EpxMedTracking: Feasibility Evaluation of an SMS-Based Medication Adherence Tracking System in Community Practice

• DOI: 10.2196/resprot.7223
• Publication Date: 2017-05-15T10:15:11Z
• Authors: Christopher Trica...; Robert Peters; Avik Som; Kavon Javaherian; Will Ross
• Keywords: Medication Adherence; Tracking (education); Community practice; Tracking system; mHealth

Background: Medication adherence remains a difficult problem to both assess and improve in patients. It is multifactorial that goes beyond the commonly cited reason of forgetfulness. To date, eHealth (also known as mHealth telehealth) interventions medication have largely been successful improving adherence. However, date used time- cost-intensive strategies or focused solely on reminding, leaving much room for improvement using modality flexible eHealth. Objective: Our objective was develop implement fully automated short message service (SMS)-based system, EpxMedTracking, reminds patients take their medications, explores reasons missed doses, alerts providers help address problems real time. Methods: EpxMedTracking bidirectional SMS-based messaging system with provider involvement developed implemented through Epharmix, Inc. Researchers analyzed 11 weeks de-identified data from cared by multiple groups routine community practice feasibility functionality. Patients included were those care purchasing tool Epharmix enrolled clinic providers. The primary outcomes assessed rate engagement missing self-reported Results: Of 25 studied over weeks, 3 never responded subsequently opted out deleted provider. No other during study period. Across period, overall weekly 85.9%. There 109 total reported doses including "I forgot" at 33 events (30.3%), felt better" 29 (26.6%), "out meds" 20 (18.4%), sick" 19 (17.4%), "other" (2.8%). We also noted an increase system. Conclusions: effective tracking uniquely identifies actionable subsequent intervention time based patient feedback. self-report higher rates while