdermal medication. Learn more about Twist-a-Dose and see available preparations.

Refill reminders mean one less thing to think about.

You already know that a major factor of non-compliance is a pet owner who doesn't refill prescriptions. That's why Wedgewood Pharmacy reminds your clients by e-mail when their pets' prescriptions are due to be refilled. We will also remind owners when their refills are running low, so they can visit you to get a new prescription.

Increased information leads to increased compliance.

The more informed owners are about the consequences of non-compliance, the less likely they are to stop their pets' prescribed treatment regimens. Wedgewood Pharmacy takes patient education very seriously. Our pharmacists and customer care specialists are available to answer any questions pet owners may have -- either by telephone or in person. We offer printable client counseling materials and veterinarian-authored materials to give them important information about the compounded preparations you prescribe for their pets.

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