Investigating the potential of in-home devices for improving medication adherence

We conducted five focus groups with seniors and middle-aged participants who live independently in their own homes to assess the potential value of a home-centered medication reminder system concept. The medication reminder system was conceptualized as a system that uses a television and set-top box, mobile phones and other in-home accessories as a means to set and deliver medication reminders. We found that the main value perceived by participants in the medication reminder system was its ability to provide multiple channels for them to be reminded of medications. The mobile phone, due to its advantages in portability and privacy, was considered to be the most useful device on which to receive reminders. Most participants saw value in receiving secondary reminders on other devices in their home such as the TV, PC, and other in-home accessories. Design implications along with other findings about the challenges faced by participants in managing their medications are discussed.