Improving adherence to acne treatment: the emerging role of application software

Figures & data

Figure 1 Flow diagram of search strategy.

Abbreviation: ME, mobile and electronic.

Table 1 Characteristics of randomized controlled trials included in the review

Study and groups	Intervention	Number of participants	Age (range of years)	Sex (% of male)	Acne severity
Boker et al, 2012^Citation4
Treatment	Text message reminders	19	14–35 (mean, 22.8)	52.6	Mild to moderate
Control	None	21	12–32 (mean, 22.5)	71.4	Mild to moderate
Yentzer et al, 2011^Citation5
Treatment	Telephone call reminders	15	NA	NA	Moderate to severe
Control 1	None	16
Control 2	Frequent office visits	15
Control 3	Parental reminders	15
Yentzer et al, 2011^Citation6
Treatment	Internet-based	10	13–18	NA	Mild to moderate
Control	None	10
Wang et al, 2011^Citation7
Treatment	Internet (acne-related questions)	25	13–69	NA	Mild to moderate
Control	Internet (nondermatologic-related questions)	25

Abbreviation: NA, not applicable.

Figure 2 Medication adherence rates using electronic Medication Event Monitoring System cap over the course of 12 weeks.

Notes: Wang et al⁷ was not included because medication adherence rates were not reported. ^aMean adherence rates; ^bmedian adherence rates.

Table 2 Description of medication, technology-based intervention, and the medication adherence measure of randomized controlled trials included in the review

Study	Medication	Intervention	Adherence
Boker et al, 2012^Citation4	• Topical medication (12 weeks)  – Morning: OTC facial cleanser, followed by 3 pea-sized amounts of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1%/5% topical gel  – E vening: 1 pea-sized amount adapalene 0.3% gel	• Type: text message reminder • Frequency: twice a day • Duration: 12 weeks	• Measurement: MEMS cap • Calculation: actual number of correct MEMS cap opening/closing events for each tube divided by the expected number of opening/closing events
Yentzer et al, 2011^Citation5	• Topical medication (12 weeks): adapalene 0.1% gel once-daily	• Type: telephone call reminder • Frequency: once a day • Duration: 12 weeks	• Measurement: MEMS cap • Calculation: not specified
Yentzer et al, 2011^Citation6	• Topical medication (12 weeks): benzoyl peroxide 5% gel once-daily	• Type: Internet-based communication: email containing a link to a survey assessing acne severity and treatment • Frequency: once a week • Duration: 12 weeks	• Measurement: MEMS cap; patients’ report • Calculation: percentage of days the medication container was opened
Wang et al, 2011^Citation7	• Not specified	• Type: Internet-based interactive health care education tool • Frequency: once a week • Duration: 12 weeks	• Measurement: clinical outcomes and quality of life

Abbreviations: OTC, over-the-counter; MEMS, Medication Event Monitoring System.

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