Recent research suggests that remote healthcare solutions can improve patient medical adherence. This article explores how telemedicine and digital health initiatives affect adherence across mental health, hypertension, and pulmonary arterial hypertension care.
Patient Medical Adherence in Mental Health Care
Telemedicine interventions are showing promise in improving patient medical adherence for those with mental health conditions. Recent studies have found that digital tools can improve medication adherence, from automated reminders to video calls with healthcare providers.
One study investigated the impact of telemedicine interventions on patient medical adherence to medicine in mental health care. A clinical trial with 1,588 patients evaluated telemedicine interventions. These included automated reminders for virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring. The study showed a small yet statistically significant improvement in medication adherence compared to usual care, which varied based on the mental disorder. The larger impact was observed in patients with depression.
Hypertension Control: Bridging Gaps in Care
In a second study, a team of researchers addressed the challenge of patient medical adherence for 100 patients unable to manage hypertension despite ongoing cardiologist intervention. The research focused on remote blood pressure monitoring, regular video visits with pharmacists, and the support of community health workers.
With RPM and support, patients significantly decreased their blood pressure—20 points for systolic and 8 points for diastolic. However, only half of the patients reached the recommended goal of under 130/80 mmHg. The study identified factors associated with blood pressure control, including greater medication adherence, diabetes, and competing health priorities. Notably, no association was observed between social determinants of health and blood pressure control.
Patient Medical Adherence in PAH Management
A third study explored patient medical adherence that focused on patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The digital health program in the study used an app for health tracking, educational content, medication reminders, and health coaching. Researchers engaged 53 patients across five hospitals in Spain and evaluated the program’s impact on quality of life, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
There were no significant improvement to quality of life or clinical outcomes. However, patient engagement with the digital tools was exceptionally high. It was found that 96% of patients logged health activities in the app. About half of the patients completed at least two levels of educational content. The majority of patients used the app consistently every month and reported steady communication with a health coach. Moreover, 92% expressed satisfaction with the program and 95% expressed a willingness to recommend it to others with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Understanding Adherence
These three studies in patient medical adherence show the potential of telemedicine in healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers a spectrum of solutions that can be tailored to diverse patient needs.
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