JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Wearable devices (WDs) have evolved beyond simple fitness trackers to sophisticated health monitors capable of measuring vital signs, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Their application in healthcare, particularly medication management, is an emerging field poised to significantly enhance patient adherence to treatment regimens. Despite their widespread use and increasing incorporation into clinical trials, a comprehensive review of WDs in terms of medication adherence has not been conducted.

Objective:

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive scoping review to evaluate the impact of WDs on medication adherence across a variety of diseases, summarizing key research findings, outcomes, and challenges encountered.

Methods:

Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a structured search was conducted across MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases, covering the literature from January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2022. The search strategy focused on terms related to WDs and medication adherence, specifically focusing on empirical studies to ensure a focus on original research findings. Studies were selected based on their relevance to medication adherence, usage of WDs in detecting medication-taking actions, and their role in integrated medication management systems.

Results:

We screened 657 articles and identified 18 articles. The identified studies demonstrate the diverse applications of WDs in enhancing medication adherence across diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. The geographical distribution and publication years of these studies indicate a growing interest in this research area. The studies were divided into three types: (1) studies reporting a correlation between data from WDs or their usage and medication adherence or drug usage as outcomes; (2) studies utilizing WDs to detect the act of medication-taking itself; and (3) studies proposing an integrated medication management system that employs WDs in managing medication.

Conclusions:

WDs are increasingly being recognized for their potential to enhance medication management and adherence. This review underscores the need for further empirical research to validate the effectiveness of WDs in real-life settings and explore their utility in predicting adherence based on activity rhythms and activities. Despite technological advancements, challenges remain regarding the integration of WDs into routine clinical practice. Future research should focus on leveraging the comprehensive data provided by WDs to develop personalized medication management strategies that can improve patient outcomes.