Papers Patient Acceptance of a Tablet Reminder Device

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine patients' acceptance of and attitudes towards a new tablet reminder and protective device. The study was designed as an internet survey. Respondents entering the survey site received an introduction, an animated presentation of a tablet reminder device and a questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions, followed by open-ended questions. The survey was completed by 403 respondents. The overall assessment of the functions of the device, its usefulness and design were very positive, with few negative comments. Of the respondents, 87 per cent found the tablet card protection to be excellent or acceptable and 85 per cent of all respondents found the reminder function excellent or acceptable. The feedback function received 80 per cent positive answers. Usefulness and design were assessed comparably. Respondents older than 60 years and respondents receiving more than six different medications a day assessed the device less positively. Only the oldest patients assessed the protective function of the device significantly less positive. Otherwise, no significant differences could be found. The majority of respondents, users as well as non-users, irrespective of their demographic and socio-economic background, reported a high acceptance of the device functions, its usefulness and design. The concept of the device is less appropriate for patients receiving more than six different medications. Patients acceptance of medical devices is crucial for devices used in everyday life. Hence, an attractive design and an easy to understand functionality are crucial for new medical devices.