Exploring the Value of Real-Time Medication Adherence Monitoring: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Smart adherence products enable the monitoring of medication intake in real-time. However, the value of real-time medication intake monitoring to different stakeholders such as patients, their caregivers, clinicians, and insurers is not elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the value different stakeholders place on the availability of smart adherence products and access to real-time medication intake data. A qualitative study design using semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews was utilized. Schwartz’s theory of values provided the foundation for the interview questions, data were analyzed using Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis framework, and findings were mapped back to the constructs of Schwartz’s theory of values. A total of 31 interviews with patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and representatives of private or public insurance providers were conducted. Three themes and ten subthemes were identified. Themes included perceptions of integrating smart medication adherence technologies and real-time monitoring, technology adoption factors and data management. Stakeholders place different values based on the motivators and goals that can drive product use for daily medication management. Stakeholders valued the availability of real-time medication taking data that allow clinicians to make timely data-driven recommendations to their patients that may improve medication management for patients and reduce the caregiver burden.

Key Features of Smart Medication Adherence Products: Updated Scoping Review

“…These apps display and summarize the adherence data and allow for remote access, which provides not only the ability for patients to be aware of their medication taking but also the opportunity for caregivers and health care providers to conveniently access an overview of patients’ adherence history. Research has reported that health care providers value the availability of real-time medication-taking data and perceive that access to medication adherence data can help make clinical decisions in a timely manner, thus improving health-related outcomes for patients [ 13 , 15 ]. However, although SMAPs can track real-time data, they do not ensure that the patient ingested, inhaled, or injected the medication and only provide surrogate markers for adherence.…”

“…Hence, there is room for discrepancy between the adherence data recorded and patients’ actual adherence. The ability of SMAPs to integrate with other clinical platforms such as pharmacy software, electronic medication administration record, or hospital records is also highly valued by stakeholders, especially pharmacists and physicians, as it allows them to access adherence data in a seamless manner and may reduce their workload [ 15 ].…”

“…The variability in the usability of these products may be dependent on their features as well as the medication management capacity of the individuals using these products. Previous qualitative research indicates that older adults, caregivers, and health care providers identified simplicity, availability and usability of alarms, portability, restricted access to medications, and storage capacity as some of the product features that may drive their decision-making regarding the use of a product to support medication management [ 15 ]. The same study also highlighted user factors that may drive the appropriate use of these technologies, including sentiment, privacy, user frustration, affordability, physical and cognitive capacity, and technology literacy and learnability.…”

Improved Medication Adherence of an Elderly Diabetic Patient at a Dwelling Home Using a Pill Dispenser and Personal Health Records

“…Some of the desirable features that pharmacists and caregivers value include product simplicity, portability, options to lock the product, and the ability to assist with drug inventory management. These products might allow patients to independently manage their medications and could benefit highly motivated patients interested in taking control of their health and younger older adults who are more familiar with the technology [15]. However, highly motivated patients and younger older adults may not want to use such products as they have the potential to harm their dignity because these devices are locked.…”