Evaluating the Impact of Music-Based Medication Reminders in Mental Health Services

Medication non-adherence remains a significant challenge within mental health services, contributing to relapse, poorer clinical outcomes, and increased pressure on European health resources. Standard digital medication reminder tools rely primarily on alarms or push notifications, which can be ineffective for individuals experiencing low motivation, cognitive overload, executive dysfunction, or emotional distress.

MedTracks is a smartphone-based medication reminder app that uses familiar, emotionally salient music as the notification mechanism. It is built on a research-informed song-task association approach, leveraging the well-established ability of music to engage memory, attention, emotion, and motivation. By curating songs typically associated with the user’s formative years (aged 6–15), MedTracks aims to improve engagement and support sustained medication adherence.

A recent SBRI (UK- Small Business Research Initiative)funded study with NHS Highland (Scotland) demonstrated the potential of the MedTracks app to significantly improve medication adherence in a target user group, in that case those over 40 on multiple medications_._ The study also demonstrated positive emotional and cognitive engagement using this approach. This proposed pilot seeks to extend and deepen that evidence base with partners across Europe, with an academic partner and a national or regional health service provider.

Aim

To evaluate the impact, usability, and engagement of MedTracks as a medication support tool for people taking regular medication for mental health conditions.