A New Intelligent Tablet Reminder Device — Do Health Professionals Find it of Therapeutic Value?

Abstract

Objective: To assess health professionals' perspectives on a new tablet dispenser, in particular with respect to their perception of patients' needs, dispensing of the device and patient instruction. Methods: Health professionals were invited to participate in an online survey. Respondents entering the survey site received an introduction, an animated presentation of the tablet reminder device and a questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions assessing the device, followed by open-ended questions. Results: The survey was completed by 138 health professionals of whom 34 per cent were general practitioners and 31 per cent specialists or hospital physicians. One-third of respondents consisted of nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals. Approximately 80 per cent of respondents provided very favourable assessments of the device functions with respect to reminder, feedback and protection of tablets. Similar positive assessments were found for the device's usability and design. The majority of respondents perceived the device as a possible useful aid to patients. Between 10 and 20 per cent assessed the device and its functions as less useful. In all respondent groups pharmacies were the preferred channel for supply of devices and instruction of patients. The patterns of answers did not differ significantly between the different professions. Conclusions: This study shows that health professionals assess the tablet reminder device very positively. Since patients have also been shown to have a positive attitude, introduction of the device into clinical practice could facilitate a concordant relationship between patients and health professionals.