JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Medication non-adherence negatively impacts the health outcomes of people with cancer and healthcare costs. Digital technologies present opportunities to address this health issue. However, there is limited evidence on how to develop digital interventions that meet the needs of people with cancer, are perceived as useful, and are potentially effective in improving medication adherence.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to co-design, develop, and preliminarily evaluate an innovative mobile health solution called SAMSON to improve medication adherence among people with cancer.

Methods:

Using the four cycles and six processes of the design science research methodology, we co-designed and developed a medication adherence solution for people with cancer. First, we conducted a literature review on medication adherence in cancer and a systematic review of current interventions to address this issue. Behavioural science research was used to conceptualise the design features of SAMSON. Second, we conducted two design phases: prototype design and final feature design. Third, we conducted a mixed methods study on patients with haematological cancer over six weeks to evaluate the mobile solution.

Results:

The developed mobile solution, consisting of a mobile app, a web portal, and a cloud-based database, includes five modules: medication reminder and acknowledgment, symptom assessment and management, reinforcement, patient profile, and reporting. The quantitative study (n=30) showed that SAMSON was easy to use (77.8%). The app was engaging (66.7%), informative, interactive, and well-organised (70.4%). Most participants (77.8%) commented that SAMSON’s activities could help to improve their adherence to cancer treatments and more than half of them would recommend the app to their peers. The qualitative study (n=25) revealed that SAMSON has been perceived as helpful: reminding, supporting, and informing patients. Possible barriers to using SAMSON include the app glitches and users’ technical inexperience. Further needs to refine the solution were also identified. Technical improvements and design enhancements will be incorporated in the subsequent iteration.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the successful application of behavioural and design science research methods to design and develop a mobile solution for patients with cancer to be more adherent. The paper also highlights the importance of applying rigorous methodologies in developing effective, and patient-centred digital intervention solutions.