New App will improve health outcomes as WHO estimates half of all medications are not taken as prescribed
OTTAWA, May 14, 2014 /CNW/ - In an effort to help more Canadians take better control of their healthcare, the innovative MyMedRec app has been expanded to the Android and BlackBerry 10 platforms.
Initially launched for iPhone in 2012, MyMedRec is a free smartphone app that empowers individuals to use their mobile devices as a tool to manage a wide range of healthcare information and help them administer their medications safely and appropriately. Available globally, the MyMedRec expansion has been developed by seven of Canada's leading healthcare organizations with your health in mind.
It is estimated that as many as half of all medications are not taken as prescribed, leading the World Health Organization to make safe medicine use a priority. Several studies have shown that responsible and appropriate use of medications leads to better health outcomes and reduces hospitalizations — which also leads to reduced costs and stress on the health-care system.
"I manage multiple medications that I take six times throughout the day. The MyMedRec app has been an excellent tool for me to keep track of my medication and set reminders for the ones I may forget," says Maureen Smith, an Ottawa resident who is living with a rare disorder. "The best feature of the app is its adaptability; there are so many options, you can really personalize it to meet your needs."
MyMedRec is an easy-to-use and understand interface that enables patients and caregivers to have their medication and immunization record at their fingertips. It includes features such as refill and dose reminders, storing of medication histories and multiple patient profiles, email and picture capabilities, as well as contact information of prescribers and pharmacies. It can also record clinical outcomes such as blood pressure and cholesterol, set dose reminders and share information with clinicians via email.
The app is also supported by the www.knowledgeisthebestmedicine.org website, which contains health information, relevant links and safe medication use tips, as well as a variety of downloadable medication records for those who don't use a smartphone.
Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D), the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Medical Association, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, the Victorian Order of Nurses and the Best Medicines Coalition have joined together to support development of the iPhone, Android and Blackberry 10 apps.
Partner Quotes
"The MyMedRec app is an extension of Rx&D's Knowledge is the Best Medicine program, first developed in 1994. Our industry is deeply committed to educating Canadian patients about the safe use of medication and the importance of adhering to treatment. With almost 60% of Canadians using a smartphone today, the extension of the program to include Android and Blackberry platforms was a natural next step."
—Russell Williams, President, Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)
"For patients, understanding medications, including safety issues, is so important to managing health. Knowledge is the Best Medicine offers great information and user-friendly monitoring tools such as the newly-developed smartphone apps." —Gail Attara, Chair, Best Medicines Coalition, and President & C.E.O., Gastrointestinal Society
"ISMP Canada is pleased to continue its involvement with the Knowledge is the Best Medicine electronic medication record tools. With the expansion to Android and Blackberry we hope to promote the safe use of medications to even more Canadians and to continue to advance medication reconciliation across Canada, which addresses a huge gap in medication safety." —David U, CEO of ISMP Canada
"MyMedRec is a truly great resource for medication management, and the Canadian Pharmacists Association is proud to be involved. Pharmacists should definitely recommend the app to their patients, especially during medication reviews." —Janet Cooper, Senior Director, Professional & Membership Affairs, Canadian Pharmacists Association
"The fact that MyMedRec is now available on the Android and Blackberry 10 platforms means that more Canadians than ever will be able to manage their medications in an optimal fashion. The CMA is pleased to partner in initiatives like these that empower patients to take an active role with their health care providers in the management of their well-being." —Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, President, Canadian Medical Association
"CNA is thrilled that since partnering with Rx&D in 2011 to develop the MyMedRec iPhone app, this innovative self-help resource is expanding and become more accessible via the Android and BlackBerry 10 platforms. Registered nurses promote this resource because they recognize the importance of making it easier for more Canadians to be actively involved in managing their own health care and medications — this app does just that." —Barbara Mildon, President, Canadian Nurses Association
"VON Canada is highly committed to improving client outcomes, including those related to medication safety. MyMedRec is an innovative tool that helps people actively manage their own health outcomes by keeping records of their medications and medication use." —Irene Holubiec, Senior Director, Quality and Risk Management, Client Relations, VON Canada
About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents the men and women working for more than 50 member companies which invest more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy, contributing over $3 billion to the Canadian economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
Image with caption: "MyMedRec (CNW Group/MyMedRec)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140514_C8265_PHOTO_EN_40279.jpg
SOURCE: MyMedRec
Julie Harris
Media Relations, Rx&D
Telephone: 613-236-0455 extension 212
E-mail: [email protected]
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