Authors

  1. Li, Dong-Mei MSN, RN
  2. Lu, Xiao-Ying MSN, RN
  3. Yang, Peng-Fei PhD, MD
  4. Zheng, Jing
  5. Hu, Huan-Huan
  6. Zhou, Yu MD, PhD
  7. Zhang, Ling-Juan PhD, RN
  8. Liu, Jian-Min MD

Abstract

Background: To prevent recurrent stroke, patients need to follow evidence-based practices following discharge; however, adherence to these practices is suboptimal.

 

Purpose: To evaluate whether a smartphone mobile application can improve medication adherence and stroke awareness in secondary stroke prevention.

 

Methods: A retrospective study design was used. Patients with ischemic stroke registered in a database between August 2018 and January 2019 were enrolled. Propensity score matching was used to match patients managed with the mobile application compared with regular practice in a 1:2 ratio.

 

Results: Sixty-five patients were paired with 123 controls. Three-month medication adherence was 93.8% in the application group versus 82.9% in the control group (P = .036). Patients in the application group were more likely to know stroke warning signs (P = .003) and when to call an ambulance for stroke symptoms (87.7% vs 72.4%, P = .016).

 

Conclusions: Using a mobile application may increase medication adherence and stroke awareness in secondary stroke prevention.