Design and Delivery of Real-Time Adherence Data to Men Who Have Sex with Men Using Antiretroviral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis via an Ingestible Electronic Sensor

Acceptability of a Smartphone-Based Music Intervention for Chronic Pain and Problematic Opioid Use Among People with HIV: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

Chronic pain can be complicated by problematic opioid use, which may decrease engagement in care and HIV medication adherence. Pain-related anxiety and catastrophic thinking augment pain severity and interference while driving increased substance use. The acceptability and effect of a music-based smartphone application on negative affect and catastrophic thinking were evaluated in a mixed-methods study among persons living with HIV (PWH) with problematic opioid use and chronic pain. Participants (N = 16) completed a 10-min music listening session, quantitative assessment, and qualitative interview. Paired sample t-tests compared pre- and post-test scores of negative affect (Profile of Mood States-Short Form) and pain catastrophizing (Situational Pain Catastrophizing Scale) before and after music. Qualitative data were analyzed using within-case, across-case analysis. Negative affect significantly decreased after the music listening session (pre 8.3 ± 6.7 vs. post 1.8 ± 2.6; p = .0003), as did pain catastrophizing (pre 8.5 ± 4.3 vs. post 2.5 ± 3.4; p < .0001). Qualitatively, participants (n = 14) viewed the app-based music listening session as acceptable and potentially useful as an intervention or adjuvant for pain management and reduction of opioid use. Overall, a brief exposure to a novel music app produced significant improvements in negative affect and pain-related catastrophic thoughts among PWH with problematic opioid use and chronic pain. Future work should further explore the effects of music on pain and the use of illicit substances more broadly in this population.

Leveraging A Digital Pill System to Understand Prevention-Effective Adherence to Oral Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Substance Use

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, though efficacy depends on adherence. Digital pill systems (DPS) can enable direct, real-time adherence measurement. HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use (excluding alcohol) utilized a DPS over 90 days and completed weekly surveys reporting sexual activity, condom use, and substance use. Responses indicating (1) any sexual activity and substance use or (2) condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in the prior week were categorized as high risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP adherence data for the 7-day period preceding each response was dichotomized as ≤ 3 and ≥ 4 doses/week, indicating prevention-effective adherence, and compared by HIV risk level. Thirteen MSM were analyzed (median age: 32). Of 113 surveys, 48.7% indicated high HIV risk, with 12.4% reporting CAI alone, 16.8% any sexual activity and substance use, and 19.5% both CAI and substance use. Weekly mean PrEP adherence was 90.3% (6.3 of 7 doses/week), with ≥ 4 doses/week recorded during 92.0% of weeks. The proportion of participants with ≥ 4 recorded doses/week was 88.9% during weeks with CAI alone, 89.5% during weeks with any sexual activity and substance use, 92.0% during weeks with both CAI and substance use, and 92.8% during lower risk weeks. Participants ingested ≥ 4 doses/week during 89.1% of all high-risk weeks and 94.8% of low-risk weeks. Overall, participants maintained high levels of PrEP adherence while engaging in HIV risk behaviors. DPS can be deployed concurrently with data collection tools to assess ingestion patterns during periods of elevated risk.

Validation of continuous intraabdominal pressure measurement: feasibility and accuracy assessment using a capsular device in in-vivo studies

BACKGROUND

Monitoring Intraabdominal Pressure (IAP) is essential in critical care, as elevated IAP can lead to severe complications, including Abdominal Compartment Syndrome (ACS). Advances in technology, such as digital capsules, have opened new avenues for measuring IAP non-invasively. This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of using a capsular device for IAP measurement in an animal model.

METHOD

In our controlled experiment, we anesthetized pigs and simulated elevated IAP conditions by infusing CO2 into the peritoneal cavity. We compared IAP measurements obtained from three different methods: an intravesical catheter (IAPivp), a capsular device (IAPdot), and a direct peritoneal catheter (IAPdir). The data from these methods were analyzed to evaluate agreement and accuracy.

