Text reminders improve short-term medication compliance

In what is the first review of studies concerning text reminders on medications, a Netherlands research team found that SMS, audio/visual reminder devices and even pager reminders significantly improved medication adherence, at least in the short run (under 6 months.) According to the researchers, text messages seem to be easily integrated into daily life, and resolved the forgetfulness of patients. Unresolved was optimum frequency of messages. Abstract (Journal of the American Informatics Association). iHealthBeat article. FierceHealthIT article.