Intervention Programs
Most studies used only one eHealth intervention, and a small number of
studies used a combination of two eHealth interventions. Details of the
intervention for each study are as follows. In Han et al.(24 )
study, the intervention group was provided with a mobile application for
medication management. The features of the application included
reminders that reported on the state of the medication, monitored the
state of the participant’s medication, and provided education on
immunosuppressants. In McGillicuddy et al. (19 , 20 ), the
intervention group received customizable reminder signals (light,
chime), phone calls or text messages at the prescribed dosing day and
time. They were also contacted by text, email, or phone when alerts
indicated medication non-adherence. In Reese et al.’s study (21 ),
the intervention group received reminders, in which a light on the
bottle would illuminate and the cap would chime when the medication
should be taken. If adherence decreased to < 90% every 2
weeks, the study coordinator would contact the participant by telephone.
In Jung et al(23 ), both patients and the medical staff received
feedback in the form of texts and pill box alarms in the event of a
dosage/dosing time error or a missed dose. In Fleming et al (22 ),
mHealth app provided patients with an accurate list of their medication
regimen that was automatically updated from the electronic medical
record (EMR), timely medication reminders, automated messages triggered
by missed doses or scheduled health monitoring. In low et al(26 ),
the intervention consisted of a face-to-face meeting (a medication
review and a consumer-centred video) and a series of 6 fortnightly
telephone calls (health coaching). In Henriksson et al. (27 ), at
the prescribed time for taking the medication, the electronic medication
dispenser (EMD) gave visual and audible signals. If the patient did not
take their medication, the audible signal was repeated with increasing
frequency for 120 minutes. Schmid et al. (25 ) adopted
telemedically supported case management, included (i) a chronic case
management process for the first year posttransplant; (ii) a case
management process applicable for acute care situations; and (iii) a
telemedically equipped team. Members comprised a transplant nurse case
manager (TNCM) and two senior transplant physicians (STP: surgeon and
nephrologist).