A Brief Training Program to Support the Use of a Digital Pill System for Medication Adherence: Pilot Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background Digital pill systems (DPSs), which comprise ingestible radiofrequency sensors integrated into a gelatin capsule that overencapsulates a medication, can directly measure ingestion events. Objective Teaching users to operate a DPS is vital to ensure the collection of actionable ingestion and adherence data. In this study, we aim to develop and pilot a training program, grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model, to instruct individuals on DPS operation. Methods A two-part training program, comprising in-person and text message–based components, was used with HIV-negative men who have sex with men with nonalcohol substance use, who had enrolled in a 90-day pilot demonstration study using the DPS to measure adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis. We assessed the number of responses to text check-ins, the number and types of episodes where technical support was requested, the resolutions of such issues, and engagement with the program over the study period. Participant feedback on the program was evaluated through qualitative user experience interviews. Results A total of 15 participants were enrolled in and completed the program. Seven technical challenges related to DPS operations were reported across 5 participants. Most commonly, participants requested support connecting the wearable Reader device with their smartphone, charging the Reader, and operating the mobile app. A total of 6 issues were resolved asynchronously or in real time via phone; 1 required in-person evaluation and resolution. Preliminary qualitative findings indicate that both the in-person and remote follow-up components of the training program were perceived as acceptable. Suggested improvements included repeated DPS refresher sessions at in-person follow-up visits and enhanced written materials for the independent resolution of technological issues. Conclusions A brief two-part DPS training program, drawing from individuals’ experiences and from the Technology Acceptance Model, can provide valuable insights for users. The program also identifies and addresses several areas of actual or potential challenges related to operating a DPS and allows for the resolution of such issues within the first week of DPS use.

DigiPrEP: A Pilot Trial to Evaluate the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Accuracy of a Digital Pill System to Measure PrEP Adherence in Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Substances

“…They were instructed to do so only if they ingested a digital pill but were unable to use the Reader or to confirm an ingestion with the use of the Reader (eg, digital pill not detected by the Reader or ingestion event not displayed in the smartphone app). 19…”

“…Eligible participants then completed an in-person quantitative assessment and received training on DPS operation. 19 Following the training session, the DPS and a 30-day supply of digital PrEP pills were provided. Participants demonstrated competence with the DPS by ingesting their first digital pill under direct observation and were instructed to take PrEP once daily thereafter.…”

eHealth interventions for psychiatry in Switzerland and Russia: a comparative study

“…The significant growth of eHealth, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been marked by increased funding, fast-track policy approvals, governmental priorities, public-private partnerships, and collaborative research efforts (10). In the psychiatric domain, the application of eHealth technology has exhibited substantial potential, for example, for online consultations, computer-or mobile phone-mediated cognitive-behavioral therapy (11), monitoring medication adherence (12), preventing disease exacerbation, symptom management (13), symptom reduction (14), interventions for the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse (15) and many other aspects (16).…”