Medication adherence support programs can transform health outcomes in rural areas while overcoming the many challenges they face. For the details about why, check out these articles:

• What Are the Top Challenges in Rural Healthcare?
• How Can Medication Adherence Improve Rural Health Outcomes? 
• What Is Medication Adherence Support in Rural Communities?
• What Is the Value of Remote Medication Adherence Support for Rural Healthcare?‍

This article offers another view—the view of someone living in a rural community and managing a complex condition. Let’s turn to Jim’s story.

Building the Right Habits for Type 2 Diabetes Medication

Jim has spent much of his life helping others navigate difficult situations.As a former drug counselor and program director, he was the one asking the questions—guiding people through intake, understanding their history, and helping them take the next step forward.

Now, Jim is the one managing a complex and evolving health condition of his own, diabetes. After speaking with his doctor, Jim began to better understand what was happening and how to manage it. That meant medication. A lot of it. 

To simplify things, Jim built a routine that works for him: everything in the morning.

“It seems to be working, so I’m sticking with that,” he says.

Extending Connection to Care for Diabetes Complications

But managing diabetes isn’t just about medication. It’s about everything surrounding it. Jim is actively trying to improve his strength and mobility.

“I’m trying to exercise more, get out, do things,” he says. “My muscles are weak, and it’s hard to stand up sometimes, so I’m working on that.”

There are also ongoing complications. Jim has diabetic retinopathy, a condition that requires regular eye injections every four to seven weeks. 

Through medication adherence support with Scene Health, Jim found something he didn’t expect: Consistent human connection.

“I’m appreciating the nurses,” he says. “It’s like somebody else cares, and that helps a lot. It keeps me going.”

When Jim needed a new blood glucose monitor, the program guided him to the right next step—connecting with his doctor, who was able to provide one. When he had questions about an X-ray for his hip, they helped him navigate that, as well. 

It wasn’t about replacing his care team. It was about reinforcing it to give Jim direction, clarity, and a sense that he wasn’t managing everything alone. 

“I feel like I’m lucky,” he says. “The meds are helping me, and they’re working.” 

Scaling Medication Adherence Support in Rural Communities

At Scene Health, our goal is for every rural resident to get the medication adherence support they need to achieve life-changing outcomes like Jim did. That’s why we pioneered our unique MedEngagement model to bring together the right technology, the right interventions, and the right care team into a turnkey solution that works for the realities of rural healthcare.

That’s also why we assembled an in-depth new guide, Rural Healthcare Transformation through Medication Adherence Support. If you want to close gaps in care for rural communities, this is your starting point for a scalable solution.

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