Simple text messages could be important tools to help some young patients remember to take their medications.

Pediatric liver transplant patients should strictly adhere to prescribed medication schedules to minimize the risk of organ rejection and to ensure an optimal outcome. And yet, adolescent patients are at high risk of not adhering to a medication schedule.

In the study, “Pilot Study to Improve Adherence and Outcomes for Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients by Using Text Messaging,” adolescent patients who received text messaged reminders were more likely to take medication at the appropriate time and intervals, resulting in fewer rejection episodes.

Text messaging is a simple, low-cost method that may significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality rate associated with pediatric liver transplants, according to researchers.