Development of a Patient-Centered Mobile Health Information System for Medication Adherence in Elderly PopulationsUsability and Effectiveness Study

Abstract

Medication non-adherence in elderly populations poses a significant risk to health outcomes, increasing hospitalization rates and healthcare costs. Digital health solutions have the potential to bridge this gap, but many fail due to poor usability, lack of personalization, and low engagement. This study presents the design, development, and evaluation of a mobile health (mHealth) information system tailored specifically for elderly users to improve medication adherence. Guided by user-centered design principles, the system features simple interfaces, personalized medication schedules, voice-enabled reminders, and caregiver integration. A 6-week pilot usability study involving 40 older adults was conducted, assessing adherence behavior, system satisfaction, and engagement metrics. Results showed a 35% improvement in medication adherence rates, high usability scores, and strong acceptance among users and caregivers. Findings support the feasibility of deploying intuitive, patient-centered mobile systems to tackle adherence challenges in aging populations.