<p>User Acceptability and Technical Robustness Evaluation of a Novel Smart Pill Bottle Prototype Designed to Support Medication Adherence</p>

Abstract

Purpose: Smart medication adherence monitoring devices can provide objective and granular drug utilization data and help patients engaging with their treatment. In this proof-of-concept study, the acceptability and technical robustness of a novel smart pill bottle prototype (SPBP) were assessed in order to allow further optimization. Methods: The SPBP is an app-controlled automatic dispense system, capturing real-time data on a web-based platform, which sends text reminders and measures storage conditions. A heterogeneous group of ten volunteers was asked to dispense placebo capsules with the SPBP and to follow a predefined dosing schedule for a trial period of 2 weeks. Afterwards, a questionnaire was filled out during a short interview. Primary outcome was dispense adherence as measured by the bottle. Other study outcomes included system acceptability (System Usability Scale [SUS]), self-reported adherence (MARS) and technical robustness of the bottle's mechanics (electronic pill dispenser) and sensors (bottle temperature). Results: The overall dispense adherence rate as measured by the SPBP was 88%. All participants completed the study and four participants had an adherence rate of 100% during the study. The dispense adherence rates corresponded well with participants' self-reported adherence with an average MARS total score of 23.6 (out of 25). Participants judged the system easy to use, with a mean SUS score of 79.3 (range: 57.5-97.5). The overall mean temperature difference between the bottle sensor and calibrated external sensor was −0.82°C (range: −1.37°C to −0.21°C). Conclusion: The SPBP was well accepted and this study provides data for further optimization and follow-up studies. Smart adherence technologies such as these may change the way healthcare professionals, trialists and patients manage medication adherence.

Technologies for Medication Adherence Monitoring and Technology Assessment Criteria: Narrative Review

“…Some old versions of the MEMS often require manual download of the stored patient medication adherence data from the MEMS cap into the MEMS software through a small reader device [ 8 - 10 , 27 , 28 ]. Some newer versions of electronic pill bottle technologies, such as the GlowCap and AdhereTech devices, possess the ability to wirelessly transmit patient medication adherence data, providing opportunities to assess and monitor patient medication adherence in real time [ 1 , 15 , 18 , 29 - 31 ]. Electronic pill bottle technologies are commonly reported to have advantages including their discrete design and small size [ 10 , 16 , 32 , 33 ], objective medication adherence monitoring ability [ 1 , 8 , 11 , 14 , 34 , 35 ], and acceptance among patients [ 1 , 30 , 31 ].…”

How Patient Work Changes Over Time for People With Multimorbid Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Study

“…Excessive requirements for self-reported data could make digital interventions burdensome and contribute to disengagement and dropout over time. Other innovative, context-sensitive digital health interventions, such as Smart Pill Bottles that can detect irregularities in medication consumption [ 32 , 33 ], also have the potential to be integrated into a home system that generates external data complementing phone-based apps.…”

User Perception of Automated Dose Dispensed Medicine in Home Care: A Scoping Review

“…The included studies investigated the user experience and patient perceptions of ADD robots and few studies investigated health professionals' perceptions of ADD robots. A few studies investigated the acceptance and functionality of ADD robots, where patient experiences and medication adherence were highlighted [12][13][14][15][16]. One study investigated the trust towards the technology, which, when implemented, introduces new requirements, both with respect to the patient and with respect to the health professional, who are both required to adjust their daily routines around the ADD robots [17].…”