Wellth trial shows 45% reduction to readmissions after heart attack
November 11, 2019

American Heart Association Abstract 10160: A Behavioral Economics-based Telehealth Intervention to Improve Aspirin Adherence Following Hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Summary

Wellth conducted a Randomly Controlled Trial in partnership with researchers from the University of Pennsylvania to improve Aspirin adherence following hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndrome. 130 patients were randomized to control vs. intervention group following their discharge from the hospital after an acute MI or unstable angina (heart attacks). Both groups were given a 90-day supply of aspirin in a 'smart' pill bottle that tracked when patients opened the pill bottle; the intervention group was also given the Wellth app with $150 of incentives for the 90-days post-discharge.

Results

The results validated that Wellth produces meaningful improvements to patient adherence and outcomes even when best-in-class care pathways and other health tech interventions are already in place:

- Control group 90-day adherence as measured by smart pill bottle: mean 68%, median 81%

- Intervention group 90-day adherence as measured by smart pill bottle: mean 77%, median 90%

- Intervention group 90-day adherence as measured by Wellth app: mean 85%, median 98%

- 90-day Readmission Rates in control group of 24% vs 13% in the intervention arm