Text messages could help patients remember to maintain their meds

There are many people out there who are required to take a daily dose of medication to help with certain health complications. However due to their busy nature, stubbornness, or just plain forgetfulness, some people end up not taking their meds. In fact it was discovered that about a third of those prescribed blood pressure medication actually don’t end up taking their pills. However interestingly enough, a recent study has shown that by actually texting patients and reminding them to take their meds, these patients will end up complying.

A recent study found that nearly one third of those prescribed medication to lower their blood pressure, or lower their lipids, are not taking their pills. But there is a solution. A study published on the online journal PLOS One found that sending out text message reminders to patients, can help them remember to take their medication on time. A study was conducted with 300 patients who were taking meds to reduce their blood pressure or cholesterol. Two groups of patients were created with one group receiving texts, and the other group not receiving any messages. The group receiving the texts were asked if they were taking their medication. These missives went out once a day for two weeks, before dropping to every other day for two weeks. That was followed by one text a week for six months. Patients not replying to the texts were called on the phone to check compliance.