De plus en plus de personnes souffrent de dépression. Le degré de gravité et les symptômes sont très variés. De nos jours, les enfants et les adolescents sont également de plus en plus touchés. Les personnes qui se sentent déprimées ou apathiques pendant une longue période et qui peuvent exclure les causes physiques – comme une carence en vitamine D3 – peuvent être aidées par des antidépresseurs après avoir consulté un médecin. Ce qui est important ici, c’est la régularité de l’apport.

En cas de troubles physiques, il est généralement assez simple de prescrire le médicament adéquat. En revanche, en cas de problèmes psychiques, le chemin vers le bon médicament peut être long. En effet, notre cerveau est extrêmement complexe et loin d’être aussi bien étudié que le corps humain.

De même, tout le monde ne fait pas de bonnes expériences avec les antidépresseurs. Les effets secondaires possibles, comme par exemple l’hypertension, les troubles gastriques ou les maux de tête, peuvent être perçus comme tellement pénibles que les antidépresseurs sont rapidement arrêtés. De plus, de nombreux patients s’inquiètent également du fait que ce type de médicament peut rapidement créer une dépendance. Mais une fois l’antidépresseur adéquat trouvé, la qualité de vie peut s’améliorer brusquement et durablement.

Que sont les antidépresseurs et comment agissent-ils ?

Les antidépresseurs sont des médicaments psychotropes – c’est ainsi que l’on désigne les médicaments utilisés pour traiter les maladies mentales. Il est important de savoir que les antidépresseurs n’ont pas d’effet stimulant ou soporifique et qu’ils ne peuvent pas non plus créer de dépendance. Lorsque l’on traverse une phase dépressive, certains processus cérébraux ne se déroulent pas comme ils le devraient.

Les neurotransmetteurs dans le cerveau, qui sont responsables de la communication entre les cellules nerveuses qui y sont stockées, ne fonctionnent plus au niveau habituel. C’est là qu’interviennent les antidépresseurs en essayant de remédier aux dysfonctionnements qui se sont produits et de faire passer davantage de neurotransmetteurs dans la fente synaptique. Cette zone – c’est-à-dire l’espace entre deux cellules nerveuses qui communiquent entre elles – est importante pour la transmission des impulsions nerveuses.

Les antidépresseurs renforcent les neurotransmetteurs que sont la sérotonine, la noradrénaline et la dopamine. Résultat : les cellules nerveuses peuvent à nouveau mieux communiquer entre elles. Il faut donc faire preuve de patience et de discipline dans la prise des médicaments.

Ces antidépresseurs sont souvent utilisés :

• les inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine (ISRS), dont font partie par exemple les médicaments fluvoxamine, fluoxétine, citalopram et sertraline
• Inhibiteurs sélectifs de la recapture de la sérotonine et de la noradrénaline (SNNRI), dont font partie la duloxétine et la venlafaxine.
• les antidépresseurs tricycliques (ATC), par exemple l’amitryptiline et la clomipramine

Traiter la dépression à long terme

Une fois que l’on a trouvé le médicament adéquat et que l’on se sent mieux, il ne faut surtout pas arrêter immédiatement les antidépresseurs. Cela peut paraître tentant, mais cela peut conduire à plonger rapidement dans la phase dépressive suivante. Il est recommandé de poursuivre le traitement jusqu’à six mois après la guérison, après quoi le médicament peut être arrêté avec précaution. Cela signifie que l’on en prend des doses de plus en plus faibles, jusqu’à ce que l’on finisse par l’éliminer complètement.

Les mesures thérapeutiques suivantes peuvent soutenir le traitement médicamenteux :

• la luminothérapie : grâce à la « douche de lumière » quotidienne, le taux de sérotonine augmente
• la thérapie par l’exercice : toutes les formes d’exercice peuvent aider à renforcer la santé mentale
• Une alimentation saine : Les acides gras oméga-3 et les acides gras monoinsaturés sont importants pour la formation des neurotransmetteurs

Bien entendu, ces mesures ne remplacent pas les antidépresseurs, mais elles peuvent aider le corps dans son processus de guérison.

Prendre des antidépresseurs régulièrement : l’application TOM aide

Il est absolument nécessaire de prendre régulièrement les antidépresseurs, en particulier. Vous avez un peu tendance à oublier et vous ne pensez pas toujours à prendre vos comprimés ? L’application TOM vous rappelle chaque jour de manière fiable de prendre vos médicaments. Un nouveau médicament est ajouté et un autre est supprimé ? Pas de problème ! Dans l’armoire à pharmacie virtuelle de l’application, vous pouvez réorganiser vos médicaments à tout moment. Téléchargez maintenant le Télécharger l’application TOM et ne plus jamais oublier de prendre vos antidépresseurs.

