Application of mHealth in Enhancing Medication Adherence in Patients with Cancer

Abstract

This thesis aimed to develop and evaluate the usability and acceptability of an app-based system for enhancing oral anticancer medication (OAM) adherence in a user-centred design process that incorporated the elements of the intervention mapping (IM) and the behavioural intervention technology approaches. The first part of the thesis established the level and determinants of OAM adherence in Singapore. The second part identified important design considerations for an OAM adherence app using qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In the third part, an app-based system (called MedFC) was developed and iteratively modified with the final version scoring 90 (IQR: 80, 95) on the system usability scale. The last part evaluated the facilitating and hindrance factors for the adoption of an app-based OAM adherence intervention from the perspectives of patients, caregivers and pharmacists. Future clinical evaluations and further refinements of the app are recommended to facilitate widespread adoption and demonstrate clinical effectiveness.