Mobile Phone Text Messages and Effect on Treatment Adherence in Patients Taking Methotrexate for Rheumatoid...

To assess the impact of weekly text messages on adherence in patients taking methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

This prospective, randomized pilot, single-site study included patients with RA stabilized using MTX alone or combined with biologics. Participants were randomized to 3 interventions: a standard consultation (controls), a 15-minute pharmacist-led counseling session, or the receipt of text message reminders. The change over time in the Compliance Questionnaire Rheumatology (CQR-19) score between baseline and 6 months was defined as the primary outcome for adherence. Multivariable analyses and final adherence (as a composite outcome of the CQR-19 score, the Girerd score, and the medication possession ratio) were probed in sensitivity tests. Rheumatologic scales, inflammation, and patient satisfaction were also analyzed.

A total of 96 patients (mean ± SD Disease Activity Score in 28 joints 2.42 ± 1.03) were monitored. The change over time in the CQR-19 score was significantly higher in the text message group (mean ± SD 3.32 ± 5.66; P = 0.02) than in the control group (mean ± SD 0.22 ± 6.56) and the pharmacist-led counseling group (mean ± SD -0.14 ± 7.56). Multivariable logistic regression showed that text messages remained associated with an increase in the CQR-19 score, independently of the baseline CQR-19 score (odds ratio 3.63 [95% confidence interval 1.26-10.49]; P = 0.017). In the text message group, the increase in the CQR-19 score was correlated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire score (r = -0.405, P = 0.021), and patient satisfaction was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the control group.

Our results showed evidence of a positive impact of text messages on adherence to MTX treatment for RA. The clinical benefit and the ideal target patient remain to be determined.