RESULTS

The capsular sensor (IAPdot) provided continuous and accurate detection of IAP over 144 h, with a total of 53,065,487 measurement triplets recorded. The correlation coefficient (R²) between IAPdot and IAPdir was excellent at 0.9241, demonstrating high agreement. Similarly, IAPivp and IAPdir showed strong correlation with an R² of 0.9168.

CONCLUSION

The use of capsular sensors for continuous and accurate assessment of IAP marks a significant advancement in the field of critical care monitoring. The high correlation between measurements from different locations and methods underscores the potential of capsular devices to transform clinical practices by providing reliable, non-invasive IAP monitoring.

A Systematic Review of Implementation Research on Determinants and Strategies of Effective HIV Interventions for Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for two-thirds of HIV cases in the United States despite representing ∼5% of the adult population. Delivery and use of existing and highly effective HIV prevention and treatment strategies remain suboptimal among MSM. To summarize the state of the science, we systematically review implementation determinants and strategies of HIV-related health interventions using implementation science frameworks. Research on implementation barriers has focused predominantly on characteristics of individual recipients (e.g., ethnicity, age, drug use) and less so on deliverers (e.g., nurses, physicians), with little focus on system-level factors. Similarly, most strategies target recipients to influence their uptake and adherence, rather than improving and supporting implementation systems. HIV implementation research is burgeoning; future research is needed to broaden the examination of barriers at the provider and system levels, as well as expand knowledge on how to match strategies to barriers-particularly to address stigma. Collaboration and coordination among federal, state, and local public health agencies; community-based organizations; health care providers; and scientists are important for successful implementation of HIV-related health innovations.

Real-World Implementation Challenges Associated with a Digital Pill System to Measure Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis from Two Studies of Men Who Have Sex With Men

Once-daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, but its efficacy is dependent on adherence, which can be challenging for men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use. Digital pill systems (DPS) represent a novel tool for directly measuring adherence through ingestible radiofrequency sensors that confirm ingestions in real-time. We examined operational challenges across two studies involving DPS to measure PrEP adherence. While most participants successfully operated the system, a number of technological and sociobehavioral challenges requiring intervention were identified across both studies. Technological issues were both system- and participant-related, and were primarily addressed with technical updates and participant re-education, while sociobehavioral issues, including health and housing changes and issues with technology access, warranted innovative solutions. Future research leveraging DPS technology should develop robust supportive infrastructure and mitigation procedures to promptly identify and resolve operational issues to optimize the potential benefits of DPS use.

Substance Use and Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Studies Enrolling Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Systematic Review

Optimal adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is critical, but challenging. Men who have sex with men and transgender women have high rates of HIV incidence and substance use. Substance use is associated with reduced adherence to other medications, but associations between substance use and adherence to PrEP are less clear. Thus, the current review 1) systematically evaluates the measurement of substance use and PrEP adherence in studies examining both and 2) summarizes reported findings. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 - April 2021 examining associations between substance use and PrEP adherence were reviewed. Fifty studies met inclusion criteria. Assessment of substance use (i.e., mostly via self-reports at baseline) and PrEP adherence (i.e., often via tenofovir diphosphate [TFV-DP] concentration levels at follow-up) varied considerably across studies. Many studies used categorical variables (e.g., substance use: yes/no). Studies using TFV-DP levels defined adherence consistently (i.e., TFV-DP ≥ 700 fmol/punch), with slight variations. Qualitative studies (n = 10) indicated that substance use (mainly alcohol) is related to poorer PrEP adherence. While quantitative findings to date are equivocal for alcohol, there is a pattern of findings linking stimulant use with poorer PrEP adherence. This review reveals four methodological gaps, which can be addressed in future research by: 1) use of uniform benchmarks for substance use measures, 2) prospective assessment for substance use, 3) use of continuous outcome variables wherever possible, and 4) more extensive consideration of potential confounders. Addressing these methodological gaps may help us reach more definitive conclusions regarding associations between substance use and PrEP adherence.

Feasibility and acceptability pilot of video-based direct observed treatment (vDOT) for supporting antitubercular treatment in South India: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of video-based anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence support in patients with TB (PwTB) in South India.

DESIGN

An exploratory cohort.

SETTING

Participants were recruited at the TB treatment centre (direct observed treatment short centre) of a tertiary-level teaching facility in Bangalore, Karnataka, South India.

