Reminder packaging for improving adherence to self‐administered long‐term medications

摘要: BACKGROUND: Current methods of improving medication adherence for health problems are mostly complex, labour-intensive, and not reliably effective. Medication 'reminder packaging' which incorporates a date or time to be taken in the packaging, can act as reminder system improve adherence. OBJECTIVES: The objective this review was determine effects packaging enhance patient with self-administered medications one month more. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched Cochrane Central Register Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Database Abstracts Reviews Effects (DARE) (The Library Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL PsycINFO from start databases 1 September 2004. also internet, contacted manufacturers, checked abstracts Pharm-line database reference lists relevant articles. did apply any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: selected randomised controlled trials at least 80% follow up, comparing device no participants taking minimum month. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed studies inclusion, quality, extracted data included studies. Where considered appropriate, were combined meta-analysis, reported discussed narrative. MAIN RESULTS: Eight containing on 1,137 included. Six intervention groups four provided percentage pills taken. Reminder showed significant increase taken, weighted mean difference 11% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6% 17%). Notable heterogeneity occurred among these I(2 )= 96.3%. proportion self-reported adherent patients, reporting reduction group statistically significant, odds ratio = 0.89 CI 0.56 1.40). No appropriate available meta-analysis different clinical outcomes, most common being blood pressure (three out eight trials). Other outcomes glycated haemoglobin, serum Vitamin C E levels, psychological symptoms (one trial each). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: packing may represent simple method patients conditions examined date. Further research is warranted design targeting devices.