Cited by 455Medication Adherence and ComplianceMobile Health and mHealth ApplicationsPharmacy and Medical Practices

The effectiveness of interventions using electronic reminders to improve adherence to chronic medication: a systematic review of the literature

Open access
Vervloet, Marcia, Linn, Annemiek J, van Weert, Julia C M, de Bakker, Dinny H, Bouvy, Marcel L, van Dijk, Liset·2012·Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Many patients experience difficulties in adhering to long-term treatment. Although patients' reasons for not being adherent are diverse, one of the most commonly reported barriers is forgetfulness. Reminding patients to take their medication may provide a solution. Electronic reminders (automatically sent reminders without personal contact between the healthcare provider and patient) are now increasingly being used in the effort to improve adherence. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of interventions using electronic reminders in improving patients' adherence to chronic medication. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual searching of reference lists and reviews. Two reviewers independently screened all citations. Full text was obtained from selected citations and screened for final inclusion. The methodological quality of studies was assessed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies evaluated short message service (SMS) reminders, seven audiovisual reminders from electronic reminder devices (ERD), and two pager messages. Best evidence synthesis revealed evidence for the effectiveness of electronic reminders, provided by eight (four high, four low quality) studies showing significant effects on patients' adherence, seven of which measured short-term effects (follow-up period <6 months). Improved adherence was found in all but one study using SMS reminders, four studies using ERD and one pager intervention. In addition, one high quality study using an ERD found subgroup effects. CONCLUSION: This review provides evidence for the short-term effectiveness of electronic reminders, especially SMS reminders. However, long-term effects remain unclear.

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Crossref · 10.1136/amiajnl-2011-000748

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Authors
Vervloet, M., Linn, A. J., van Weert, J. C. M., de Bakker, D. H., Bouvy, M. L., & van Dijk, L.
Affiliations
  • Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NL)
  • University of Amsterdam (NL)
  • Utrecht University (NL)
Corresponding author
Vervloet, Marcia
Venue
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association
Published
2012-09
Volume
19
Issue
5
Pages
696-704
ISSN
  • 1067-5027 (ISSN-L)
  • 1527-974X
OpenAlex
W2152680984
Cited by
455
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 40 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 32 · 2018: 41 · 2017: 40 · 2016: 42 · 2015: 40 · 2014: 37 · 2013: 26 · 2012: 3
FWCI
4.50
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • Research portal (Tilburg University) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • UvA-DARE (University of Amsterdam) (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Family Practice › Medication Adherence and Compliance
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Pharmacology › Pharmacy and Medical Practices
Keywords
electronic reminders, medication adherence, chronic medication, pagers, forgetfulness, adherence interventions, long-term treatment
MeSH terms
Audiovisual Aids, Automation, Humans, Reminder Systems, Telemedicine, Cell Phone, Medication Adherence, Text Messaging

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