Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Cancer
Date Submitted: Mar 4, 2023
Date Accepted: Feb 14, 2024
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
Use of Design Science Research for Informing the Design and Development of a Mobile Solution to Improve Medication Adherence in Cancer
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 is to design, develop and 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 designed and developed a medication adherence solution for patients with cancer. First, we conducted a literature review on medication adherence in cancer and a systematic review of current interventions to address this issue. The behavioral 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 mix-methods study on patients with haematological cancer over a period of 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 different 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%) and attractive (66.7%), has appropriated visual design (70%), and has adequate information (66%). Over 70% commented that SAMSON improved their adherence to their cancer treatments. The qualitative study (n=25) revealed that SAMSON has been perceived as helpful: reminding, supporting, and informing patients. Possible barriers to using and further refinement were identified. Technical improvements and design enhancements will be incorporated in the subsequent iteration.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the successful application of behavioral 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, patient-centred digital intervention solutions.
Citation
