A study conducted by Horizon in partnership with Harvard in 2018 demonstrated that patients in medical synchronization programs, which utilized adherence technology with telehealth, had a 9% reduction in hospitalizations. When extrapolating these results to a larger scale, the impact translated to $42 billion saved per year. Considering the bed and staff shortages hospitals and clinics faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, telehealth and adherence technologies could alleviate preventable hospital visits, which would reduce strain on the consumption of healthcare resources. Despite the promising data, both panelists recognize that there are barriers to broad scale adoption outside of controlled situations, such as clinical trials. Widespread adoption must pass statutory muster at the local, state, and federal levels. As a result, more action may be required to increase awareness and adoption.

Panelist John Kimmet, Director of Strategic Planning at Celgene, saw promise in tech companies working with life science companies in an “ecosystem” to address adherence and protect patients from illness. In retrospect, the pandemic highlighted the importance of adherence technology by demonstrating how providers can continue to promote well-being and safety during times of inaccessibility with patients. However, privacy remains a legitimate concern.