Journal of Health Science and Medical Research (JHSMR) (Jun 2014)

The Effects of a Medication Taking Reminder Computer Program on Quality of Life and Adherence to Treatment in Elderly

  • Chantira Chiaranai

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 32, no. 3
pp. 173 – 184

Abstract

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Objective: The primary goal of this study was to determine the effects of a Medication Taking Reminder Computer Program (MTRP) on Quality of life (QOL) and adherence to treatment in elderly. Material and Methods: This study employed using a pre-posttest single group experimental design. MTRP is an innovation developed by using the integration of a web-based database and Short Message Service (SMS). Reminder messages were delivered to users via a mobile phone. Prior to data collection, MTRP was developed, tested for its efficacy by sending trial messages to users for 7 consecutive days. MTRP then was modified. Last, MTRP was fully implemented. Data were collected from 95 elderly who came for their visit at 3 hospitals located in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Reminder messages were delivered to the sample for 2 consecutive months. Research instruments composed of MTRP and QOL was measured by QOL questionnaire developed by World Health Organization (WHO) Thai version called WHOQOL–BREF–THAI. Treatment adherence was measured by number of times per week participants forget to take medications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Dependent t-test was used to compare QOL mean scores and the average number of forgetfulness per week between before and after intervention. Results: There were statistically differences in mean QOL scores and treatment adherence between before and after intervention (t=-2.62, p<0.01 and t=-1.31, p<0.01), respectively. Conclusion: The current study showed that MTRP increased adherence to treatment and improved patients’ QOL. Health care providers can expand the use of MTRP to improve patients’ QOL. Specifically, those who receive long term medication for treatment such as patients with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and patients with pulmonary Tuberculosis.

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