Understanding MNA
Medication Non-Adherence (MNA) occurs when a person does not take their medication as prescribed—whether by missing doses, taking doses at the wrong time, taking too much, or stopping treatment altogether.
There is nothing simple about Medication Non-Adherence. It has been called "The Silent Epidemic" because millions of people are affected by it every day, yet most Americans have never heard the term or realize the devastating impact it has on individuals, families, and our healthcare system.
Research has shown that Medication Non-Adherence is associated with:
- Approximately 125,000 deaths in the United States each year.
- Nearly 25% of nursing home admissions.
- Approximately 600,000 emergency room visits annually.
- About 25% of hospital readmissions.
- An estimated $290 billion in avoidable healthcare costs every year.
- Studies report 67% of deaths due to MNA were attributed to forgetfulness.
More than half of American adults take at least one prescription medication daily. Studies have found that medication adherence remains a significant challenge, with forgetfulness consistently ranking as the leading reason people do not take their medications as directed.
Reasons for Medication Non-Adherence
The #1 Cause of Medication Non-Adherence: Forgetfulness
Forgetfulness is one of the few causes of medication non-adherence that is completely unintentional.
People of all ages ask themselves the same question:
"Did I take my medication...or not?"
That brief moment of uncertainty can result in either a missed dose or an accidental double dose. Both can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and, depending on the medication, may have serious health consequences.
The problem isn't carelessness. It's life.
Busy schedules, unexpected interruptions, phone calls, family responsibilities, travel, and changes in routine make it surprisingly easy to lose track of whether a dose was actually taken. Even people who rely on digital reminders often experience the same uncertainty because an alert reminds you when to take your medication—it doesn't confirm whether you actually took it.
Why DialCap Was Created
DialCap was created to solve this everyday problem.
A treatment plan is only as successful as the patient's ability to follow it. Medication tracking should not require another app, another battery, or another task to remember. It should fit naturally into a person's daily routine without adding complexity or burden on their lifestyle.
The most logical place to keep track of your next dose is on the one thing you already use every time you take your medication—the prescription cap.
DialCap transforms the prescription cap into a simple medication-tracking system that allows users to set their next dose immediately after taking their medication. The result is greater confidence, less doubt, and an easier way to stay on track without disrupting everyday life.
Awareness Is the First Step
Medication Non-Adherence affects millions of people, costs billions of healthcare dollars each year, and contributes to preventable hospitalizations and unnecessary loss of life.
By increasing awareness, educating ourselves and others, and using practical tools that make medication management easier, we can help improve adherence and create better health outcomes.
Please share this information with your family and friends. The more people who understand Medication Non-Adherence, the closer we come to reducing its human and financial cost—and helping people take their medications with greater confidence and peace of mind.