C’est l’une des maladies cardiaques les plus répandues dans le monde et elle peut provoquer des crises cardiaques, des troubles du rythme cardiaque et d’autres conséquences graves. Il s’agit de la maladie coronarienne, une maladie dans laquelle le cœur n’est plus suffisamment approvisionné en oxygène et en nutriments. Les personnes âgées sont particulièrement touchées. La bonne nouvelle, c’est qu’avec un changement de mode de vie et la prise régulière de médicaments, cette maladie du cœur peut être bien traitée.

Plus nous vieillissons, plus les dépôts de calcaire sont nombreux dans nos artères et nos vaisseaux. Si les artères du cœur sont rétrécies par des dépôts (artériosclérose), le cœur ne reçoit plus suffisamment de sang – et donc d’oxygène et de nutriments. Le symptôme le plus courant de la maladie coronarienne est une douleur soudaine et intense derrière le sternum. Ces douleurs sont également appelées  » angine de poitrine « .

Qui est particulièrement concerné et comment minimiser les risques ?

Les personnes âgées sont les premières concernées, les hommes étant environ deux fois plus nombreux que les femmes. Toutefois, l’âge et le sexe ne sont pas les seuls facteurs de risque. Comme pour d’autres maladies, le style de vie personnel et les prédispositions familiales jouent également un rôle important. Les personnes qui savent qu’il y a des cas de maladies coronariennes dans leur famille devraient faire de l’exercice régulièrement, manger sainement et de manière équilibrée et éviter le stress autant que possible. Le tabagisme, la consommation excessive d’alcool et une forte obésité favorisent également les maladies cardiaques.

Symptômes : reconnaître une maladie coronarienne

Ce qui est dangereux dans la maladie coronarienne est qu’elle n’est pas toujours remarquée immédiatement. Ce n’est que lorsque les vaisseaux sont déjà fortement rétrécis et que nettement moins de sang parvient au cœur que chez les personnes en bonne santé que les troubles apparaissent. Et les fortes douleurs dans la cage thoracique ne sont pas les seuls symptômes, des sueurs, un manque d’air ainsi que des sentiments de panique peuvent également être des signes d’une crise cardiaque. les maladies coronariennes peuvent être des symptômes. Les symptômes cités sont souvent déclenchés par un effort physique ou psychique important ou par le froid. Des troubles peuvent également survenir après un repas particulièrement copieux. Il est important de savoir : Si vous ressentez tous ces symptômes, prenez la précaution d’appeler immédiatement les secours.

Diagnostic et traitement des maladies coronariennes

Parfois, le diagnostic se fait assez rapidement après description des symptômes vécus. Dans la plupart des cas, un examen complet est toutefois nécessaire, au moyen d’un ECG de repos, d’un ECG d’effort et d’une échographie cardiaque. En effet, c’est le seul moyen de déterminer à quel point le cœur et les artères coronaires sont déjà affectés dans leur travail. Sur la base des résultats de l’examen, les patients souffrant d’une maladie coronarienne se voient proposer un plan de traitement individuel adapté, dont l’objectif est de dilater à nouveau les artères coronaires rétrécies et d’améliorer ainsi la circulation sanguine et l’alimentation du muscle cardiaque. Les facteurs de risque classiques comme l’hypertension artérielle et l’hypercholestérolémie sont traités par des médicaments.

Les médicaments à long terme suivants sont fréquemment utilisés :

• Inhibiteurs de l’ECA : ils empêchent la production de l’hormone qui provoque le rétrécissement des artères (angiotensine II). De plus, ils permettent à l’artère principale d’être mieux approvisionnée en sang.
• Inhibiteurs de l’angiotensine II : ils empêchent l’action de l’hormone angiotensine II, qui rétrécit les artères.
• Bêta-bloquants : ils empêchent les hormones de stress d’agir sur le muscle cardiaque et les vaisseaux. Le cœur bat ainsi plus lentement et le muscle cardiaque est mieux irrigué.
• Les diurétiques : Ils aident le corps à éliminer l’excès de liquide stocké dans les tissus. Cela permet également de soulager le cœur.

Maîtriser la maladie coronarienne : avec l’application TOM

Médicaments pour la maladie coronarienne doivent impérativement être pris régulièrement. Si vous avez du mal à garder une trace de vos différents médicaments ou si vous oubliez parfois de les prendre, l’application TOM peut vous aider. L’application vous dit chaque jour quel médicament vous devez prendre et quand . L’armoire à pharmacie virtuelle de l’application permet également d’ajouter ou de supprimer facilement des médicaments. Télécharger l’application TOM maintenant et consulter votre Maladie coronarienne en toute sécurité !

