We outlined the detailed characteristics of the available apps and sought to (1) identify who designed each app and whether health experts were involved in the development and design (2) identify key features defined as (a) features that are most prevalent and (b) features that are novel or innovative and have the potential to address the concept understand and manage and (3) create a framework to categorize the mobile health solutions. This concept aims to engage users and empower them to be in charge of their health and well-being as well as to see medication as part of a broader clinical approach, working simultaneously with other types of interventions or lifestyle changes, to achieve optimal outcomes. We reviewed the existing apps and provided suggestions for future development based on the concept understand and manage, as opposed to the conventional adherence to medication. This study aimed to provide an overview of the existing solutions in the mobile app marketplace, with a focus on apps that help users understand and take their medications. Therefore, to inform further app development, it is crucial to explore the existing selection of solutions available in the market, review their key characteristics, and identify the needs and directions for future development. Some of the earlier studies focused on apps with selected features, such as reminders and other medication adherence strategies, or on a specific population. The term electronic health (eHealth) solution is a general term that refers to software, telecommunication, and virtual technology related to health. However, there are a limited number of studies that provide detailed characteristics of the currently available solutions. Īpp users as well as developers are realizing this potential, which is reflected in the mobile app market growth, with increasing numbers of MM apps available. Moreover, people carry cellphones with them for the majority of the day, so MM apps can provide assistance on the go and in the required time. In addition, mobile apps represent one of the solutions for challenges with MM simply because 95% of US adults in 2018 owned a cellphone, and it allows MM solutions to become highly personalized. Mobile apps can offer users (patients or health consumers) tools to facilitate their engagement in the treatment and well-being. The literature confirms that the patient’s compliance with the treatment is significantly improved when the patient is engaged in the treatment. To achieve these goals, a reliable and easy-to-use medication management (MM) tool that facilitates patient engagement becomes critical. Some patients want to organize their medications, keep a history or a list of currently used medications readily available, or track their symptoms in relation to the treatment. These challenges may include integrating the medication into the daily routine at the right time, understanding the medication and its effects and side effects, or dealing with concerns about medication safety and efficacy. Taking several medications simultaneously or starting to take a medication that is prescribed for the first time may bring with it challenges for many users. This increase was found in all age groups, with the greatest increase among young adults aged 20 to 39 years, in which polypharmacy had grown from 0.7% to 3.1%.

The US National Health Survey has reported that the prevalence of polypharmacy (ie, taking ≥5 medications) rose from 8.2% to 15% between 19. Moreover, there is also an increase in the number of individuals taking several medications simultaneously, known as polypharmacy. Consequently, the regular use of medication to manage these conditions is increasing.

With the population aging worldwide and increasing lifespans, the rates of chronic health conditions are accelerating.

Iphone pill reminder