Detectability and appraisal thresholds of split pulse signals for the MemoPatch™ device, an electronic skin patch intended to deliver tactile medication reminder signals (study TS-104)

Patient non-adherence to prescribed medication regimens is a significant problem and affects clinical treatment outcomes. The MemoPatch™ medical device, currently in development, is an electronic skin patch intended to deliver tactile medication reminder signals. Fifty volunteers completed a laboratory experiment that evaluated the detectability and appraisal thresholds of five split signals; specifically, the current thresholds (in mA) at which a signal was detected (threshold T1), was considered sufficiently detectable to serve as a reminder signal (threshold T2), and became too strong as a reminder signal (threshold T3). Signals were selected under consideration of three data points: T1_Max and T2_Max (defined as, resp., the maximum current observed at T1 and T2) and T3_Pct90 (the T3 current at the 90^th percentile). A signal was considered to be useable in future versions of the MemoPatch™ device if it met the constraint that (T3Pct90-T2Max) should not be negative. One signal met the constraint requirement as its T3Pct90-T2Max=0.96mA.