Paediatric use of medications and adherence apps: a qualitative analysis of the perspectives of children and parents

Abstract

Background: The number of children diagnosed with chronic medical conditions is increasing, with a high percentage struggling with medication adherence. Non-adherence in children may lead to negative health outcomes. Parents are typically responsible for managing their child's medications. Medication adherence mobile apps are an innovative approach to address non-adherence and actively engage children.Aim: This study explored children's and parents' perceptions of using medication adherence apps to facilitate self-management. Methods: Children (aged 7-17 years) taking one or more medications for a chronic condition and their parents were recruited from an outpatient pharmacy and adolescent clinic. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 8 children and 10 parents. An app interaction (guided and independent), followed by a brief questionnaire with the child was also administered. Interviews and interactions were audio recorded, transcribed and reviewed for accuracy. The technology acceptance model guided data collection and analysis. Prevalent codes were identified and thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Most children were 12-17 years of age and most parents were 30-49 years of age. Parents and children received adherence apps as an innovative approach to the child's medication management. Nine themes emerged: ability to earn rewards for adherence; having security functionality to protect user information; customisable graphics and appealing colour schemes; medication-specific information; ease of accessibility to mobile devices; sharing child-friendly medication information; children's limited knowledge and involvement in medication management; and communication challenges with healthcare providers. Conclusions: Adherence apps incorporating user-centred needs of children and educating them about chronic diseases and medication use may positively affect self-care.

Detecting technical factors that influence compliance to non-pharmacological treatment using mHealth technology in children with chronic pulmonary disease: a scoping review protocol

“…28 Therefore, several previous studies investigated the use of mHealth apps on adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment in children with chronic pulmonary or other chronic diseases. 29,30 In this context, previous systematic reviews or systematic evaluations of the available apps used qualitative analysis and investigated the potential use and feasibility of mHealth apps in pediatric pulmonary diseases. 28,30 The successful outcome of chronic disease depends on best management and adherence to any therapeutic intervention.…”

Medicine Maker: An Outreach Activity for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Health Literacy

“…Within the literature, it is argued that there is a meaningful connection between levels of health literacy among adolescents and positive health behaviors . The appropriate use of medicine is a life skill and one that students can carry forward as they transition into adulthood . Given the above, we endeavored to evaluate the impact of the workshop on an important target group.…”

“…1 The appropriate use of medicine is a life skill and one that students can carry forward as they transition into adulthood. 19 Given the above, we endeavored to evaluate the impact of the workshop on an important target group.…”

Planning a digital intervention for adolescents with asthma (BREATHE4T): A theory‐, evidence‐ and Person‐Based Approach to identify key behavioural issues

“…• Lack of or inadequate asthma knowledge 17,36,38 • Not having enough information or understanding about the condition, symptoms, triggers, severity and risks 23,36,38,[40][41][42][43]45,49 • Unrelatable peer mentors 50 • Difficulties communicating with HCPs 9,17,48,51 • Prefer not to replace advice from HCPs (supplement) 44,49 • Being given new ways to control asthma 17 • Greater understanding of consequences of the condition 23 • Having control over symptoms 36,38,39,42 • Interacting/hearing experiences from others with asthma [36][37][38][42][43][44]46,48,52,53 • Prefer advice from peers (particularly older)/change is more likely to occur is someone relatable delivers the message 52,54,55 • Prefer to learn from demographically similar other 56 • Credible/trusted source of information 38,44,45 • Reduce need for appointments with HCPs 49 • Prefer to learn breathing exercises along to a CD (than alone) 20,57 • U...…”