Itaca App vs. Usual Care for Medication Adherence in Older Adults on Polypharmacy

Monitoring Medication Adherence in Patients Aged ≥65 Years on Polypharmacy: A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Itaca Mobile App vs. Usual Care

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the use of a mobile app called Itaca improves medication adherence in older adults (aged ≥65) in a home care setting. It will also assess the impact of the app on patient engagement, patient activation, quality of life, and the app's usability in the intervention group. The main question it aims to answer is:

• Does the use of the Itaca mobile application improve medication adherence among older adults in the home care setting compared with usual care?
• Does the use of the Itaca mobile application improve patient engagement, patient activation, and quality of life among older adults in the home care setting compared with usual care?

Researchers will compare usual care to see if the intervention using the Itaca mobile app is more effective in improving medication adherence.

Participants will:

• In the intervention group, use the Itaca app for 3 months
• In the intervention group, receive monthly phone calls to support adherence to the study protocol, monitor app use, and address any barriers
• In the intervention group, complete the usability scale at the end of the 3-month intervention period
• In both the intervention and control groups, complete the questionnaires at enrollment and after 3 months, at the end of the intervention period

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 65 years with chronic condition
• Taking three or more medications regardless of route of administration
• Able to understand and speak Italian and to adhere to the study by signing written informed
• Able to understand and speak Italian and to adhere to the study by signing written informed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric or adult (< 65 years)
• Taking fewer than three medications
• With diagnosed cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorder that could interfere with participation in the study