Allergy sufferers know it all too well: If the immune system comes into contact with an allergen, the body reacts allergically. Sometimes the allergy can only be controlled with medication. For these to work, they must be taken regularly. This is where the TOM app comes in: with daily reminders on the smartphone, it is an active help against forgetting.

More than 60 million people in Europe[1] have an allergic reaction to certain allergens. What exactly happens in the body during an allergy? During an allergic reaction, the messenger substance histamine is released, which causes an inflammatory reaction in the body. The result: itchy eyes, sneezing, skin rash, swelling, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal problems. The symptoms of allergy are varied and create stress in the body. In the long run, this can cause tissue damage, which in turn promotes the migration of the allergy. This means that a perhaps harmless hay fever can turn into allergic asthma if left untreated. Therefore, you should not underestimate allergies.

[1] https://allergiecheck.de/zusatzliche-informationen-presse/fakten-zur-allergie

What allergies are there actually?

If you suspect an allergy, you should consult a doctor or allergist. Based on allergy diagnostics, certain allergies could be determined or excluded. Therefore, before starting any treatment, it is advisable to have your doctor determine which allergens are responsible for your symptoms by means of an allergy test. Some people are allergic to pollen, others to house dust or animal dander. Allergy types can be broadly classified as follows:

• Inhalant allergens. These include animal hair allergy, pollen allergy or dust mite allergy
• Contact allergens in the sense of skin allergy
• Injection and ingestion allergens. These include wasp allergy and food allergy

Allergy treatment: tablets and more

The best thing to do is to avoid the allergen. But unfortunately, this is not always possible. In this case, you should consider medical treatment of allergies by means of anti-allergic drugs (antihistamines) to avoid secondary diseases. Especially for acute allergy symptoms, medications are usually the right choice. The active ingredients contained ensure that the allergic reactions are weakened or prevented. Allergy medications are divided into two types:

• Locally acting medications such as nasal sprays or eye sprays
• Systemically acting drugs such as allergy tablets

Managing allergies: with the clever TOM app

With the TOM app, you can easily and simply manage the intake of your allergy medications. Especially when the time of intake or even the form of medication changes, you always keep track thanks to the reminder function of the TOM app. Are your allergy tablets or allergy nasal spray coming to an end? Here, too, the TOM app offers a remedy: Simply set your medication stock at the beginning. The health app reminds you at a certain time to repurchase the medication. Download the TOM APP now and manage your allergy smartly!

There are many chronic diseases worldwide that affect the lives of millions of people every day. Not only dealing with the disease itself, but also the often extensive therapy plans and daily medication regimen prove to be a burden for those affected.

The medication app for easy and clear handling of medications

With TOM Medications you get many different functions in one app:

• TOM Medications Reminds you to take your medications on time and also shows you the correct dosage instructions for your medications each day.
• In a virtual medicine cabinet you have with TOM your tablets at a glance. Here you can add and remove all your medications easily and clearly – according to your individual and current therapy plan.
• With the convenient medication replenishment feature, TOM Medications allows you to reorder your medications directly from the tablet app, keeping you on track with your treatment plans without interruption.
• The Medi Check from TOM Medications, in cooperation with a Swiss pharmacy, offers you the possibility to analyze interactions of different medications and to receive further information about your medications within 2 days.

Medication management app for people with hypertension

For people with high blood pressure the condition can have serious consequences, especially without proper treatment. Medication Manager from TOM Medications helps sufferers consistently take their important blood pressure pills. The TOM app also offers another helpful feature for hypertension patients: In addition to the medication, many different measurements can be documented in the app. This allows patients to enter their blood pressure measurement results daily and show them at their next doctor’s visit, if necessary. Graphical statistics of the measurements also illustrate your measurement results over time.

Diabetes: Simplified therapy adherence with TOM Medications

The TOM medication app also helps people with a diabetes disease. In addition to an appropriate diet, taking the right medication for diabetes is essential. The tablet reminder in the TOM app reminds you to take your medication every day. If your therapy plan includes various medications, you can add them clearly in the virtual medication cabinet and always keep track of them.

For yourself or for your doctor, you can also print or send a monthly health report directly from the TOM Tablets app.

Download the TOM app now and manage chronic diseases safely!

