Accountability in reminder-based adherence interventions: A review

Objective: Interventions to elicit accountability capitalize on social behaviors to improve adherence but are distinct from reminders. However, little is known about the impact of accountability in reminder-based adherence interventions. Through a literature review, we aim to identify the frequency and effectiveness of accountability in reminder-based intervention studies. Methods: PubMed and PsycArticles were searched for reminder-based adherence studies. Articles were categorized as reminder-only or reminder with accountability studies. Studies were characterized by out-come measures, and differences between control and intervention groups were compared for studies that used electronic monitoring devices. Results: 165 studies met the inclusion criteria; 154 used reminders without accountability (93%). 79 of the 154 reminder-only studies (51%) improved adherence in intervention groups compared to controls. Eleven of the 165 studies (6.6%) included an accountability aspect. The intervention group had better adherence than controls in 10 out of the 11 reminder with accountability studies (91%). Conclusions: Although distinct from reminders, accountability can be incorporated in reminder-based interventions. However, it is not commonly included in reminder-based interventions. Practice implications: It is important to consider accountability's effects on encouraging patient medication adherence. The addition of accountability interventions may further boost adherence, but few studies currently incorporate these types of interventions. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Accountability can be incorporated in reminder-based interventions to improve adherence. However, few studies currently utilize accountability measures. Further research is needed to explore the effects of accountability on patient adherence.