Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of solid, self-administered, oral medication packaged with calendar blister packaging or calendar pill organisers versus control in community dwelling adult patients (over 18 years) who took daily medication for any duration longer than one month were eligible for inclusion. Calendar pill organisers had to incorporate a reminder system for day of week as part of packaging. Trials had to report at least one objective quantitative outcome measure of medication adherence.
The included trials studied calendar blister packaging and calendar pill organisers versus standard vial of loose pills in patients treated with medication for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, serious mental illness and vitamin prophylaxis. The concomitant interventions given alongside calendar blister packaging or calendar pill organisers included education, mailed refill reminders, phone calls if missed refill and customised dosing schedule. Publication dates of trials ranged from 1980 to 2009.
Two reviewers independently performed study selection. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third reviewer.