Adoption of a Drug Adherence-Enhancing Application To Achieve Optimal Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control Among Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author(s)
Junjie Huang1, Chenwen Zhong, PhD2, Martin Chi Sang Wong, MD2.
1Hong Kong, China, 2The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
1Hong Kong, China, 2The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVES: The "My eDrug Manager" app offers Hong Kong patients comprehensive medication guidance and reminders, yet its effectiveness in enhancing adherence and controlling blood pressure among elderly hypertensive patients remains under-researched. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the "My eDrug Manager" mobile app on medication adherence and blood pressure management in elderly hypertensive patients in Hong Kong.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 558 elderly patients with poor medication adherence, all of whom were on antihypertensive medications and owned compatible smartphones. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which utilized the "My eDrug Manager" app and received basic instructions along with adherence pamphlets, or the control group, which received standard care instructions and the same pamphlet. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), with data collected at 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analyses for group comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests.
RESULTS: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly higher mean MMAS-8 score (6.92 ± 1.40) compared to the control group (6.57 ± 1.42, p < 0.001). Additionally, the proportion of participants achieving optimal adherence was greater in the intervention group (68.4% vs. 57.6%, p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in blood pressure control were noted between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The app significantly improved medication adherence among elderly hypertensive patients, highlighting the need for integrating digital tools into care programs while also pursuing additional strategies for better blood pressure control.
METHODS: This randomized controlled trial involved 558 elderly patients with poor medication adherence, all of whom were on antihypertensive medications and owned compatible smartphones. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which utilized the "My eDrug Manager" app and received basic instructions along with adherence pamphlets, or the control group, which received standard care instructions and the same pamphlet. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), with data collected at 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical analyses for group comparisons were performed using t-tests and chi-square tests.
RESULTS: After 12 months, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly higher mean MMAS-8 score (6.92 ± 1.40) compared to the control group (6.57 ± 1.42, p < 0.001). Additionally, the proportion of participants achieving optimal adherence was greater in the intervention group (68.4% vs. 57.6%, p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in blood pressure control were noted between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The app significantly improved medication adherence among elderly hypertensive patients, highlighting the need for integrating digital tools into care programs while also pursuing additional strategies for better blood pressure control.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-05, ISPOR 2025, Montréal, Quebec, CA
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S1
Code
MT31
Topic
Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Digital Health
Disease
SDC: Geriatrics