# The effect of reminder mobile application use on medication adherence after total thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

A mobile app with medication reminders improved adherence in patients after thyroid surgery compared to standard care.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that reminder-based mobile apps can enhance medication adherence post-total thyroidectomy.

## Key findings

- At week 4, the intervention group had significantly higher medication adherence scores than the control group.
- By week 8, the intervention group maintained higher adherence levels while the control group's adherence declined.
- Reminder-based mobile health tools may support treatment continuity after thyroidectomy.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using a reminder-based mobile application on medication adherence in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy.

This randomized controlled trial followed CONSORT guidelines and included 63 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at a university and a state hospital. The intervention group (n = 31) used a reminder mobile application for 8 weeks, while the control group (n = 32) received standard care. Data were collected at weeks 1, 4, and 8 using a personal information form, follow-up form, and Morisky eight-item medication adherence scale. Statistical analyses included chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U, and Friedman tests.

At week 4, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher mean MMAS-8 scores compared to the control group (6.58 vs. 5.71, p = 0.016). Furthermore, at week 8, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups in terms of medication adherence levels based on MMAS-8 cutoff categories (χ2 = 9.6, p = 0.008).

This study showed that a reminder-based mobile application effectively improved medication adherence in patients after total thyroidectomy. Increased adherence was observed in the intervention group, while a decline occurred in the control group. These findings indicate that reminder-based mobile health interventions may support medication adherence during the early postoperative period.

Reminder mobile applications can positively impact medication adherence. Integrating such tools into routine postoperative follow-up may support treatment continuity in patients receiving levothyroxine after total thyroidectomy.

NCT05503576, registration date 08 December 2022.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-026-10533-0.