L’hypertension est l’une des principales causes de maladies cardiovasculaires telles que les crises cardiaques et les accidents vasculaires cérébraux. Certaines des causes de l’hypertension sont l’obésité, le manque d’exercice et le stress, associés à une prédisposition héréditaire. Si l’hypertension n’est pas traitée, des maladies secondaires peuvent apparaître, le plus souvent dans le système cardiovasculaire.

Vous devez prendre des comprimés contre la tension artérielle ? Alors vous savez certainement que la régularité joue un rôle important dans ce domaine. L’application TOM vous permet de vous assurer que vous n’oubliez aucune prise. L’application santé pratique vous rappelle chaque jour, à l’heure que vous avez définie, de prendre vos médicaments.

L’hypertension : une maladie répandue

L’hypertension artérielle (appelée hypertonie en médecine) est très répandue dans les pays industrialisés. En Allemagne, environ 20 à 30 millions de personnes sont touchées par cette maladie. Plus on vieillit, plus le risque de souffrir d’hypertension est élevé. Mais les enfants et les adolescents peuvent aussi être concernés. Dans ce cas, le manque d’activité physique et le surpoids sont considérés en premier lieu comme des facteurs de risque. Il existe toutefois des personnes qui sont minces et sportives, qui ont une alimentation saine et qui souffrent malgré tout d’hypertension. Souvent, cela peut être attribué à une prédisposition familiale.

Des effets tardifs dangereux

Ce qui est dangereux dans l’hypertension, c’est que les conséquences ne se font sentir que tardivement. Et ces conséquences tardives peuvent être graves. En effet, une hypertension persistante et non diagnostiquée pendant de nombreuses années peut entraîner des lésions permanentes d’organes vitaux tels que le cœur, le cerveau et les yeux par exemple. Les infarctus du myocarde et les accidents vasculaires cérébraux, en particulier, sont souvent dus à l’hypertension. La bonne nouvelle, c’est que si la maladie est détectée à temps, les troubles consécutifs et les maladies du système cardiovasculaire peuvent être retardés, voire totalement évités.

Traitement de l’hypertension artérielle par des moyens naturels

Si la tension artérielle n’est que légèrement élevée, il est éventuellement possible de renoncer à la prise de médicaments. Les mesures suivantes sont recommandées :

• Réduisez votre poids.
• Préparez vos repas avec peu de sel.
• Réduire le stress.
• Faites de l’exercice régulièrement. Dans ce cas, la marche quotidienne ou la marche nordique, par exemple, conviennent particulièrement bien.

Si ces mesures ne suffisent pas ou si votre tension artérielle est très élevée, vous pouvez recourir à des médicaments sous forme d’antihypertenseurs.

Ces médicaments sont utilisés pour traiter l’hypertension artérielle

Il existe différents types de médicaments utilisés pour réduire l’hypertension. Les plus connus sont les suivants : Les inhibiteurs de l’ECA, les bêtabloquants, les diurétiques, les antagonistes du potassium et les sartans. Le choix du médicament le mieux adapté à votre cas dépend de différents facteurs, tels que votre âge ou vos antécédents médicaux. Parfois, différents médicaments sont combinés afin d’obtenir le meilleur résultat possible. Votre médecin établira avec vous un plan de traitement individuel.

Gérer l’hypertension : avec l’application pratique TOM

Vous prenez plusieurs médicaments différents et ce, à différents moments de la journée ? L’application TOM vient alors à point nommé. Elle vous aide à garder un œil sur la prise de vos médicaments contre l’hypertension. L’application dispose d’une fonction de rappel pratique et vous dit chaque jour quand il est temps de prendre vos médicaments. Vous souhaitez ajouter ou supprimer des médicaments ? Vous pouvez le faire à tout moment dans l’armoire à pharmacie virtuelle de l’application.

Téléchargez maintenant l’application TOM et gardez votre hypertension sous contrôle !

It is considered one of the most widespread diseases in the world: diabetes, also known as « diabetes, » is a metabolic disease that can have serious consequences. « Diabetes mellitus » refers to various diseases based on a metabolic disorder. An elevated blood sugar level is the result.

People with diabetes do not produce enough insulin in the pancreas. Thus, the sugar is not transported into the cells and the blood sugar level rises. That’s why regular blood glucose monitoring and taking certain medications are usually part of everyday life for diabetes patients. The TOM app reliably reminds you at the time of your choice to take your measurement or your medication. This way you have your head free for other things.

What types of diabetes are there and how do you recognize them?

In diabetes, we talk about two different types: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. What are the differences between these two types of diabetes?

• Diabetes type 1 is a congenital immune deficiency and usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s own defenses destroy insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The treatment is carried out by regular intake of insulin.

