Supporting Medication Adherence in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients: A Mixed Methods Usability Study of the BMT4me© mHealth App (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.66847
• Publication Date: 2024-09-25T22:11:43Z
• Authors: Mariam Kochashvili; Parishma Guttoo; Emre Sazgin; Ahna Pai; Rajinder Bajwa; Wendy Landier; Cynthia A Gerhardt; Micah A Skeens
• Keywords: Preprint; mHealth; Medication Adherence; Hematopoietic stem cell

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> In high-risk pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) populations, caregivers must manage complex treatment regimens at home with limited logistic and social support. These factors increase the risk for medication non-adherence previously observed rates indicating 52% to 73% of HCT patients do not take their medications as prescribed during course. Poor adherence places high poor health outcomes, thus, post-HCT remains a critical issue. The development innovative smartphone solutions, which have proven effective in improving clinical outcomes range conditions, potential benefit caregivers, who are managing regimens, children receiving HCT. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> aim this study was assess usability feasibility mHealth app (BMT4me©) designed serve real-time, personalized intervention management/adherence, symptom tracking, journal keeping. <title>METHODS</title> Following mixed methods approach, 14 (ages 0-18) acute phase (first 100 days) were recruited from Midwestern children’s hospital. Caregivers completed semi-structured interviews, standardized measures usability, weekly adherence. Quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Thematic analysis used qualitative data. <title>RESULTS</title> mean System Usability Scale score 86.15 (SD=12.81) enrollment 73.13 (SD=16.13) completion, most participants reporting easy use acceptable both time points. At enrollment, 80% (n=12) reported that motivating them stay on schedule, 87% (n=13) indicated they would recommend it others. 75% (n=6) found helpful tracking child's 64% (n=5) described “accessible,” “useful,” “valuable.” Qualitative interviews points revealed caregivers’ positive reactions app, particularly regarding reminders, symptoms, notes features, while also providing suggestions improvements, such integrating BMT4me© electronic medical records, incorporating educational content, adding fields recording vital signs, important phone numbers. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> demonstrated promising digital symptoms among undergoing considered user-friendly valuable, feedback its reminders tracking. Despite minor issues functionality, overall acceptance suggests support families improve outcomes. findings will inform testing larger randomized controlled trials. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04976933; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04976933