A new electronic monitoring device to measure medication adherence: usability of the Helping Hand™

Sensors (Basel). 2010;10(3):1535-52. doi: 10.3390/s100301535. Epub 2010 Mar 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test the user performance, satisfaction and acceptability of the Helping Hand™ (B&O Medicom) electronic medication adherence monitor. Using a mixed-method design, we studied 11 kidney transplant patients and 10 healthy volunteers during three weeks. Although testing showed positive usability aspects, several areas requiring technical improvement were identified: the most important obstacles to usability and acceptability were the weak sound signal, problems loading the medication, and the fact that only one medication could be used at a time.

Keywords: acceptability; electronic monitoring; mixed method design; satisfaction; usability; user performance.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Electronics, Medical / instrumentation*
  • Electronics, Medical / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Kidney Transplantation
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Reminder Systems / instrumentation*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tacrolimus / administration & dosage
  • Tacrolimus / adverse effects
  • Transplantation

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tacrolimus