Enhancing Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence: Evaluating the Efficacy of the Support for Treatment Adherence and Medication Protocols (STAMP) Device for Automatic Dispensing and Real-Time Medication Monitoring

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating strict adherence to medication for successful treatment and prevention of drug resistance. Adherence to a regular medication regimen is crucial in TB management, yet achieving high adherence rates among patients proves challenging due to various factors including forgetfulness, complexity of treatment schedules, and socioeconomic barriers. This study explores the potential of an automatic medicine dispenser (AMD) anchored system to improve medication adherence among TB patients and evaluates its impact through monitoring and feedback mechanisms. The AMD integrates advanced technology to dispense medications at scheduled times, thereby reducing reliance on patient memory and manual adherence tracking. This device is complemented by a monitoring system where healthcare mentors oversee adherence data in real-time via a web-linked dashboard. Such real-time monitoring enables mentors to promptly intervene in cases of non-adherence, offering personalized support and guidance tailored to individual patient needs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of adherence rates derived from the AMD anchored system with qualitative data from patient surveys. These surveys gather insights into patient experiences and perceptions regarding the use of the AMD anchored system, including feedback on the accuracy of medication intake recorded by the device. Data obtained from the surveys are analyzed alongside adherence metrics from the dashboard to elucidate factors influencing adherence behavior and the device's effectiveness in fostering sustained treatment adherence. Preliminary findings indicate promising outcomes associated with the AMD anchored system intervention. High rates of adherence are observed among patients utilizing the device, attributed to the device's automated dispensing mechanism and the supportive role of healthcare mentors. Challenges such as technical malfunctions and patient acceptance are also identified, prompting continuous refinement of the AMD and mentorship strategies. In conclusion, the integration of an AMD coupled with real-time monitoring through a web-linked dashboard represents a significant advancement in TB treatment adherence management. Future research should focus on the scalability and sustainability of this technology-augmented, holistic approach across diverse healthcare settings to maximize its impact on global TB management strategies.