Comparisons of Self-reported Glaucoma Medication Adherence With a New Wireless Device: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Journal of glaucoma Vol. 26; no. 11; p. 1056
• Main Authors: Gatwood, Justin D, Johnson, Jordan, Jerkins, Brian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2017
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Antihypertensive Agents - administration & dosage; Drug Monitoring - instrumentation; Female; Glaucoma - drug therapy; Humans; Intraocular Pressure - drug effects; Male; Medication Adherence - statistics & numerical data; Middle Aged; Ophthalmic Solutions - administration & dosage; Pilot Projects; Prospective Studies; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1536-481X
• DOI: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000000777

To compare use of topical medications between a wireless monitoring device and validated self-reported measures of glaucoma medication adherence. This study involved adults from a group ophthalmology practice diagnosed with and being medicinally treated for glaucoma who were not scheduled for a surgery during the study period. Subjects were required to use a new wireless device to dispense their glaucoma medication for 2 months, and were surveyed at baseline and immediately following the study to assess mobile phone use, glaucoma-related self-efficacy, and medication adherence. Complete data (survey and accurate device recordings) were available for 23 subjects at both baseline and endpoint. Median adherence, as measured by the device, was 82% and dropped slightly between 30-day periods, from 83% to 77%. Similarly, the percent adherent (dosing at least 75% of the time) dropped significantly between months according to both the device (78.3% and 52.2%) and a self-reported measure (63% and 56%). Kappa statistics indicated low agreement between the device and self-report when classifying adherent status. A majority of subjects interviewed found the device easy to use, indicated that it did not interfere with medication-taking or normal activities, and were not bothered by their physician knowing when medication was dispensed. In this pilot, nearly all Kali Drop devices performed as expected, providing real-time data on medication use over a 60-day period. Data suggested that self-reported and electronic estimates of glaucoma medication use differ, but additional testing of this new device is needed to corroborate the data observed.