Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026

Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform
Published on: April 12, 2021
One-way versus two-way text messaging on improving medication adherence: meta-analysis of randomized trials
David S Wald1, Shahena Butt1, Jonathan P Bestwick1
1Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Background:
Mobile telephone text messaging is a simple potential solution to the failure to take medications as directed. There is uncertainty over the effectiveness of 1-way text messaging (sending text message reminders only) compared with 2-way text messaging (sending reminders and receiving replies confirming whether medication has been taken) as a means of improving medication adherence.
Methods:
A meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (1994 patients) that tested the effectiveness of text messaging on medication adherence was performed. The trials were divided into 2 groups: trials using 1-way text messaging versus no text messaging and trials using 2-way text messaging versus no text messaging. The summary estimates of the effect of the 2 methods of text messaging (1-way or 2-way) were compared.
Results:
The summary relative risk estimate was 1.04 (95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.11) for 1-way text messaging and 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.35) for 2-way text messaging. The difference in effect between the 2 methods was statistically significant (P = .007).
Conclusions:
Two-way text messaging is associated with substantially improved medication adherence compared with 1-way text messaging. This has important implications in the provision of mobile-based messaging in the management of patients taking medication for the prevention of chronic disease.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Blind Procedures
Drug Dosage Regimen: Overview
Typically, the starting dose and dosing interval are guided by the manufacturer's recommendations based on clinical trials conducted during and after drug...
Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients