Automated telephone and text messaging interventions almost double the odds of adherence to medication when compared to usual care, according to a systematic review of research studies, published today by Dr Kassavou and Professor Sutton.
The review set out to assess how well automated telecommunications (including voice messages and text messages) can support medication adherence. The reviewers analysed 17 randomised controlled trials, seeking to identify the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) and other intervention characteristics that are positively associated with greater intervention effectiveness. Results suggested that messages that were tailored to participants and provided information about the benefits or risks of taking (or not taking) medications were positively associated with larger intervention effects.