Application and Influence of Technology on Medication Adherence in Adults with Heart Failure: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Heart failure is a progressive disease that presents itself through multiple debilitating symptoms. Being there is no cure, symptom management and prevention through a tailored polypharmaceutical regimen is key to keeping these patients out of the hospital and improving their quality of life. Considering as of 2014, 6 million Americans are living with heart failure, it is crucial to implement interventions to promote medication adherence. Emerging technologies can provide patients the opportunity to remotely monitor their self-care and better adhere to their drug regimens.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify forms of technology available to adults living with heart failure to adhere to prescribed medication regimens and to explore the efficacy of these technologies on improving medication adherence.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to include recent, peer-reviewed, and primary sources meeting defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data synthesis and analysis was completed to identify common themes in the literature.

Results: Seven studies were examined to reveal eight sources of technology applying either reminder systems, event monitoring systems, or video phone systems. These technologies utilized either novel devices, smartphone applications, or at-home equipment to carry out interventions and test efficacy.

Conclusions: Event monitoring systems were found to be the most efficient in promoting medication adherence in adults with heart failure. These findings reveal more research needs to be conducted using event monitoring systems, behavioral theory-based interventions, larger sample sizes, and potential barriers to medication adherence in this population.

Keywords: heart failure, medication, adherence, compliance, technology