JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Substance use disorders (SUDs) and related public health harms have risen significantly in Canada over the past decade. While existing medications for addiction treatment have shown efficacy, poor treatment adherence remains a challenge. With growing rates of smartphone adoption, mobile applications represent an opportunity for digital interventions that can support medication adherence.

Objective:

This study provides a narrative review of current app-based interventions supporting medication adherence for individuals with substance use disorders and analyzes the common features for advantages and limitations.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus using the combination of keywords related to substance use, medication adherence, and mobile app. Selected papers focused on specific apps to support medication adherence for SUDs. Common technological features, potential advantages, and limitations of the identified technology applications were extracted and analyzed.

Results:

This review examined a total of 17 articles. 7 feature types were identified: reminders/reinforcers (e.g., contingency management), patient-provider communication, information, community boards to connect with support or other anonymous patients, self-monitoring/goal-tracking with patient self-report, external tracking (e.g., location, or electronic medication dispensing), and gamification. The most frequently occurring features were reminder messages, self-assessment and goal tracking tools, and patient-provider communication. Across the studies, interpretation of efficacy was limited as many studies were not designed to assess effectiveness. They also examined small, geographically and demographically homogeneous samples with substantial reliance on self-reported outcomes and incomplete data. In contrast, feasibility and acceptability were consistently high, with generally positive usability ratings and participant engagement across interventions.

Conclusions:

This narrative review summarizes the technical features, and various advantages and limitations of apps designed to support medication adherence for substance use disorders in the literature. This information provides a useful tool to guide the development and selection of future apps designed to improve medication adherence outcomes. Future studies are needed to determine which specific app features and implementation strategies are most effective in supporting adherence for specific populations and medications. Clinical Trial: N/A.