Extract from Article

The call for patient-centricity is crucial, especially for long-term conditions where medication adherence is vital and the impact of non-adherence to disease-modifying therapies isn't immediately felt by patients. The design of drug packaging significantly influences patient habits, adherence, treatment outcomes, and overall experience. Common packaging formats—pill bottles, blister packets, sachets, and vials—each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages for patients.

Packaging goes beyond merely transporting treatment; it serves informational and adherence functions. Recognizing packaging as a tool to facilitate treatment intake is imperative, a trend increasingly seen at Hall & Partners. Patient-centric packaging should integrate seamlessly into patients' lifestyles without disrupting routines. Intuitive, unique designs can create an emotional connection, enhancing the unboxing experience and fostering trust in the drug's quality. Packaging, pill shape, and color can also impact patient experience and outcomes, influencing perceived efficacy and placebo effects. To foster habit formation, packaging must be intuitive, clearly indicating whether a dose has been taken.

In pursuing patient-centricity, companies must align packaging with principles focusing on patient adherence, outcomes, and experience, as outlined by Katsanis et al. (2021). From the initial unboxing to daily use, drug packaging should simplify processes, create value, and fit harmoniously into patients' lives. Refining drug packaging can empower patients, reduce reliance on caregivers, and improve the quality of life for those with chronic diseases.