Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
E-Patient Counseling Trial E-PACO: Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Digital Communication Technology: Does Offering a Choice of Modality Improve Medication Adherence and Outcomes in a
P J Cvietusa1,2, N M Wagner1, J A Shoup1
1Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Denver, CO.
Background:
Use of digital communication technology has shown potential to improve asthma adherence and outcomes. Few studies have looked at patient preference around mode of medication reminders used to improve and maintain asthma medication adherence.
Objective:
To determine if, in a population already receiving automated medication reminders, offering a choice for preferred mode of reminder (text, email, phone) would improve their adherence and asthma outcomes over a 1-year period.
Methods:
This was a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial conducted at Kaiser Permanente Colorado involving 7522 adult patients with persistent asthma. Study patients were randomized to receive usual care or their choice of medication reminder. Differences between the 2 groups in both medication adherence and asthma outcomes were then assessed over the following year.
Results:
Only 30% of those offered a choice of medication reminder modality responded by making a choice, with 52% preferring text messaging. There was less of a decrease in adherence rate over the 1-year period in those who made a choice regarding the mode of medication refill reminder. There was no difference in asthma outcomes between those who did make a choice compared with those who did not make a choice regarding the mode of medication refill reminder.
Conclusion:
In a patient population already receiving medication reminders, offering a choice about what type of technology-enabled asthma medication reminder patients wanted did not improve outcomes but did enable a subgroup to better maintain their medication adherence.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...