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Engagement of medication users in the development and implementation of digital medication adherence technologies: a multi-stakeholder study.

Hosszú, D., Dima, A.L., Leiva-Fernández, F., Schneider, M.P., Dijk, L. van, Tóth, K., Duman, M., Davis, W., Andriciuc, C, Egan, R., Vrijens, B., Kardas, P., Bitterman, N., Mucalo, I., Ghiciuc, C.M., Ágh, T. Engagement of medication users in the development and implementation of digital medication adherence technologies: a multi-stakeholder study. Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research: 2024
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Background
This study aims to create a comprehensive framework for the development and implementation of digital medication adherence technologies (DMATech), focusing on critical stages where engagement of medication users (MU) is considered meaningful, i.e. adds significant value, as agreed upon by participating stakeholders.

Methods
Through a literature review and expert consensus, a framework was outlined covering key DMATech development and implementation phases and steps. An in-person workshop with MU representatives and adherence experts, using the Nominal Group Technique, further refined these stages for MU engagement.

Results
The DMATech framework included three phases: 'Innovation,' 'Research and Development,' and 'Launch and Implementation,' each encompassing multiple steps. The workshop, attended by five MU representatives and nine adherence experts, identified critical stages for MU input including context analysis, ideation, proof of concept, prototype creation, DMATech's iteration, critical evaluation, healthcare implementation, real-world assessment, and improvement. Nevertheless, there was a divergence of consensus regarding the importance of MUs engagement in regulatory, financial, and marketing aspects.

Conclusions
This study provides a holistic framework for DMATech development and implementation and underscores the necessity of MU engagement at various stages. Modes of MU engagement cannot be generalized; a case-by-case evaluation of engagement strategies is essential.