AI Article Synopsis

  • Adherence to antiretroviral medication is crucial for managing HIV, but challenges exist in resource-limited settings due to outdated paper charts and inconsistent electronic health records.
  • This study developed a smartphone app for tracking antiretroviral medication refills and evaluated its usability among pharmacy dispensers in Botswana through a rapid prototyping process.
  • Positive feedback from users indicated that the app was effective and well-received, suggesting that such technology could enhance medication adherence tracking in low-resource environments and potentially be used for other medications as well.

Article Abstract

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral medication leads to HIV suppression and decreased morbidity and mortality. In resource- limited settings, the dependence on paper medical charts and unstable electronic health records creates a challenge to monitoring medication adherence. A pharmacy-based strategy that utilizes existing cellular phone infrastructure may lead to a more stable system to monitor adherence.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the usability of a smartphone-based software application (app) for tracking antiretroviral medication refill data in a resource-limited setting.

Methods: A pharmacy-based smartphone app for tracking HIV medication adherence was developed through a multi-step rapid prototyping process. The usability of the app was assessed during the daily activities of pharmacy dispensers at HIV clinics in and around Gaborone, Botswana using a validated computer usability survey.

Results: The study demonstrated the effective development of and favorable end-user responses to a pharmacy-based HIV medication adherence app. End users had suggestions for minor changes to improve the app's functionality.

Conclusions: In resource-limited settings where electronic health record support is limited, such a system was feasible and appealing. In the future, this system may allow for improved HIV medication adherence tracking and be applied to medications beyond antiretrovirals.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9868897PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3414/ME17-01-0045DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

medication adherence
16
antiretroviral medication
12
hiv medication
12
tracking antiretroviral
8
medication refill
8
refill data
8
electronic health
8
app tracking
8
medication
7
adherence
5

Similar Publications

Rationale: Previous studies evaluating the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on blood pressure (BP) showed variable results. Moreover, several studies recruited patients with normal or controlled BP, and compliance to antihypertensive drugs was not monitored. In addition, very few studies investigated central BP in this scenario.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The most significant progress in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, ensuring a high degree of treatment adherence is necessary to prevent resistance and disease progression. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate adherence to ART through the calculation of the medication possession ratio (MPR) and to identify risk factors for suboptimal adherence in a cohort of HIV-positive patients receiving care at a Colombian healthcare institution across 16 cities.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) are a leading cause of poor maternal and birth outcomes worldwide. Prompt management of these disorders is usually recommended to optimize outcomes. Administration of pharmacotherapeutic agents is critical in the prevention and management of these disorders.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective:  Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia affecting many individuals worldwide. For effective management, adherence to recommended physician visits is important, along with lifestyle modification and pharmacological interventions. Regular doctor visits can improve adherence and help prevent complications.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: While antipsychotics are key requirement in acute and long-term management of schizophrenia, medication adherence remains a major unmet need in its care. This paper assessed the prevalence of oral antipsychotic non-adherence among outpatients with schizophrenia and its associated clinico-demographic factors.

Method: Three hundred and ten adult outpatients (18-64 years of age) were cross-sectionally interviewed after being diagnosed of schizophrenia using ICD-10 criteria, and the diagnosis confirmed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!