Effect of a WeChat-based medication reminder platform on Helicobacter pylori therapy

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant global health concern, and effective eradication therapy is crucial for preventing its associated complications. Poor medication compliance is a major barrier to successful eradication. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a WeChat-based medication reminder platform integrated with the hospital information system (HIS) on improving eradication rates, medication compliance, and treatment satisfaction among patients undergoing H. pylori eradication therapy.

This was a non-randomized, prospective observational study. A total of 142 H. pylori-positive patients were enrolled at our hospital, and 134 eligible patients were finally included after exclusions. The patients were divided into an intervention group (receiving medication reminders via the WeChat platform) and a control group (receiving only standard medication instructions), with 67 patients in each group. Group allocation was based on accessibility to the WeChat platform. All patients received a 14-day quadruple regimen consisting of amoxicillin, furazolidone, rabeprazole, and bismuth potassium citrate. Medication compliance was assessed using a validated 5-item questionnaire on the second day after medication completion, and H. pylori eradication status was re-evaluated 4 weeks after treatment using the ¹³C-Urea Breath Test (¹³C-UBT) or ¹⁴C-UBT. Adverse reactions and treatment satisfaction were also recorded as outcome indicators.

The eradication rate in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (97.0% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.1-99.4%] vs. 86.6% [95% CI: 76.2-93.4%], p = 0.022). Medication compliance was also significantly improved in the intervention group (92.5% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.003). Treatment satisfaction was higher in the intervention group (95.5% vs. 80.6%, p = 0.011). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (14.9% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.596). A sensitivity analysis based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle confirmed the robustness of the results.

The WeChat-based medication reminder platform integrated with the HIS significantly improved medication compliance, H. pylori eradication rates, and treatment satisfaction without increasing adverse reactions. This digital intervention offers a promising strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapy and optimizing patient outcomes in clinical practice. Large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are required to further confirm its effectiveness and popularize its application.