• Diabetes type 2 is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle and highly sugary food. It is therefore an « acquired disease ». The explanation: the constant consumption of large amounts of sugar leads to an overproduction of insulin, at some point insulin resistance develops and the sugar can no longer be absorbed by the body. With type 2 diabetes, the primary advice is to live healthier. If a change in diet is not enough, medication is used

Incidentally, similar symptoms occur in both types of diabetes. These include, for example, excessive thirst, cold sweats, severe weight fluctuations, fatigue, muscle cramps, and frequent infections.

Diabetes treatment: healthy diet is worth its weight in gold!

As already mentioned, a change in diet is definitely recommended. Eat plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fish. When it comes to fruit, make sure it has a low sugar content. Here, for example, apples, pears, oranges and berries are suitable. Also, drink plenty of water and unsweetened teas. Outdoor exercise should also become a fixed part of your daily routine.

Manage diabetes: with the practical TOM app

The TOM app helps you keep track of your diabetes medications. The app tells you every day when you need to take your medication and even has a handy reminder function. In the app’s virtual medicine cabinet, you can add or remove medications at any time.

Download the TOM APP now and manage your diabetes safely!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only about half of people suffering from a chronic disease take their medication as prescribed.^[1] Other studies also report similar numbers that vary by disease.^[2] This should alarm patients, health care providers, payers, the economy and the public sector alike, because the negative consequences of this non-compliance with prescribed treatment, called treatment infidelity, are enormous. We describe why patients find it difficult to follow treatment recommendations. We shed light on the direct and indirect impact this treatment infidelity can have not only on patients, but on society. And we show how adherence to therapy can succeed and be increased by using the TOM app

Challenges for patients

It is common knowledge that many people under medical care have difficulty following treatment recommendations, especially when chronic disease processes are involved. Non-adherence to medical recommendations can vary significantly depending on the patient, the condition, and even the medication.

The reasons are manifold. The treatment itself may be unpleasant, interfere with daily work or private life, or be accompanied by side effects. Patients may be confused, on the one hand by conflicting medical advice from multiple specialists or by freely available information from the Internet. In part, the importance to follow therapy may not have been communicated clearly enough according to the patient’s capacity to receive it or presented in an understandable way. Consultation options or targeted therapy monitoring after the start of treatment are often not provided or close enough. Additional concerns on the part of the patient or a lack of motivation, in combination with the aspects already mentioned, then lead to neglect of the agreements made or even discontinuation of the therapy, especially since the benefits of the treatment often only become apparent after a while.

Adherence to therapy – therapy adherence – does not only mean taking medication regularly and according to the instructions. It means for the patient to play an active role in the treatment, to take responsibility for compliance with medical recommendations and to permanently adjust his behavior (e.g. lifestyle, diet, exercise, as well as regular, correct intake of medication).

With adherence to therapy, health can succeed

The benefits of strict adherence to therapy for patients and especially patients with chronic disease courses are obvious. We have listed some of these here; of course, these may vary depending on the clinical picture and patient sociography and may change as the disease progresses:

• better health and well-being
• Halt or delay progression of the disease
• Avoid further complications
• Fewer recurrent episodes of illness and (re)admission rates.
• Increased patient safety through minimized risks
• more quality of life.

Proactive strategies that support adherence to medical treatment recommendations enable many chronically ill people to continue to engage in regular work or to return to work after a period of rehabilitation.

Society also benefits – A look at the other side

Adherence to therapy not only improves people’s health, but also ensures cost savings in healthcare and a productivity boost in the economy. Chronic diseases in particular lead to major economic losses every year.^[3]

Productivity losses occur due to « presenteeism » (presence with limited ability to work), absence due to illness or even incapacity to work. Thanks to strict adherence to therapy, many chronically ill patients are able to continue working or return to their jobs after a period of rehabilitation. Productivity improvements are particularly important in areas where there is a shortage of skilled workers and labor or where demographic change is having a negative impact on the structure.

It is accepted that the cost of lost productivity is on par with direct medical benefit expenditures.^[3]

But it’s not just the employer who benefits from increased therapy compliance; the public purse does too. Less incapacity to work means, for example, fewer social benefits and higher tax revenues.

Although better treatment adherence means immediately increasing treatment costs, in the medium and long term the need for treatment and care can be reduced compared to non-adherent patients.

Although all of those mentioned should have an interest in promoting practices that facilitate treatment adherence, the motivation and commitment to do so is not the same for everyone. Medical providers in particular, who have the most direct contact and thus the greatest influence on patients, are largely focused on diagnosis and treatment recommendation. In purely economic terms, they have the least incentive to implement adherence-promoting strategies. This is because treatments are disproportionately weighted compared to therapy monitoring.

