Background
readmission
CHRONIC DISEASES
Population ageing has turned into one of the most important public health challenges in recent years, a phenomenon that has affected Iran at a higher speed compared to other countries [Medication adherence is one of the challenges associated with polypharmacy in the elderly population. Medication adherence occurs when a patient takes their medications according to the prescribed dosage, time, frequency, and direction [Technology advances have opened new horizons for management of chronic diseases and improvement of health care services. Use of mobile phone facilitates monitoring of treatment process and health care providers-clients’ relationship [However, many apps that are designed for the general population are not customized for using by the elderly, which comprise a large population with various health needs so little interaction is observed between them and these apps [In this regard, the Medisafe, a reminder alarms app, was designed to monitor the older adults’ blood pressure and boost drug adherence level. The results showed that medication adherence improved and blood pressure preserved in the normal range in patients in intervention group. However, despite improving medication adherence among the elderly, the mobile application did not provide features such as information about the drug use instructors [Since the available apps do not meet the older adults’ needs for medication use management due to their special conditions, they need an app that has the highest congruence with their physical and mental conditions. A review of the literature suggests that the older adults needed items are not considered in the available apps. Therefore, it was decided to design an app that has the highest congruence with their needs. Furthermore, there are controversies data regarding the effectiveness of drug management apps in promoting drug adherence and its associated consequences. Insights into the potential benefits of an expert-designed mobile application in promoting drug adherence among older adults; this controlled trial study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using a mobile drug management application on medication adherence and hospital readmission among polypharmacy older adults.