Medication adherence for atrial fibrillation patients: Triangulating measures from a smart pill bottle, e-prescribing software, and patient communication through the electronic health record

Abstract

Objective: Our primary objectives were to examine adherence rates across two technologies (e-prescribing software and smart pill bottle) with cross-validation from alert-triggered messaging within the patient electronic health record (EHR) portal and to explore the benefits and challenges faced by atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in using a smart pill bottle. Materials and Methods: We triangulated the rate of oral anticoagulant medication adherence among 160 AF patients over 6 months using an EHR in combination with data from the AdhereTechVC Wireless Smart Pill Bottle and SurescriptsVC. In addition, we collected qualitative feedback on patients' Smart Pill Bottle usage through structured interviews with 153 participants. Results: Patients maintained an average adherence rate of 90.0% according to the smart pill bottle; however, when dose misses were calibrated based on patient or provider feedback, the adjusted adherence was 93.6%. Surescripts adherence rates for refills were 92.2%. Participants generally found the bottle easy to operate but suggested that its size and functionality did not fit seamlessly into their existing routine, as many used weekly pill organizers to manage multiple medications. Discussion: Though each method of tracking adherence has positive and negative attributes, combining them and seeking patient feedback may help capture a more accurate adherence rate than any single technological intervention. Technologies may have different design considerations for research and consumer use. Conclusion: Overall, these technologies provide useful but imperfect adherence data for research purposes, and smart pill bottles could be improved with patient-centered design.