A short message service (SMS)-based strategy for enhancing adherence to antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a short message service (SMS)-based strategy on adherence to antipsychotic treatment.


METHODS
A multicentre, randomised, open-label, controlled, 6-month study with clinically stabilised outpatients with schizophrenia was conducted. The patients assigned to the intervention received daily SMS reminders to take their medication for 3 months. Self-reported medication adherence was determined using the Morisky Green Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ). Secondary outcomes were severity of illness, attitude towards medication, insight into illness and health-related quality of life.


RESULTS
A total of 254 patients were analysed. A significantly greater improvement in adherence was observed among patients receiving SMS text messages compared with the control group. The mean change in MAQ total score from baseline to month 3 was -1.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.02, -0.98) and -0.7 (95%CI -0.72, -0.68), respectively (P=0.02). Greater improvement in negative, cognitive and global clinical symptoms at month 3 was observed. Attitude towards medication also significantly improved across the study in the intervention group versus the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
An SMS-based intervention seems feasible and acceptable for enhancing medication adherence. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this kind of intervention could be a complementary strategy to optimise adherence in schizophrenia.
Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario del Sureste, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain.
Jose Manuel
JM
Montes
Esteban
E
Medina
Manuel
M
Gomez-Beneyto
Jorge
J
Maurino
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents