The use of reminders and adherence to treatment plans for rheumatoid arthritis

This study looked at the characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients who were more likely to use reminders to adhere to their treatment plan and the effect this had on disease activity. The authors concluded that older white men were most likely to use medical reminders. The use of calendar reminders was associated with fewer tender joints.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often experience swelling and inflammation of their joints. There are several treatment options available for patients with RA. Most of these rely on the patient adhering to the treatment plan. Adherence plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of the treatment. This can be difficult to record as it is usually self-reported and often overestimated by patients.

Some patients use reminders, such as calendars, pillboxes or diaries. The effectiveness of reminders may be influenced by the number of current medications or frequency of treatment. Reminders can be particularly useful if a patient is out of their normal routine, such as being away from home or out of their office.  

201 patients with RA were included in this study. The authors recorded the types of reminders used. The number of swollen joints, a patient’s self-assessment of their health, and a doctor’s assessment of disease activity were also measured.

34% of patients reported the use of reminders. The average age of patients using reminders was 54 years. This was significantly higher compared to the average of patients not using reminders (49 years). 54% of white patients, 30% of black patients, and 26% of Hispanic patients used reminders. Men more often used reminders (50%) compared to women (28%).

Patients who were currently working were less likely to use reminders. The use of calendars was associated with treatment adherence while away from home or when busy.

There was a significant association between the use of calendar reminders and number of swollen joints. 

The authors concluded that older, white males were most likely to use reminders to adhere to their treatment plan. The use of calendar reminders was associated with fewer tender joints.

Adherence to treatment plans was self-reported in this study, which can be overestimated by patients.