Therefore, it will be important to generate robust data demonstrating the benefits of adherence at all levels so that legislators are prepared to institutionalize adherence-promoting treatment guidelines.

Interventions that improve treatment adherence

Interventions can be divided into strategies that actively promote optimal adherence and those that monitor adherence. They should be based on the stage of therapy and ideally distinguish whether therapy should be started, implemented, or continued.^[4]

Evaluation of successful strategies to promote treatment adherence shows that face-to-face counseling models (direct interventions) are similarly successful to indirect interventions (e.g., materials sent electronically, by mail, or by fax).^[5] For example, it was found that patients’ adherence to statins improved significantly after 12 months with advice and support from the pharmacy.^[6]

A 2016 meta-analysis (16 RCTs, 2742 patients total) reported that text messaging doubled the likelihood of medication adherence and improved it by 17.8% overall.^[7] Mobile notifications were also shown to be effective in improving adherence to weight loss medications.^[8]Mobile Benachrichtigungen zeigten sich auch wirkungsvoll in der Verbesserung der Therapietreue bei Medikamenten zur Gewichtsreduktion.^[9]

But measures that make taking medication clear and simplify it are also proving effective. This includes, for example, special dosettes or, of course, a medication schedule, whether in paper or digital form, as an app.

mHealth applications help integrate individual therapy adherence into daily life

Thanks to growing acceptance and advancing digitization, mobile health (mHealth) interventions are already well-used everyday companions that help patients take their medication.^{[10],[11],[12]}

Many people own smartphones, and smartphone applications (apps) provide a scalable and cost-effective way to intervene. There are now more than 5000 apps that support medication adherence, but there are relatively few studies that have examined their effectiveness.^[13] A 2020 meta-analysis (9 RCTs, 1159 patients total) found that app users were more likely to adhere to prescribed medications than participants without an app, but the average study duration was only 12 weeks.^[14]

A cutting-edge Australian study provides the first evidence that app-based interventions increase adherence to treatment and that positive behavior change in medication adherence also produces longer-term improvements in clinical parameters in multimorbidity.^[15]

What the TOM app can do – 1 year in facts

With the TOM app from the Zurich-based startup Innovation 6, a digital medicine cabinet has been available for about 1 year:

Medicine cabinet, which has it « IN » itself

• 120000 Medications
• Comprehensive management functions: Reminder intake time, intake duration, inventory check, reordering at the push of a button.
• Safety during intake and handling: detailed intake instructions, stored expiration dates, avoidance of overmedication, detection of therapy deviations
• No user registration required
• Anonymous medication check by TopPharm pharmacy
• Encrypted data transmission and storage via 12-digit code

Relative to the known usage time of other mHealth apps (benchmark 30 days), the TOM app shines with a 5x higher engagement rate.

APPLICATIONS

The TOM app is mainly used at:

• Cardiovascular disease (hypertension / elevated cholesterol)
• Metabolic diseases (diabetes) and
• Neurological diseases (epilepsy)

.

However, it is also used in therapies for the treatment of asthma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, mental illnesses such as depression, and in transplant medicine.

FIGURES that speak for the TOM app

Recent evaluations show that of a total of 100,000 TOM users, 82% are still taking their medications according to plan after 1 year. This also means that only 18% of users did not adhere to the medical guidelines during this period. In comparison, an average of 30% non-adherent patients is usually assumed, although the numbers vary depending on the disease.^[16]

According to a model calculation by SantéSuisse,^[17] which in turn is based on a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation from 2012 ³ the theoretically calculated savings potential for 110,000 chronically ill patients is around 4 billion Swiss francs if they were to remain faithful to their therapy. Although these figures depend on many assumptions and are not very reliable, they certainly show the magnitude of the savings that can be achieved by improving adherence to treatment.

There are an estimated 2.2 million chronically ill people in Switzerland. Assuming an average treatment nonadherence of 30%, approximately 660,000 chronically ill patients would not adhere to their treatment regimens. If one continues the calculation already started, this would result in a theoretical savings potential of around 24 billion Swiss francs in total.

An increase in adherence from about 70% to 82% in the case of the TOM app means, at least in the model, that an additional 265,000 chronically ill patients would be adherent to therapy through use of the TOM app, along with the corresponding health and economic benefits.

Plan holistic strategies that lead to treatment adherence.

Lack of adherence is one of the most central reasons for treatment failure.^[18] Experts have been discussing the importance of treatment adherence for people and society for years, even decades. However, there is still a lack of systematic, cross-cutting implementation of adherence-promoting measures. There is a need for holistic programs that reach and motivate patients on the one hand and demonstrate the benefits for all sectors of society on the other.

