Does technology-enhanced communication improve Helicobacter pylori eradication outcomes?-A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is highly prevalent, causing upper gastrointestinal inflammation and leading to conditions like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer.
• Successful H. pylori eradication relies heavily on patient compliance due to complex treatment regimens and common adverse effects.
• Technology-enhanced communication (TEC) presents a potential strategy to improve patient adherence and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of technology-enhanced communication (TEC) strategies in improving H. pylori eradication.
• To assess the impact of TEC on key outcomes including patient compliance, eradication rates, and adverse effects.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, World of Science, and Embase.
• Nine studies were included, reporting on various outcomes such as compliance, eradication rates, adverse effects, symptom relief, patient satisfaction, treatment costs, disease awareness, and follow-up rates.

Main Results:

• TEC initiatives demonstrated a significant improvement in patient compliance (OR 4.52, p < .01) and H. pylori eradication rates (OR 1.98, p < .01).
• No significant impact was observed on the adverse effect rate (OR 0.65, p = .34).
• Due to limited study numbers and sample sizes, qualitative assessments were made for patient satisfaction, symptom relief, treatment costs, disease awareness, and follow-up rates.

Conclusions:

• Technology-enhanced communication (TEC) is an effective strategy for enhancing patient compliance with H. pylori eradication regimens.
• TEC initiatives lead to significantly increased H. pylori eradication rates, suggesting its value in clinical practice.