Mobile health interventions to improve adherence to oral anticoagulant treatment: A systematic review and critical analysis.
Non Davies, Elin Haf Davies, Dyfrig A Hughes
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and critical analysis assessed whether mobile health interventions improve oral anticoagulant (OAC) adherence. Searches identified 24 eligible randomized controlled trials. Nine of the 13 trials reporting statistically significant adherence improvements tested smartphone apps, telephone calls or text messages for support or medication reminders. Adherence was commonly measured electronically, including with smart pill bottles and medication event monitoring systems. The authors concluded that these approaches may improve OAC adherence, while noting weaknesses in study design, implementation and adherence outcome measurement and reporting.
Key findings
- Of 13 trials reporting statistically significant adherence improvements, nine tested smartphone apps, telephone calls or text messages.
- Across 24 randomized controlled trials, adherence was most often assessed electronically using smart pill bottles or medication event monitoring systems.
- Studies scored worst for design and implementation procedures and for adherence outcome measurement and reporting.
Why it matters
Adherence to oral anticoagulants is associated with morbidity and mortality, making practical ways to support medication-taking clinically relevant. The review suggests that digital reminders and support may help, but the evidence also highlights limitations in how interventions and adherence outcomes have been studied. Better-designed, longer-term trials could clarify which approaches are effective and how they should be delivered.
What to keep in mind
The included studies had weaknesses in design and implementation and in adherence outcome measurement and reporting. The review also notes the need for larger, longer-term trials.