Reverse texting, a new and innovative approach to improving medication adherence among teens and young adults has been developed by the company “iReminder”. Texting is the key driver of medication adherence among teens and young adults because it is their primary method of communication. Physicians are encouraging teens to participate in a sponsored reverse texting program to help teens better manage their asthma, control diabetes, and adhere to their vaccinations schedules.
For example, in a pharmaceutical sponsored program, patients who want to receive vaccination reminders via text messages are asked to text Compliance for Life® (CFL). Once enrolled, reminders are automatically scheduled according to the vaccination protocol and text reminders are delivered at the appropriate times.
This works well for 11-12 year olds who need tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap), Meningococcal (MCV4), and HPV vaccines. Reverse testing is also effective for older teens that need Hepatitis aB, polio, measles mumps, and rubella (MMR), and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines. It is also used to remind teens that need pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV) and Hepatitis A vaccines.
“This innovative use of testing empowers teens and young adults to take ownership of their disease,” says Army J. Yoffie, CEO of iReminder. “When they do so, they are more likely to stick to their regimen and they also know that CFL automatically alerts their medical provider, if they are not texting and might be at risk. Fitting medication adherence into patients’ lives is a key feature of our technology.”
At their newly re-launched site http://iReminder.com, more information is available.
