Mobile app eDrug to remind Hong Kong patients not to miss their medication

Local pharmacists have introduced a mobile app that reminds patients to take medication and provides tips on managing drugs, after a recent study found electronic reminders were effective in encouraging tuberculosis patients on the mainland to follow their drug regimes.

According to a survey released by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists last November, 25 per cent of patients questioned in public hospitals did not take medication as instructed.

“We hope that in the future, the app could automatically remind patients to take drugs once the barcode on the packaging has been scanned,” William Chui Chun-ming, the society’s president, said.

The app also contains information on side effects and tips on taking medication. For example, video clips show how to use eye drops properly.

The app has been ready for six months but has not been rolled out as its developers hoped to work with the Hospital Authority to include drug information needed for the app in barcode labels on drug packaging.

Chui said the authority was approached three months ago for discussions on collaborating on the project, but no concrete response had yet been received.