PARTICIPANTS

The study enrolled 25 PwTB, with replacement. Adult PwTB who were on drug-sensitive treatment regimens were included, while those who had drug resistant TB were excluded from the study.

INTERVENTION

Participants received scheduled adherence reminders and were trained to videorecord themselves swallowing their medication via a mobile application. The application was automated to submit these videos for evaluation. Participants were followed up monthly till treatment completion or withdrawal.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Adherence rate and acceptability of video-based directly observed treatment (vDOT).

RESULTS

The mean±SD age of the participants was 33±14 years, majority were females (16, 64%), residing in urban areas (24,96%), married (17, 68%) and had access to smart phones (23,92%). A total of 3193 person days of follow-up was completed; of the videos submitted within the first 6 months of enrollment (2501), 94% (2354/2501) were considered 'acceptable' and 16 (64%) participants were optimally adherent (ie, ≥80%). Participant videos improved in quality and a higher proportion met acceptability criteria over time. Twenty-one (84%) participants stated that they found the application easy to learn; 13 (52%) preferred vDOT over DOT. Mixed model logistic regression showed that those who are married are more likely have daily adherence to anti-TB treatment.

CONCLUSION

Video-based mobile phone interventions are acceptable to PwTB and the ease of using the application increases with time. To provide patient-centred care, vDOT is a promising option that can be offered to patients for treatment support and adherence monitoring.

Attitudes towards participating in research involving digital pill systems to measure oral HIV pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis: a cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men with substance use in the USA

OBJECTIVES

This quantitative survey sought to understand, among men who have sex with men (MSM) with potentially problematic substance use, the attitudes towards participation in research involving digital pill systems (DPS) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence measurement, and the barriers and facilitators to research participation.

DESIGN

One-time, cross-sectional, online sampling-based survey.

SETTING

US social networking app predominantly focused on MSM.

PARTICIPANTS

MSM without HIV who reported current use of oral PrEP, potentially problematic substance use and sexual activity in the past 3 months. A total of 157 participants were eligible, passed validity checks and enrolled.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Perceptions of DPS usefulness, accuracy and usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)); willingness and motivations to participate in DPS research; preferences for access to and feedback on DPS adherence data; data sharing considerations; and medical mistrust (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS)).

RESULTS

Most of the sample (N=157) was white (n=119, 75.8%), gay (n=124, 79.0%) and cisgender (n=150, 95.5%). The median age was 33 years (IQR: 14). The mean GBMMS score was 13.5 (SD=5.2), and the median SUS score was 70 (IQR: 27.5). In the past 3 months, 36.3% (n=57) reported frequent use of substances before or during sex, and 62.4% (n=98) engaged in condomless sex. While most were adherent to PrEP, approximately 34.4% (n=54) expressed significant worry about daily adherence. Participants wished to monitor their PrEP adherence daily (n=66, 42.0%) and 52% (n=82) were very willing to participate in DPS-based research. The majority were minimally concerned about sharing DPS-detected adherence data with research teams (n=126, 80.3%), and were extremely willing to share these data with healthcare providers (n=109, 69.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample, MSM without HIV who use substances reported willingness to use DPS to measure PrEP adherence in a research context, and identified benefits to accessing real-time, DPS-detected adherence data.

Ingestible Electronic Sensors for Monitoring Real-time Adherence to HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Antiretroviral Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the recent advancements and future directions of digital pill systems (DPS) - which utilize ingestible sensors to directly measure medication ingestion events in real-time - in the context of HIV prevention and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Two DPS are cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration. The bioequivalence and stability of digitized pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been established, and pilot studies have demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of using DPS for PrEP and ART adherence measurement. Important bioethical and implementation considerations have been identified for future clinical trials. Continued technological advancement may reduce barriers to use, and integration of DPS into behavioral interventions may facilitate adherence improvement efforts. DPS represent an innovative tool for PrEP and ART adherence measurement. Future work will optimize the technology to reduce operational barriers. DPS have significant potential for expansion across a diverse array of diseases, though key bioethical considerations must be examined prior to large-scale implementation.