Apps support an urgently needed reorientation of health services research and contribute to the ability to measure effects through treatment adherence in a science- and evidence-based manner.

Thanks to mHealth applications such as the TOM app, application data is generated that can be used to demonstrate the effective benefits of adherence. An evidence base is created that facilitates the ability of various stakeholders to embed adherence-promoting interventions across domains in best-practice recommendations, guidelines, and legislation. For the good of all.

Adherence to therapy concerns us all – TOM Medications makes its contribution

Therapies only work if patients take the right drugs in the right dosage and at the right time. And regularly and exactly as long as prescribed.

It is understandable that the more medications a patient takes and, above all, the longer the therapy lasts, the more complicated this becomes.

The TOM -App is the perfect therapy companion. It promotes adherence to therapy and helps monitor compliance over the long term. It not only assists in personal medication management, but provides valuable practice data on the effective use of app and adherence in relation to disease progression, quality of care, and productivity.

SOURCES:

[1] Sabaté E. Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action. Genf: Weltgesundheitsorganisation . 2003. www.who.int/chp/knowledge/publications/adherence_report/en/. Accessed Aug 30, 2021.

[2] Hichborn J, Kaganoff S, Subramanian N, et al. Improving patient adherence through data-driven insights. PHARMACEUTICALS & MEDICAL PRODUCTS PRACTICE. 2018. Retrieved 30 August 2021, from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/pharmaceuticals-and-medical-products/our-insights/

[3] Behner P, Klink J, Visser S, Böcken J, Etgeton S. Effekte Einer Gesteigerten Therapietreue: Bessere Gesundheit Und Höhere Arbeitsproduktivität Durch Nachhaltige Änderung Des Patientenverhaltens. Booz & Company, Berthelsmann-Stiftung. 2012. https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/fileadmin/files/BSt/Presse/imported/downloads/xcms_bst_dms_36214_36215_2.pdf. Accessed August 30, 2021.

[4] Vrijens, B, et al., A new taxonomy for describing and defining adherence to medications. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2012;73:691-705.

[5] Cutrona SL, Choudhry NK, Fischer MA, et al. Modes of delivery for interventions to improve cardiovascular medication adherence. Am J Manag Care. 2010;16(12):929-942.

[6] Taitel M, Jiang J, Rudkin K, et al. The impact of pharmacist face-to-face counseling to improve medication adherence among patients initiating statin therapy. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2012;6:323-329.

[7] Thakkar J, Kurup R, Laba TL, et al. Mobile telephone text messaging for medication adherence in chronic disease: a meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(3):340-349.

[8] Li A, Cunich M, Fuller N, et al. Improving adherence to weight-loss medication (liraglutide 3.0 Mg) using mobile phone text messaging and healthcare professional support. Obesity. 2020;28:1889–901.

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The 10 most recommended digital health solution providers from Europe 2021

TOM Medications did it again and was rewarded with a great award from The Healthcare Insights! We have achieved a place among the « 10 most recommended digital health solution providers from Europe in 2021 » with our TOM app. The Healthcare Insights magazine is a comprehensive guide to all things healthcare. In the course of this TOM Medications also received a certificate recognizing our contributions to the healthcare industry.

In addition to receiving the award, we also made it onto the cover of the July issue of the magazine. On four pages, we report on the various functions of our app, among other things:

• Therapy recording
• Reminders to take medications consistently and on time
• Medication Check
• Virtual medicine cabinet

With the many helpful functions of the TOM App TOM increases the adherence of its users.

Click here for a digital version of the magazine issue: https://thehealthcareinsights.com/magazine-digital/europe/Digital-Health.html#Magazine/page1

Customer-oriented thinking and an agile work culture at TOM Medications

In July a year ago, the TOM app was successfully released – after more than 10 months of conception, testing by patients and optimizations. Feedback from our users and their satisfaction are important components in the development and updates of the TOM app. That’s why we publish an update every two weeks with improvements contributed by users of our medical app.

As an innovative startup, we also focus on innovative and agile ways of working. « There are no work hours or vacation policies. There are only tasks that need to be done. Nothing more and it works perfectly » says founder Sven Beichler.

TOM Medications also offers a clear advantage over other medication reminder and adherence apps: the app is not only accessible to a broad audience but also manages to bring together and easily manage even complex therapies.

The TOM App of Innovation 6 AG has already been awarded the Silver App Award in 2020 for the « Best of Swiss Apps 2020 » in the category User Experience & Usability. Now we are on our way to the top of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Awards! Here, the 100 most innovative and promising Swiss startups are selected every year by a jury consisting of 100 leading investors and experts. For the victory we need your vote.

