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Validation of a Virtual Assistant for Improving Medication Adherence in Patients with Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Depressive Disorder

Author

Listed:
  • Surya Roca

    (Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • María Luisa Lozano

    (Centro de Salud Las Fuentes Norte, 50002 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • José García

    (Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Álvaro Alesanco

    (Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

Virtual assistants are programs that interact with users through text or voice messages simulating a human-based conversation. The development of healthcare virtual assistants that use messaging platforms is rapidly increasing. Still, there is a lack of validation of these assistants. In particular, this work aimed to validate the effectiveness of a healthcare virtual assistant, integrated within messaging platforms, with the aim of improving medication adherence in patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus and depressive disorder. For this purpose, a nine-month pilot study was designed and subsequently conducted. The virtual assistant reminds patients about their medication and provides healthcare professionals with the ability to monitor their patients. We analyzed the medication possession ratio (MPR), measured the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and obtained the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) score in the patients before and after the study. We also conducted interviews with all participants. A total of thirteen patients and five nurses used and evaluated the proposed virtual assistant using the messaging platform Signal. Results showed that on average, the medication adherence improved. In the final interview, 69% of the patients agreed with the idea of continuing to use the virtual assistant after the study.

Suggested Citation

  • Surya Roca & María Luisa Lozano & José García & Álvaro Alesanco, 2021. "Validation of a Virtual Assistant for Improving Medication Adherence in Patients with Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Depressive Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12056-:d:681012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mingxuan Cui & Xueyan Wu & Jiangfeng Mao & Xi Wang & Min Nie, 2016. "T2DM Self-Management via Smartphone Applications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Julián Rodríguez‐Almagro & Álvaro García‐Manzanares & Alfredo J. Lucendo & Antonio Hernández‐Martínez, 2018. "Health‐related quality of life in diabetes mellitus and its social, demographic and clinical determinants: A nationwide cross‐sectional survey," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(21-22), pages 4212-4223, November.
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