Computerised reminders and feedback in medication management: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

2003/03/01 by John W Bennett, John W. Bennett, Paul Glasziou +1 · 26 citations
Health Professions · Medicine · Nursing · #Data extraction #Electronic Health Records Systems #Emergency medicine #Family medicine #Internal medicine #Intervention (counseling) #MEDLINE #Medication Adherence and Compliance #Medication therapy management #Medicine #Mobile Health and mHealth Applications #Nursing #Pharmacy #Physical therapy #Psychological intervention #Quality management #Randomized controlled trial

paper · doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05166.x

openalex publication_date 2003/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of computer-generated medication reminders or feedback directed to healthcare providers or patients. DATA SOURCES: Extensive computerised and manual literature searches identified 76 English-language reports of RCTs reported before 1 January 2002. Searches were conducted between June 1998 and April 2002. STUDY SELECTION: 26 papers making 29 comparisons (two papers reported on multiple interventions) of computer-supported medication management to a control group. DATA EXTRACTION: The quality of the RCTs was systematically assessed and scored independently by two reviewers. Rates of compliance with (potential) reminders for the control and intervention groups were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Heterogeneity of studies prevented a meta-analysis. Where possible, rates were calculated using the intention-to-treat principle. The comparisons were grouped into five areas. Reminders to providers in outpatient settings: six of 12 comparisons demonstrated positive effects (relative rates [RRs: intervention rates/control rates], 1.0 to 42.0). Provider feedback in outpatient settings: five of seven comparisons showed improved clinician behaviour (RRs, 1.0 to 2.5). Combined reminders and feedback in outpatient settings: the single comparison found no improvement. Reminders to providers in inpatient settings: three of five comparisons showed improvements (RRs, 1.0 to 2.1). Patient-directed reminders: two of four comparisons showed improvements in patient compliance. CONCLUSION: Reminders are more effective than feedback in modifying physician behaviour related to medication management. Patient-directed reminders can improve medication adherence.

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