To avoid complications, chronic conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
need to be treated for a long time and with regular drug adherence. Applications for mobile
health (mHealth) have become cutting-edge resources to help individuals manage their
health, including enhancing medication compliance. The influence of mHealth apps on
chronic disease patients’ medication adherence is examined in this article along with the
ways in which these apps work, obstacles to their efficacy, and potential future paths in
digital health.
1. Introduction
One of the biggest obstacles to managing chronic diseases effectively is medication non
adherence. According to estimates from the World Health Organisation, over half of people with chronic illnesses do not take their prescriptions as directed (WHO, 2003). Poor health
outcomes, more hospital stays, and increased healthcare expenses are all consequences of
non-adherence. Applications for mobile health (mHealth) have been created recently to
encourage adherence practices and assist patients with chronic illnesses in managing their
own care.
2. Importance of Medication Adherence in Chronic Diseases
Chronic conditions include HIV, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma necessitate continuous
pharmaceutical treatment. Maintaining disease control, avoiding exacerbations, and
lowering morbidity and mortality all depend on patients following their prescribed
treatment regimens (Brown & Bussell, 2011). However, a number of issues, such as
forgetfulness, side effects, complicated regimens, and a lack of perceived benefit, affect
adherence.
3. Overview of Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications
Mobile health apps are software programs installed on smartphones or tablets that provide
health-related services. They may include features such as:
– Medication reminders
– Pill tracking
– Educational content
– Symptom diaries
– Direct communication with healthcare providers
– Gamification and reward systems
According to the IQVIA Institute, over 350,000 health apps were available in app stores as of
2021, with a significant proportion focused on chronic disease management (IQVIA, 2021).
4. Mechanisms by Which mHealth Apps Improve Adherence
mHealth apps are useful resources for encouraging medication adherence due to a number
of mechanisms: Reminders and Alerts: Patients are assisted in remembering to take their
medications on schedule by automated notifications. – Behavioural Support: Apps use
behaviour modification strategies like feedback and goal-setting. Patient education:
Knowledge that is easily accessible improves comprehension and drive. Data visualisation
and tracking: enables users to observe trends and advancements. Social Support and
Gamification: Promotes sustained participation by offering rewards and peer support.
5. Evidence Supporting mHealth App Effectiveness
mHealth interventions can increase adherence, according to several studies: Digital tools,
particularly mHealth apps, greatly improved medication adherence in patients with chronic
diseases, according to a comprehensive study by Kini & Ho (2018). A smartphone app improved statin adherence by 15% when compared to conventional treatment, according to
a randomised controlled trial conducted by Morawski et al. (2018). Thakkar et al. (2016)
found that adherence improved by 17% across a variety of digital treatments in their meta
analysis.
6. Limitations and Challenges
Despite the promise, there are a number of obstacles to overcome: Digital literacy: Those
who are less tech-savvy or older may find it difficult to use apps. Privacy Issues: People can
be reluctant to exchange digital health information. Sustained Engagement: After a few
weeks, a lot of patients quit using apps. Absence of Regulation: Not all applications have
been vetted by health authorities or supported by evidence.
7. Future Directions and Recommendations
Future mHealth apps should be tailored to each user’s requirements and preferences in
order to have the greatest possible impact. Connect to provider systems and electronic
health records (EHRs). Customise reminders and interventions with artificial intelligence.
Engage medical experts in the development and deployment of the app. Be assessed using
top-notch clinical trials.
8. Conclusion
A viable approach to enhancing chronic disease patients’ medication adherence is through
mHealth apps. Even if their efficacy is supported by research, there are still issues with
accessibility, engagement, and clinical integration. Mobile health technologies have the
potential to become effective tools for managing chronic diseases with additional
development and thorough assessment.
References
• World Health Organization. (2003). Adherence to Long-Term Therapies: Evidence for
Action.
• Brown, M. T., & Bussell, J. K. (2011). Medication adherence: WHO cares? Mayo Clinic
Proceedings, 86(4), 304–314.
• IQVIA Institute. (2021). Digital Health Trends 2021: Innovation, Evidence, Regulation,
and Adoption.
• Kini, V., & Ho, P. M. (2018). Interventions to improve medication adherence: A review.
JAMA, 320(23), 2461–2473.
• Morawski, K., et al. (2018). Association of a smartphone application with medication
adherence and blood pressure control. JAMA Internal Medicine, 178(6), 802–809.
• Thakkar, J., et al. (2016). Mobile telephone text messaging for medication adherence in
chronic disease: A meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(3), 340–349.
Disease Patients