Formative acceptance of ingestible biosensors to measure adherence to TB medications

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) represents a significant public health threat in India. Adherence to antitubercular therapy (ATT) is the key to reducing the burden of this infectious disease. Suboptimal adherence to ATT and lack of demonstrated feasibility of current strategies for monitoring ATT adherence highlights the need for alternative adherence monitoring systems.

Methods

A quantitative survey was conducted to assess the acceptance of and willingness to use a digital pill system (DPS) as a tool for monitoring ATT adherence among stakeholders directly involved in the management of patients with TB in India. Participants reviewed a video explaining the DPS and completed a survey, which covered sociodemographics, degree of involvement with TB patients, initial impressions of the DPS, and perceived challenges for deploying the technology in India. Participants were also asked to interpret mock DPS adherence data.

Results

The mean age was 34.3 (SD = 7.3), and participants (N = 50) were predominantly male (70%). The sample comprised internists (52%) and pulmonologists (30%), with a median of 4 years’ experience (IQR 3, 6) in the management of TB patients. No participants had previously used a DPS, but some reported prior awareness of the technology (22%). Most reported that they would recommend use of a DPS to patients on ATT (76%), and that they would use a DPS in both the intensive and continuation phases of TB management (64%). The majority viewed the DPS (82%) as a useful alternative to directly observed therapy-short course (DOTS), particularly given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants reported that a DPS would be most effective in patients at risk of nonadherence (64%), as well as those with past nonadherence (64%). Perceived barriers to DPS implementation included lack of patient willingness (92%), cost (86%), and infrastructure constraints (66%). The majority of participants were able to accurately interpret patterns of adherence (80%), suboptimal adherence (90%), and frank nonadherence (82%) when provided with mock DPS data.

Conclusions

DPS are viewed as an acceptable, feasible, and useful technology for monitoring ATT adherence by stakeholders directly involved in TB management. Future investigations should explore patient acceptance of DPS and pilot demonstration of the system in the TB context.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07756-x.

Real-World User Experiences with a Digital Pill System to Measure PrEP Adherence: Perspectives from MSM with Substance Use

Once-daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for preventing HIV transmission, but adherence can be challenging for men who have sex with men (MSM) who use substances. A novel method for directly measuring ingestion events is a digital pill system (DPS), which comprises an ingestible radiofrequency emitter that signals a wearable Reader device upon PrEP ingestion, relaying ingestion data to a wearable Reader device and then to a smartphone application. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 MSM with non-alcohol substance use following an open-label pilot demonstration trial involving use of the DPS to measure PrEP adherence for 90 days. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to understand overall user experiences and potential barriers and facilitators to using the DPS to measure PrEP adherence among MSM. The DPS was largely perceived as acceptable, novel, and valuable, with most participants reporting that the system was easily integrated into their daily routines. Technological and design factors, especially related to the wearable Reader, impacted participants’ interest in using the technology long-term; several suggested improvements were discussed.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03842436.

Discontinuation, suboptimal adherence, and reinitiation of oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Poor adherence to oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) diminishes its clinical and public health benefits. This study synthesises evidence regarding discontinuation, adherence, and reinitiation of PrEP among geographically diverse PrEP users.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating studies published in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to Dec 18, 2020. We included longitudinal studies that presented data for PrEP discontinuation, defined as investigator-reported loss to follow-up or participant self-reported PrEP stoppage. Data were extracted from published reports and assessed for risk of bias. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool estimates of discontinuation and I2 and τ2 to evaluate heterogeneity. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020155675.

FINDINGS

We identified 4129 records, of which 59 articles were included (n=43 917 participants). 41·0% (95% CI 18·8-63·5) of participants discontinued PrEP within 6 months, with the highest rates in observational studies. The discontinuation rate in sub-Saharan Africa (47·5%, 95% CI: 29·4-66·4%) was higher than in other regions (p<0·001). Discontinuation rates were lower in studies with adherence interventions than in those without (24·7% vs 36·7%, p=0·015). Gay or bisexual men who have sex with men and transgender women offered daily or non-daily dosing options had lower discontinuation rates than those offered daily dosing alone (21·6% vs 31·5%; p<0·001). The pooled suboptimal adherence within 6 months was 37·7% (95% CI 8·4-66·9). Among people who discontinued PrEP, 47·3% (95% CI 31·5-63·2) reinitiated PrEP within 1 year of PrEP initiation. The included studies had poor quality in terms of study design, with a moderate risk of bias.

