Apps that help users track, remember and learn about their medication therapy can help older adults adhere to medication regimens, though training is often required and the apps must have a needed capability their current medication management system does not, according to a study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research: mHealth.
Researchers recruited a sample of 35 adults aged 50 and over and provided each with a tablet computer containing four medication management apps: MyMedRec, DrugHub, Pillboxie and PocketPharmacist. Researchers then studied the apps' apparent usability and the subjects' willingness to adopt the apps.
While some struggled initially, with training all the participants were capable of using the apps. However, most participants could not see a need for the apps and said they would only use them if their situation changed, such as a decline in health or cognition.
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