JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Innovative digital technology systems that support medication taking and monitor real-time medication intake are now available commercially, however, there is limited knowledge of the use of such technology in patient’s homes. One such smart medication dispenser, spencer®, that provides alerts to patients to take their medications and allows for the tracking and reporting of real-time medication adherence data.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to examine the use of spencer as a medication adherence and self-management support tool for community dwelling adults over a 6-month period, in addition to usability, usefulness and satisfaction, and the impact on caregiver support.

Methods:

This prospective observational study invited community dwelling adults aged 45 and older, taking at least one chronic medication, and their caregivers, to use spencer for their medication administration for 6 months. Adherence was defined as a dose intake within 2-hours following the scheduled administration time. Real-time adherence data was collected using spencer and the AdhereNet® Platform. Usability, usefulness and satisfaction were measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS), the Usefulness, and Satisfaction and Ease of Use questionnaire (USE), respectively. Caregiver burden was measured on a visual analog scale at baseline and at the end of the 6-month study period.

Results:

Fifty-eight participants were recruited, of which 55% were female (N=32/58) with a mean age of 66.36 years (SD: +/-11.28, Range: 48-90). Eleven caregiver participants were recruited, of which 91% were female. The average monthly adherence over six months was 98% (SD: +/-3.1; Range: 76.5-100). The average SUS score was 85.74 (SD: +/-12.7, Range: 47.5-100, N=47). Of the 46 participants who provided data, 44 (96%) rated spencer as easy, 43 (93%) as simple to use, and 43 (93%) were satisfied with the product. Caregiver burden prior to and following spencer use for 6 months was found to be statistically significantly different (P < 0.001, CI: 2.11 – 5.98).

Conclusions:

Smart medication adherence products such as spencer, when connected and clinically monitored, can be a useful solution for medication management and has the potential to improve caregiver burden.