What to look for in a smartphone app for medication management

ILLUSTRATION - Electronic reminders are particularly useful for people with a chronic medical condition who don't want to forget their important medicine even on the most hectic of days. Photo: Christin Klose/dpa

The smartphone beeps, but not to announce an incoming call or a new message. It's noon, and the beep is to remind the phone's user to take his or her medication. 

Electronic reminders are particularly useful for people with a chronic medical condition – such as high blood pressure, diabetes or Parkinson's disease – who don't want to forget their important medicine even on the most hectic of days. Mobile apps for medication management can do more than just remind, though.