A12962 SMS reminders to increase adherence to medications in elderly

Abstract

Objectives: The adherence to long-term therapy for chronic illnesses in developed countries averages 50%. The aim is to develop a timely medication taking with SMS reminders. It improves adherence, especially the precision with which patients follow their prescribed regimen. Methods: A 33-item self-administered questionnaire that included a convenience sample of 635 individuals who were buying drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases is used. Study subjects were divided into two groups, with adherent defined as a “yes" response to the statement that they “never fail to take their medication on time." The cross-sectional survey was conducted at 106 Zagreb, Croatia pharmacies and the questionnaire was filled out by the study subjects. Results: In this study population (n = 370 non-adherent; 58.3% vs. n = 265; 41.7%) non-adherent subjects prevailed over adherent. The most common diagnoses were diseases of the circulatory system (n = 500; 36.8%), among is hypertension at the leading place. The great majority of study subjects reported forgetfulness (“I just forgot") as the main reason for skipping drug doses, followed by being away from home and shortage of the drug (having consumed it all). Conclusion: A growing concern for older people is nonadherence to medication, because that it is prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes and higher costs of care. There is usually no single reason for medication nonadherence, and therefore must be a comprehensive approach to improve adherence. Common barriers to adherence are under the patient's control, so that attention to them is a necessary and important step in improving adherence. Short text messages are a very effective way to encourage adherence to drugs. This mechanism involved in old patient empowerment can be well accepted and can reduce nonadherence.