Gamification is a growing trend—and now it can be used to encourage better medication management as a method to save the global healthcare industry billions every year.
The cost of people failing to take their medication isn’t a small one or an issue that’s restricted to certain countries. In the U.K., it’s estimated that £300 million is wasted on medicines in the NHS (National Health Service) in England every year, while in the U.S., research indicates the figure could be as high as $289 billion annually.
With the rise of smartphones and gaming apps, Mega Meds is taking advantage of these cultural trends to address non-adherence.
The app uses multiple techniques to engage and encourage medicine adherence. Users enter their medication schedule, receiving notifications to their phone alerting them to log if they take or miss medication.
The game element enables players to earn rewards through adherence, giving them an advantage and a better chance of winning. With more features already in the pipeline, Mega Meds offers a serious-fun alternative to medicine compliance; something the healthcare industry needs in order to cut costs and improve outcomes. The designers created a clean, friendly interface rather than a clinical appearance to boost engagement.
The Mega Meds app is currently undergoing a clinical trial with an NHS Trust in the U.K. as part of a study called MAGE: Medicines Adherence, Gamification Experience.
The developers of the app invite the general public to download Mega Meds and participate in their research study. Usage of Mega Meds and participation in the study is 100% anonymous; no email is required.
Download Mega Meds for iOS here:
Download Mega Meds for Android here:
Dr. Rachel Gawley, CEO of AppAttic, the firm behind Mega Meds, says, “The aim of Mega Meds is to make the process of medication management more fun and to improve medicine adherence, thus improving general health and wellness. The blend of game and tracking capabilities is an effective solution in turning something that can be seen as a chore into something more engaging.”
AppAttic creates technology solutions for complex problem domains, with a focus on those connected with health. The company’s research, development, and commercialization processes draw on design thinking in an effort to rapidly go from prototype to validated solutions ready to integrate with large existing healthcare technologies.
