title: Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable.
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.
authors: Harvard Institute for Global Health, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. jhaberer@partners.org
authors: Jessica E
authors: JE
authors: Haberer
authors: Gregory K
authors: GK
authors: Robbins
authors: Michele
authors: M
authors: Ybarra
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Monk
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Ragland
authors: Sheri D
authors: SD
authors: Weiser
authors: Mallory O
authors: MO
authors: Johnson
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Bangsberg
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017010:Reminder Systems; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012495:San Francisco / Q000453:epidemiology; D013689:Telephone; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents