JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital pill systems (DPS), 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 ensuring the collection of actionable ingestion and adherence data. We developed and piloted a training program, grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), to instruct individuals on DPS operation.

Methods:

A two-part training program, comprising in-person and text message-based components, was employed with HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with non-alcohol substance use, who had enrolled in a 90-day pilot demonstration study using the DPS to measure adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We assessed the number of responses to text check-ins, the number and types of episodes where technical support was requested, and the resolutions of such issues. Finally, we measured engagement with the program over the study period.

Results:

Fifteen participants were enrolled in and completed the program. Seven technical challenges were reported across five participants and were related to DPS operation. Most commonly, participants requested support connecting the wearable Reader device with their smartphone, charging the Reader, and problems operating the mobile application. Six of these issues were resolved asynchronously or in real-time over the phone. One issue required in-person evaluation and resolution.

Conclusions:

A brief, two-part DPS training program, drawing from individuals’ experiences and from the TAM, can provide valuable insights for users. This training program also captures several areas of difficulty related to operating the DPS and allows for resolution of these issues. Clinical Trial: NCT03842436