Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable

AIDS Behav. 2012 Feb;16(2):375-82. doi: 10.1007/s10461-011-9933-y.

Abstract

Second generation electronic medication adherence monitors provide real-time data on pill bottle opening behavior. Feasibility, validity, and acceptability, however, have not been established. Med-eMonitor is a multi-compartment adherence device with reminder and education capacity that transmits data through a telephone connection. Monthly adherence levels were measured for 52 participants over approximately 3 months using the Med-eMonitor (unadjusted and adjusted for participant confirmed dosing) and unannounced pill counts. HIV RNA was assessed before and after the 3-month period. Acceptability of Med-eMonitor was determined. Over 92% of Med-eMonitor data was transmitted daily. Unannounced pill counts significantly correlated with adjusted Med-eMonitor adherence (r = 0.29, P = 0.04). HIV RNA significantly correlated with unannounced pill counts (r = -0.34, P = 0.02), and trended toward a significant correlation with unadjusted Med-eMonitor adherence (r = -0.26; P = 0.07). Most, but not all, participants liked using the Med-eMonitor. Med-eMonitor allows for real-time adherence monitoring and potentially intervention, which may be critical for prolonging treatment success.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Monitoring* / instrumentation
  • Electrical Equipment and Supplies
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence* / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Reminder Systems
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • San Francisco / epidemiology
  • Telephone
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents