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Co-Design, Development, and Evaluation of a Mobile Solution to Improve Medication Adherence in Cancer: Design Science
Thu Ha Dang1,2,3, Nilmini Wickramasinghe4,5,6,7, Abdur Rahim Mohammad Forkan8
1Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.
Background:
Medication nonadherence negatively impacts the health outcomes of people with cancer as well as health care costs. Digital technologies present opportunities to address this health issue. However, there is limited evidence on how to develop digital interventions that meet the needs of people with cancer, are perceived as useful, and are potentially effective in improving medication adherence.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to co-design, develop, and preliminarily evaluate an innovative mobile health solution called Safety and Adherence to Medication and Self-Care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON) to improve medication adherence among people with cancer.
Methods:
Using the 4 cycles and 6 processes of design science research methodology, we co-designed and developed a medication adherence solution for people with cancer. First, we conducted a literature review on medication adherence in cancer and a systematic review of current interventions to address this issue. Behavioral science research was used to conceptualize the design features of SAMSON. Second, we conducted 2 design phases: prototype design and final feature design. Last, we conducted a mixed methods study on patients with hematological cancer over 6 weeks to evaluate the mobile solution.
Results:
The developed mobile solution, consisting of a mobile app, a web portal, and a cloud-based database, includes 5 modules: medication reminder and acknowledgment, symptom assessment and management, reinforcement, patient profile, and reporting. The quantitative study (n=30) showed that SAMSON was easy to use (21/27, 78%). The app was engaging (18/27, 67%), informative, increased user interactions, and well organized (19/27, 70%). Most of the participants (21/27, 78%) commented that SAMSON's activities could help to improve their adherence to cancer treatments, and more than half of them (17/27, 63%) would recommend the app to their peers. The qualitative study (n=25) revealed that SAMSON was perceived as helpful in terms of reminding, supporting, and informing patients. Possible barriers to using SAMSON include the app glitches and users' technical inexperience. Further needs to refine the solution were also identified. Technical improvements and design enhancements will be incorporated into the subsequent iteration.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the successful application of behavioral science research and design science research methodology to design and develop a mobile solution for patients with cancer to be more adherent. The study also highlights the importance of applying rigorous methodologies in developing effective and patient-centered digital intervention solutions.
Insights
A new mobile health solution, Safety and Adherence to Medication and Self-Care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON), was co-designed to improve cancer patient medication adherence. Preliminary evaluations indicate SAMSON is usable, engaging, and potentially effective in supporting adherence.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health Interventions
- Oncology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Medication nonadherence in cancer patients leads to poor health outcomes and increased costs.
- Digital technologies offer potential solutions, but evidence on effective intervention design is limited.
- Developing patient-centered digital tools is crucial for improving cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To co-design, develop, and preliminarily evaluate the Safety and Adherence to Medication and Self-Care Advice in Oncology (SAMSON) mobile health solution.
- To address the need for effective digital interventions to improve medication adherence in cancer patients.
- To integrate behavioral science principles into a patient-centered digital tool.
Main Methods:
- Design science research methodology (4 cycles, 6 processes) was employed for development.
- Literature and systematic reviews informed the conceptualization of design features.
- A 6-week mixed-methods study evaluated the SAMSON mobile solution with patients.
Main Results:
- The SAMSON solution comprises a mobile app, web portal, and database with modules for reminders, symptom tracking, and reporting.
- Quantitative data (n=30) showed SAMSON was easy to use (78%), engaging (67%), and well-organized (70%).
- Qualitative data (n=25) indicated patients found SAMSON helpful for reminders, support, and information, though app glitches and technical inexperience were noted barriers.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully applied design science and behavioral science to develop a patient-centered mobile solution for medication adherence in cancer.
- Rigorous methodologies are essential for creating effective digital interventions in oncology.
- Further iterations will incorporate technical improvements and design enhancements based on user feedback.
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