UTMB Pepper Center Scholar's Research Highlights Benefits of Digital Tools for Medication Management in Older Adults

New research by Creaque Charles Tyler, PharmD, BCGP, a Research Education Component (REC) Scholar with The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC), highlights how digital health technology and pharmacist support can help older adults better manage their medications.

The pilot study focused on community-dwelling adults age 65 and older who were taking five or more medications. Participants used a medication reminder app and completed virtual medication therapy management sessions with a pharmacist over a six-month period.

The findings showed meaningful improvements in medication management. Participants reported greater knowledge about their medications, increased use of health technology, and stronger engagement with pharmacists through telehealth visits. The study also found a significant decrease in the number of participants who reported forgetting to take their medications.

The study's results suggest that digital health applications, ranging from simple reminder tools to more comprehensive medication management platforms, may offer effective and flexible solutions for improving medication adherence among older adults. Tyler's work reflects the mission of the UTMB Pepper Center, which supports research aimed at promoting healthy aging, maintaining independence, and improving health outcomes for older adults. Through its REC Scholar program, the center helps develop emerging investigators who are advancing innovative approaches to aging research and care. The study adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating how technology-enabled healthcare can support older adults in managing complex medication regimens and maintaining their health while aging in the community.

Read the article at PubMed: Perception of Technology to Support Medication Management Among Community-dwelling African American Older Adults