Parallel to the expert ranking, the TOP 100 Public Vote and for this we need YOU! Help us to the top of the most outstanding Swiss startups!

Support us and donate 1 minute of your time

1. Click < THIS LINK > and you will get to the voting page www.startup.ch
2. Click up there in the middle VOTE NOW as shown in the graphic on the right
3. Sign in with your LinkedIn account at
4. Vote for TOM Medications of Innovation 6 AG

Therapy adherence through digital medication management

For many chronically ill people, the daily and steady intake of medication is vital. However, it can often be difficult to keep track of many different medications and constantly changing dosages. In addition, according to a study by the health insurance association Santésuissen, only about 60 percent of Swiss people with chronic diseases adhere to the treatment prescribed by their doctor. Adherence to therapy is essential and can have far-reaching health consequences for the patient if not followed. This is where TOM Medications comes into play.

More than just a medication reminder with the TOM app

The TOM app provides users with easy and intuitive access to digital medication management. With daily medication reminders, the app helps users achieve adherence to therapy of 74 percent – this means that of around 700,000 planned medications, around 520,000 were actually taken.

The application area of the app, however, goes far beyond the medication reminder. Important information such as the expiration date of the medication can be stored in the digital medicine cabinet. In addition, all medications can be categorized, giving the user a better overview of all medications to be taken.

Helpful features of the TOM app

Another helpful feature is the app’s regular check of the medication’s stock level. Should replenishment be necessary, the user will be informed in good time. The Zurich-based startup didn’t stop there, however, and offers a helpful feature for this as well. With just a few clicks, users can easily use the app to medication supplies via the app and save the medications and dosages for future orders.

In collaboration with TopPharm Apotheke Witikon Zurich, the TOM app offers users a Medi Check easy, convenient and from home. Within 2 days, users receive an overview of indications, interactions, double medication, instructions for taking the medication and information on allergies of the medication to be taken.

In the following video you can see all functions briefly and concisely at a glance:

Together with you, we want to create more awareness and treatment adherence for medication use in chronic diseases. Help us to reach our goal and win the Swiss Startup Award 2021 as an ICT Startup!

Whether intentionally not taken or simply forgotten: Failure to comply with a therapy can have far-reaching health consequences for patients. This is exactly where the TOM app comes in.

Many patients are familiar with the problem: the doctor recommends one or more medications and explains when they must be taken. If you are prescribed countless medications at different times of the day in alternating doses, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re taking. However, some patients are also bothered by the flood of medications and therefore deliberately omit a unit here or there.

Many chronically ill people are tired of therapy
According to estimates by the health insurance association Santésuisse, only 60 percent of the approximately 2.2 million chronically ill patients in Switzerland are adherent to treatment. The numbers vary greatly depending on the disease. For example, surveys show that only about half of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease adhere to their physician’s prescribed therapy. For asthmatics, the figure is 55 percent. Among diabetics and people with high blood pressure, the figure is still just under 75 percent, and 80 percent among cancer patients. Another survey found that only about 26 to 59 percent of patients over age 60 are treatment adherent, meaning they take their medications as recommended.

Infidelity to therapy can have irreversible consequences
Whether deliberately not taken or simply forgotten – the result is the same. Hunderttausende Patienten missachten die Therapievorgaben ihrer Ärzte. For a cold or a sprained foot, this may be largely harmless. Especially in chronically ill people, however, treatment noncompliance can have far-reaching health consequences and even lead to irreversible secondary diseases. Pills that are not swallowed can also lead to unnecessary increases in dose, necessitate a change in therapy, and cause additional hospital days. If, for example, antibiotics are taken in too low doses, this can even lead to resistance of the pathogens.

TOM app increases adherence to therapy by 23 percent
This is exactly where the TOM app from the Zurich-based start-up Innovation 6 comes in. It now sends over 1.5 million reminders to its 50,000 users across Europe so they don’t forget to take their medication on time. All users have to do is enter their prescription or select the drug from the database of over 120,000 official medications. Within seconds, new medications can be added to the virtual medicine cabinet and managed.

This reminder has an effect. Initial surveys have shown that out of a total of 700,000 scheduled drug intakes, 520,000 have actually been confirmed as taken. This means that TOM app users’ adherence to treatment is a proud 74 percent, almost a quarter above the Swiss average.

After the successful launch of the app, however, the start-up wants to go even one step further and help its users not only to take their medication on time, but also to get supplies in good time when the medication supply is gradually running out. ( Medication replenishment: fast, simple, digital)