Exploring medication experiences, behaviours, and reminder technology preferences in people with Parkinson's disease: a survey.

INTRODUCTION

Due to complex medication regimens, suboptimal medication adherence is common among people with Parkinson's disease (PwP), leading to poor symptom control. Medication reminder technology, and a deeper understanding of individual's medication experiences and behaviours offer promising solutions, but these factors need to be explored in PwP. An online survey was developed to identify the current potential use of medication reminder technology in PwP; determine the essential features of the ideal medication reminder technology; compare feature preferences between current medication reminder technology users and non-users; and Explore Respondents Medication Experiences and Behaviour.

METHODS

The survey was open to individuals over 18, with a PD diagnosis and taking oral PD medication. The survey consisted of 51 primary questions exploring PwP medication experiences and behaviours; current/potential use of medication reminder technology; and designing ideal medication reminder technology. Descriptive statistics, and statistical tests compared questionnaire responses. To categorise free-text responses, inductive and deductive content analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Data from 283 PwP (median age: 65 years, 46% female) was analysed. Thirty-four percent were non-adherent to their PD medication regimen, and respondents with more negative medication beliefs and perceived medication complexity had worse medication adherence. Fifty percent of respondents already used medication reminder technology, with these respondents most commonly using smartphones (72%). Respondents who already used medication reminder technology scored significantly higher on the medication adherence rating scale (MARS-5). When choosing the ideal medication reminder technology, smartwatches were the preferred device (57%). When designing the ideal medication reminder smartwatch, no features were deemed 'essential' to all respondents, with great heterogeneity in preferences. Overall, smartwatch usability and functionality was more important to respondents than appearance, and current users of reminder technology placed greater importance on smartwatch usability than non-users.

DISCUSSION: Medication reminder technology, such as smartwatches, may support medication adherence in PwP, but this technology must be personalised to user needs, and developed with an emphasis on usability and functionality, over aesthetics. When developing this technology, PwP should be included as co-developers, and the process should be iterative. However, reminder technology alone may not sufficiently support adherence, and additional patient-related factors need to be overcome.