JAMA: Can text messaging improve medication adherence? Maybe

CHICAGO - A new article published online by JAMA Internal Medicine Monday examined the question of whether text-messaging an help improve medication adherence in a meta-analysis conducted by Jay Thakkar, and Clara Chow, both of The George Institute for Global Health, the University of Sydney, Australia. 

 

The meta-analysis included 16 randomized clinical trials to assess the effect of text messaging on medication adherence in chronic disease. The results suggest text messaging was associated with increased odds of medication adherence. However, the authors encouraged caution when interpreting their results, in part, because of the reliance on self-reported medication adherence. 

 

The authors recommend future studies with a focus on appropriate patient populations, the longevity of the effect and the influence on clinical outcomes.

 

“In summary, future adherence research needs to overcome the common methodological pitfalls that are still plaguing the field," suggested Brian Haynes, of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. "As Thakkar et al show, [text messaging] has potential as a widespread, low-cost technology but will need more development and rigorous testing to determine if it has real, enduring and patient-important benefits that are worth the investment.”