Phone Apps Can Improve Migraine Treatment Adherence

Mobile phone apps have the potential to improve medication adherence and are a promising intervention for adolescent and young adult patients with migraine who have demonstrated low adherence to treatment, according to a recent study. Involving parents in the intervention is also helpful. Thirty-five adolescents and young adults (aged 13 to 21 years) with migraine participated in an AB-design pilot study to assess the use of a mobile phone app and progressive reminder system. Adherence was calculated using electronic monitoring during the baseline period and medication adherence intervention. Researchers found:

• Relative to baseline, adherence significantly improved during the first month of the intervention.
• Specifically, improvements existed for older participants with lower baseline adherence.
• Self-reported app-based adherence rates were significantly lower than electronically monitored adherence rates.
• Participants rated the intervention as acceptable and easy to use.

A pilot investigation of a mobile phone application and progressive reminder system to improve adherence to daily prevention treatment in adolescents and young adults with migraine. [Published online ahead of print April 10, 2018]. Cephalalgia. doi:10.1177/0333102418756864.