INTERPRETATION

Strategies to encourage reinitiating PrEP for new or persistent risk should be a focus of future PrEP implementation strategies.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health and Nature Science Foundation of China.

"I'd feel like someone was watchin' me… watching for a good reason": perceptions of data privacy, access, and sharing in the context of real-time PrEP adherence monitoring among HIV-negative MSM with substance use

Once-daily oral tenofovir/emtricitabine is highly effective as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV but is dependent on adherence, which may be challenging for men who have sex with men (MSM) and use substances. Digital pill systems (DPS) permit the direct, real-time measurement of adherence, though user perceptions of data privacy in this context are unknown. Thirty prospective DPS users - HIV-negative MSM with non-alcohol substance use - completed in-depth qualitative interviews exploring preferences around privacy, access, and sharing of DPS adherence data. Participants discussed some concerns about the impact of DPS use on personal privacy, and emphasized the need for robust data protections in the technology. Participants were interested in having on-demand access to their adherence data, and were most willing to share data with primary care providers and long-term relationship partners. Future investigations exploring bioethical frameworks around DPS use are warranted, and user preferences should inform best practices for protecting DPS data.

DigiPrEP: A Pilot Trial to Evaluate the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Accuracy of a Digital Pill System to Measure PrEP Adherence in Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Substances

BACKGROUND

Adherence to once daily oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention can be challenging for men who have sex with men (MSM) with substance use. Digital pill systems (DPS) comprise a radiofrequency emitter integrated into a gelatin capsule containing PrEP, which transmits data to a wearable Reader following ingestion, thereby enabling direct, real-time adherence measurement. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and accuracy of a DPS to measure PrEP adherence.

METHODS

A 90-day, single-arm, open-label, pilot demonstration trial was conducted with adult, cisgender, HIV-negative MSM on PrEP with nonalcohol substance use. Feasibility was measured via DPS engagement and timeline followback. Acceptability was assessed via qualitative user experience interviews. Accuracy was evaluated via DPS performance metrics, pill counts, and DBS to quantify tenofovir diphosphate.

RESULTS

Sixteen MSM enrolled (median age, 32 years), and 15 completed the study. Engagement remained stable over time. Emergent nonadherence patterns included intercurrent substance use. The DPS was largely acceptable based on interviews; the predominant barrier to use was the Reader. DPS-recorded ingestions totaled 1099, including 83.9% were detected by Reader and 16.1% were reported manually. The DPS recorded 92.2% of 1192 total expected ingestions per pill counts. Point-biserial correlation (R = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.80; P = 0.047) and Pearson correlation (month 1: R = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.95; P = 0.0002; month 3: R = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.94; P = 0.0197) showed strong correlations between DPS-recorded adherence and tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spots.

CONCLUSION

DPS are a feasible, acceptable, and accurate method of measuring PrEP adherence in MSM with substance use. Future investigations should incorporate DPS into behavioral interventions targeting nonadherence.

Ingestible electronic sensors to measure instantaneous medication adherence: A narrative review

Objective

Medication nonadherence contributes to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. While many techniques to measure adherence exist, digital pill systems represent a novel, direct method of measuring adherence and a means of providing instantaneous adherence supports. In this narrative review, we discuss digital pill system research based on clinical trials and qualitative investigations conducted to date and potential future applications of digital pill system in medication adherence measurement.

Methods

We conducted a literature search in PubMed of English language peer-reviewed articles describing the use of digital pill system for medication adherence measurement between 2000 and 2021. We included all articles that described the deployment of ingestible sensors and those involving qualitative investigations of digital pill system with human subjects.

