title: Using digital technologies to improve treatment adherence.
abstract: Although health care recommendations should be agreed upon by a patient and her provider, patients cannot always follow these recommendations. Adherence remains low despite decades of research, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to tackle this problem. Interventions to improve adherence can capitalize on our reliance on technology. Digital technology interventions show promise in aiding patients attain and maintain their health care goals, including adherence to medication regimens and vaccination recommendations, receiving necessary treatment, attending appointments, and maintaining healthy behaviors. We present suggestions for clinicians who want to incorporate technologies to help their patients better engage in their health care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Family Planning, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. pc2137@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Paula M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Castaño
authors.forename: Melissa S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Stockwell
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Malbon
mesh_terms: D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003142:Communication; D016358:Contact Tracing; D003267:Contraception; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000379:methods*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000379:methods*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017010:Reminder Systems; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000379:methods*; D014611:Vaccination