Empowering Patients in the Fight Against Breast Cancer: Solutions for Improved Adherence and Convenience
DKSH Patient Solutions
Your trusted partner in managing all aspects of your Patient Support Programs in Asia-Pacific
By Ruch de Silva, Head of Payer & Patient Solutions at DKSH Patient Solutions
As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, it is essential to pause and reflect on the significant strides made in the fight against breast cancer while acknowledging the challenges that persist. This year’s theme, “Helping Women NOW,”[i] highlights the urgency of providing timely and meaningful support to women battling this disease; not just in early detection but throughout their treatment journey.
One of the greatest challenges breast cancer patients face, especially in primary care settings, is adherence to treatment regimens. At DKSH Patient Solutions, we are committed to delivering patient-centric solutions that not only empower patients but also make their treatment journey more pleasant and convenient.
Why Patient Adherence to Treatment Matters
Breast cancer treatment is often long-term and requires regular follow-ups and medication adherence to be effective. However, sticking to these healthcare plans can be financially and emotionally challenging for patients, especially when faced with the complexities of our healthcare systems or a lack of support from healthcare professionals.
Many patients often receive an overwhelming amount of information, leaving them confused about their treatment pathways.[ii] While healthcare providers play a key role in supporting patients, they often struggle to spend enough time with each patient due to high patient volume. As a result, patients often lack the education and discipline needed to follow through with long-term treatment plans.
This challenge is reflected in a study done by different health and oncology institutions in Singapore on breast cancer medication adherence. A systematic review found that non-adherence rates for breast cancer survivors ranged from 41% to 72% after four years of follow-up.[iii] These statistics reflect the immense burden non-adherence places on both patients and healthcare systems. As treatment plans become more complex, adherence becomes more challenging for patients, particularly those with limited access to comprehensive care services.
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Addressing Patient Adherence Challenges and Enhancing Convenience
At DKSH Patient Solutions, we recognise that several factors contribute to poor adherence among breast cancer patients. These include proximity to healthcare facilities, affordability of treatment, lack of engagement due to limited information, and cultural barriers that may discourage patients from seeking help and following through with prescribed therapies.[iv] Addressing these challenges requires providing continuous engagement and support to?patients throughout their treatment journey.
To address patient adherence and convenience, we have developed a series of online and offline initiatives. For example, our Patient Support Specialists are trained to provide one-to-one consultations, offering personalised assistance throughout each patient’s treatment. In addition, they go beyond healthcare advice, extending emotional support and engaging with patients on topics beyond cancer. This ensures that our patients feel connected and cared for throughout their treatment journey. Simultaneously, we launched the educational portal that provides comprehensive patient education programs, giving patients the information they need to make informed decisions about their treatment. To ensure patients receive timely treatment, we offer automatic appointment reminders over various channels such as email, SMS, and LINE/WhatsApp – based on the preference of the patient.
To further enhance convenience, we introduced our Home Pulse initiative in Thailand early this year and are currently in collaboration with two major hospitals with plans to expand – Ramathibodi Hospital and Thammasat University Hospital. This service enables our trained nurses to collect blood samples from the comfort of patients’ homes.[v] Samples are then processed in the respective hospital’s laboratories, and results are delivered directly to the patient during their scheduled hospital appointment. This has reduced the total time spent at hospitals by 40%, minimising patient inconvenience and ensuring that care is accessible, efficient, and timely. For many patients, reducing these logistical challenges is a crucial step toward improving adherence.
To improve access, where the?high cost of treatment can be a major barrier to adherence, especially for patients who require expensive medication for several years after surgery to minimise recurrence risk[vi] – we have developed brand–curated Patient Access Programs (PAPs) to provide essential financial support to our patients.
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The Role of Patient-Centric Solutions
At DKSH Patient Solutions, we believe that patient-centric care is the key to improving adherence.[vii] Every patient’s journey is unique, and solutions that are tailored to individual needs can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. By providing customized support services that meet the specific needs of each patient, we are not only empowering them to take control of their health but also fostering a sense of trust and engagement that leads to better adherence.
Stories like one of our patients from one of our breast cancer programs in Malaysia highlight the impact of patient-centric approaches in improving adherence and overall patient satisfaction. By offering a range of support services tailored to individual needs, we ensure that every patient has the tools and resources necessary to navigate their treatment with confidence and convenience.
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DKSH Patient Solutions’ commitment to oncology and looking ahead
As we continue to raise awareness this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to remember that adherence to treatment is just as critical as early detection. Patients need support beyond the initial diagnosis, and it is up to all of us, from healthcare providers to caregivers, and organizations, to ensure that every woman battling breast cancer has the tools she needs to stay engaged and adherent to her treatment.
At DKSH Patient Solutions, we are proud to play our part in empowering patients through our innovative solutions, making the journey toward recovery smoother and more convenient. Together, we can help women not just survive, but thrive, in their fight against breast cancer.
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