Results

A total of 95 articles were found on initial search; 75 were removed based on exclusion criteria. Included articles were categorized as investigations that deployed an ingestible sensor in human populations (n = 18), or those that conducted qualitative work (n = 3). For pilot studies, the mean accuracy of the sensor to successfully detect a medication ingestion event ranged from 68% to 100%. When digital pill systems were deployed in real-world clinical settings, accuracy ranged from 68% to 90% with lower accuracy due to nonadherence to digital pill system technology. Qualitative studies demonstrated that providers and patients perceive the digital pill system as a facilitator for improving adherence and as a potential platform for delivering adherence interventions. Additionally, ingestion data from digital pill system was viewed as useful in facilitating adherence discussions between clinicians and patients.

Conclusions

This narrative review demonstrates that the use of digital pill system is broadly feasible across multiple disease states including human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C infection, solid organ transplants, tuberculosis, schizophrenia, cardiovascular disease, and acute fractures, where adherence is closely linked to significant morbidity and mortality. It also highlights key areas of research that are still needed prior to broad-scale clinical deployment of such systems.

Development of a digital pill and respondent behavioral intervention (PrEPSteps) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence among stimulant using men who have sex with men

The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men (MSM) is contingent upon consistent adherence. Digital pill systems (DPS) provide real-time, objective measurement of ingestions and can inform behavioral adherence interventions. Qualitative feedback was solicited from MSM who use stimulants to optimize a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention (LifeSteps), used in conjunction with a DPS, to promote PrEP adherence (PrEPSteps). Seven focus groups and one individual qualitative interview were conducted in Boston, MA with cisgender, HIV-negative MSM who reported stimulant use and current PrEP use or interest. Focus groups and interviews explored reactions to the DPS and PrEPSteps messaging components: contingent reinforcement (CR), corrective feedback (CF), LifeSteps, and substance use Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). Quantitative assessments were administered. Qualitative data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis. Twenty MSM participated. Most were White (N = 12), identified as homosexual or gay (N = 15), and college-educated (N = 15). Ages ranged from 24 to 68 years (median 35.5). Participants were willing to engage with the DPS and viewed it as beneficial for promoting adherence. Confirmatory CR messages were deemed acceptable, and a neutral tone was preferred. CF messages were viewed as most helpful and as promoting individual responsibility. LifeSteps was perceived as useful for contextualizing nonadherence. However, SBIRT was a barrier to DPS use; concerns around potential substance use stigma were reported. MSM who use stimulants were accepting of the DPS and PrEPSteps intervention. CR, CF, and LifeSteps messages were viewed as helpful, with modifications pertaining to tone and content; SBIRT messages were not preferred.

A Brief Training Program to Support the Use of a Digital Pill System for Medication Adherence: Pilot Descriptive Study

Background

Digital pill systems (DPSs), which comprise ingestible radiofrequency sensors integrated into a gelatin capsule that overencapsulates a medication, can directly measure ingestion events.

Objective

Teaching users to operate a DPS is vital to ensure the collection of actionable ingestion and adherence data. In this study, we aim to develop and pilot a training program, grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model, to instruct individuals on DPS operation.

Methods

A two-part training program, comprising in-person and text message–based components, was used with HIV-negative men who have sex with men with nonalcohol substance use, who had enrolled in a 90-day pilot demonstration study using the DPS to measure adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis. We assessed the number of responses to text check-ins, the number and types of episodes where technical support was requested, the resolutions of such issues, and engagement with the program over the study period. Participant feedback on the program was evaluated through qualitative user experience interviews.

Results

A total of 15 participants were enrolled in and completed the program. Seven technical challenges related to DPS operations were reported across 5 participants. Most commonly, participants requested support connecting the wearable Reader device with their smartphone, charging the Reader, and operating the mobile app. A total of 6 issues were resolved asynchronously or in real time via phone; 1 required in-person evaluation and resolution. Preliminary qualitative findings indicate that both the in-person and remote follow-up components of the training program were perceived as acceptable. Suggested improvements included repeated DPS refresher sessions at in-person follow-up visits and enhanced written materials for the independent resolution of technological issues.

Conclusions

A brief two-part DPS training program, drawing from individuals’ experiences and from the Technology Acceptance Model, can provide valuable insights for users. The program also identifies and addresses several areas of actual or potential challenges related to operating a DPS and allows for the resolution of such issues within the first week of DPS use.