(Press-News.org) Philadelphia, PA (November 14, 2014) -- Many young patients with chronic conditions don't take their medications correctly, but 2 new studies point to ways to address such medication non-adherence. The studies will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2014 November 11¬-16 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.
In one study, researchers led by Frederick Kaskel, MD, PhD (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) and Oleh Akchurin, MD (Weill Cornell College of Medicine) looked to see how young patients are using smart phones to help them take their medications. They surveyed patients at a pediatric kidney clinic. The researchers found that the majority of teens continued to use traditional techniques of improving medication adherence, such as filling pillboxes and incorporating medications into their daily routines. Ninety-three percent of surveyed teens had a smart phone in their personal possession, but only 29% were aware about medical mobile apps, even though 50% said they used cell phones for some kind of reminders to take medications. Boys were more likely to use cell phones to remember to take medications than girls and the prevalence of 100% self-reported medication adherence was higher in teens who used cell phones for reminders.
"This study demonstrates that a number of inner city teenagers with kidney disorders are utilizing their cell phones for the management of medication administration even in the absence of organized program promoting such use," said Dr. Akchurin. "Further research efforts are required to fully describe the contemporary pattern of smart phone-based technology use in medication adherence in this population in order to allow health care providers a meaningful way to incorporate these existing practices into daily clinical activity."
In another study of kidney transplant recipients aged 17 to 30 years, Jeroen Bastiaan van der Net, MD, PhD, Paul Harden, FRCP (Oxford University Hospital, in the UK) and their colleagues found that patients who were involved in a dedicated Young Adult Service were 4 times less likely to experience loss of function of their donated organ than young adult patients who were not involved in this service. Key features of a successful Young Adult Service are a dedicated team comprised of a key physician, nurse practitioner, and youth worker; Young Adult Clinics for patients within a community setting such as a sports club or university; and peer interactions through social events such as bowling or other activities.
"Young adult patients are at a critical point in their educational, psychological, and professional development that will shape their future life. Increasing the survival of their transplants will lead to higher levels of education and employment rates, which will be financially beneficial to society," said Dr. Harden.
INFORMATION:
Studies:
"Utilization of Smart Phones and Medication Adherence in Adolescents with Kidney Disorders" (Abstract FR-PO402)
"Reduced Rejection Rates and Improved Graft Survival with a Dedicated Young Adult Service" (Abstract TH-PO1119)
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http://www.asn-online.org/education/kidneyweek/2014/program-faculty.aspx.
ASN Kidney Week 2014, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for more than 13,000 professionals to discuss the latest findings in renal research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Kidney Week 2014 will take place November 11-16, 2014, in Philadelphia, PA.
The content of this article does not reflect the views or opinions of The American Society of Nephrology (ASN). Responsibility for the information and views expressed therein lies entirely with the author(s). ASN does not offer medical advice. All content in ASN publications is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This content should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions about a medical condition, or before taking any drug, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through ASN. Call 911 or your doctor for all medical emergencies.
Founded in 1966, and with more than 15,000 members, the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) leads the fight against kidney disease by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating the highest quality care for patients.
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Since the 1850's scientists have known that crystalline materials are organized into fourteen different basic lattice structures. However, a team of researchers from Vanderbilt University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) now reports that it has discovered an entirely new form of crystalline order that simultaneously exhibits both crystal and polycrystalline properties, which they describe as "interlaced crystals."
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