# Adoption of a Drug Adherence App to Improve Medication Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

## TL;DR

A mobile app called 'My eDrug Manager' improved medication adherence in older adults with hypertension in Hong Kong, but did not significantly affect blood pressure control.

## Contribution

This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of a digital tool in improving medication adherence among older hypertensive patients.

## Key findings

- The intervention group had significantly higher medication adherence scores after 12 months.
- Optimal adherence was more common in the app-using group compared to the control group.
- No significant differences in blood pressure control were observed between the groups.

## Abstract

The “My eDrug Manager” app provides Hong Kong patients with detailed medication guidance and reminders, but its impact on medication adherence and blood pressure control among older adults with hypertension is not well‐studied. This study aims to assess the impact of the “My eDrug Manager” mobile app on medication adherence and blood pressure control in hypertensive older adults in Hong Kong.

This randomized controlled trial included 569 older adults who were on antihypertensive medication, possessed a smartphone, but demonstrated poor medication adherence. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which used the “My eDrug Manager” app and received baseline instructions and adherence pamphlets, or the control group, which received standard care instructions and the same pamphlet. Adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8), with data collected at 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted using t‐tests and chi‐square tests.

At 12 months, the intervention group had a significantly higher mean MMAS‐8 score (7.06 ± 1.40) compared to the control group (6.56 ± 1.44, p < 0.001). The proportion of participants with optimal adherence was also higher in the intervention group (68.6% vs. 57.6%, p =0.007). However, no significant differences in blood pressure control were observed between the groups.

The application demonstrates the potential to improve medication adherence among older adults with hypertension, highlighting the need for integrating digital tools into care programs while also pursuing additional strategies for better blood pressure control.