Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Usefulness of FaceTime to Improve Medication Adherence in Adolescents and Young Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Series

Joyce S Hui-Yuen, Ashlea E Cook, Andrew H Eichenfield and Anca D Askanase

Poor adherence to medications is a ubiquitous problem in patients with chronic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and can be associated with higher risk of disease flare and mortality. With the increasingly accessible use of mobile technology in health care, a novel application has emerged: the use of mobile technology to improve medication adherence in patients with chronic disease. We report the use of video-conferencing via FaceTime to improve medication adherence in childhood-onset SLE patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil. All of the patients had an undetectable mycophenolic acid (MPA) level prior to remote directly observed therapy (remote DOT) with FaceTime. The primary outcome was achievement of a therapeutic MPA level after remote DOT with FaceTime, and was met in all patients. This suggests an important role for video-conferencing in the improvement of medication adherence and disease outcomes not only in SLE patients, but in young adults with other chronic diseases.