Real-Time and Wireless Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy With Co-Encapsulated Ingestion Sensor in HIV-Infected Patients: A Pilot Study

Clin Transl Sci. 2020 Jan;13(1):189-194. doi: 10.1111/cts.12701. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

Abstract

Adherence with antiretroviral therapy is important for preventing disease progression and HIV transmission. The co-encapsulated pill sensor system sends a signal through a cutaneous patch and allows real-time monitoring of pill ingestion. A 16-week pilot study used a sensor system in 15 HIV-infected individuals with real-time monitoring of pill-taking with a personalized short message system text. System acceptability was assessed by survey at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. Follow-up occurred in 80% of subjects through 8 weeks. The system effectively collected measures of pill ingestion, which triggered text message reminders. Only 2 of 14 participants stated that co-encapsulated pills were "unable to take" or "poorly tolerated." At least 75% of respondents stated at each visit that the patch was very or somewhat comfortable. With regard to text message reminders, only 10-15% of the participants at any visit did not find the messages to be helpful. Larger studies will define the utility of this system to assess antiretroviral adherence relative to standard measures.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Capsules / adverse effects
  • Deglutition
  • Drug Compounding / instrumentation
  • Drug Compounding / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / instrumentation
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory / methods*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Text Messaging
  • Wearable Electronic Devices
  • Wireless Technology / instrumentation

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Capsules