A NEWLY developed electronic diary is transforming how patients monitor gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), providing real-time, prospective data on symptom frequency and severity. The innovative electronic diary not only increases adherence through reminders but also empowers personalised management of GORD.
Improving Symptom Reporting in GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic condition that can severely impair quality of life, yet conventional retrospective symptom assessments are prone to recall bias. The use of an electronic diary allows patients to report outcomes directly and continuously. By integrating patient-reported outcomes, the electronic diary offers a more accurate, structured approach to symptom evaluation and daily monitoring.
Enhanced Adherence Through System Optimisation
In a prospective cohort study of 138 GERD patients (70 men, 68 women; mean age 52.9 years), the electronic diary assessed eight daytime and two nighttime symptoms over eight weeks. Initial adherence rates were 47.2% for nighttime, 40% for daytime, and 57.6% overall. System optimisation using SMS reminders increased adherence to nighttime symptoms by 12.5% and 10.9%, daytime symptoms by 21.7% and 20.8%, and overall symptoms by 16.5% and 18.5% across successive stages. Higher symptom frequency also improved engagement, with adherence rising 0.7% for overall symptoms and 0.9% for both daytime and nighttime per additional symptom. Despite these gains, adherence gradually declined from week one to week eight (nighttime 80.1% to 61.5%; daytime 85.1% to 66.8%; overall 95.1% to 78%).
Conclusions and Clinical Implications
The electronic diary demonstrates that patient adherence can be substantially improved using timely SMS reminders, while higher symptom frequency encourages consistent reporting. By offering continuous, prospective data, the electronic diary enhances patient self-awareness and supports clinicians in making personalised therapeutic decisions. Its application could lead to more precise monitoring and targeted interventions, ultimately improving long-term GORD management and patient outcomes.
Reference
Chen YC et al. Establishment and optimization of a patient-reported outcome–based electronic-diary for symptoms evaluation in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder: prospective cohort study. J Med Internet Res. 2026;28:e83680.
