Exploring Innovative Digital Technologies to Enhance Adherence
A Short-Term Scientific Mission experience Turkey - Netherlands
My recent short scientific mission to the Center of Medication Adherence Expertise at the University Medical Center Groningen, exposed me to this very frontier of digital technology in enhancing patient adherence to medications. In a visit to the hospital, I have been exposed to state-of-the-art digital technology tailored to assist patients with asthma in adhering to their recommended treatment plans. This gave me an opportunity to broaden my understanding of the potential impact of digital technologies in healthcare. Furthermore, it has driven me to continue finding ways through which these technologies can be integrated into practice.
During my period at the UMCG Hospital, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team of specialists under the leadership of Associate Professor Job FM van Boven. The team conducts numerous clinical trials using digital technologies to enhance medication adherence in patients with asthma. During my visit, I had the opportunity to assess their work and observe their improvement. The digital technologies in question are those, including but not limited to, digital spacers and digital inhalers.
Image source: Dierick, B. J., Been-Buck, S., Klemmeier, T., Hagedoorn, P., van de Hei, S. J., Kerstjens, H. A., … & van Boven, J. F. (2022). Digital spacer data driven COPD inhaler adherence education: the OUTERSPACE proof-of-concept study. Respiratory Medicine, 201, 10694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2022.106940
Inspired by what I experienced during the STSM, I began looking for digital technologies in Turkey that may potentially be included in the ENABLE repository. I have focused on digital technologies that are designed to enhance adherence and outcomes in patients with hematology and oncology conditions. Based on my research, I have observed that the majority of these technologies are still in their early stages of development, with a considerable number of them being smartphone applications. However, I decided to reach out to the owners of the products in order to gather information and evaluate their potential for inclusion in the ENABLE repository.
In addition, I got the chance to participate in a comprehensive evaluation that especially focuses on the impact of nonadherence on medical outcomes and economic consequences, and I established a strong network for future study and collaboration.
My short scientific mission at UMCG Hospital has really opened my eyes to the potential of digital technologies in improving health outcomes. Having seen those technologies at work on patient adherence and outcomes, I am even more willing to fight for their full implementation within healthcare systems.
