Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT) to Improve Medication Adherence

Due to the lack of human resources, it is impossible to monitor patients' medication adherence objectively or in-person by observation like tuberculosis programs worldwide do. The feasibility and patient acceptance of the innovative video-based directly observed therapy (VDOT) approach for improving medication adherence among tuberculosis patients has been demonstrated through studies in the United States as well as internationally (7). Medication adherence among VDOT users has been found to be comparable to in-person directly observed treatment (91% vs 95%) among patients in New York (8). In this clinical research project, we will test the feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness of an innovative mobile-based behavioral intervention to improve medication adherence and depression symptoms among patients suffering from depression.

This is a randomized prospective study utilizing Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT), which is a novel means of remotely observing patients ingesting medications using videos sent from the patients' smartphone application. The VDOT mobile phone application called SureAdhere was developed and found to be feasible and acceptable for monitoring daily treatment of active tuberculosis in San Diego, CA (R21-AI088326; PI: R. Garfein). For testing the feasibility, acceptance and effectiveness of VDOT application (app) SureAdhere among depression patients, we will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial for which a maximum of 100 patients will be recruited (50 patients in study group; 50 patients in control group). Informed consent will be obtained prior to the start of study activities.Randomization will be performed using a computer generated randomization program assigning a random group to each consecutive study participant. This will be performed prior to the study and stored in a list with participant numbers. Those assigned to the control group will receive care as usual. Those assigned to study group will receive assistance in installing the SureAdhere app on their own smartphone. If they did not own a smartphone, a loaned smartphone with internet service plan and preinstalled SureAdhere mobile phone application will be provided to them if available. The SureAdhere app is programmed to send encrypted, time/date stamped videos to a HIPAA-compliant server. The study group subjects will receive a pin for their individualized log-in through a text message on their phone. They will be trained on how to use the application to send videos through a training video and handouts provided to them. Study staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns about the SureAdhere app. In case of technical issues, study staff will gather information about the concerns and then get input from the customer support team at SureAdhere, Inc. to resolve the issues. The study group subjects will receive individualized text reminders on their phone prior to each dose of their depression medicine. They will be requested to use the VDOT smartphone app to make a video recording of each medication dose ingested during the 3 month study period following their first visit. Research staff will regularly monitor videos using a password protected website and document each medication dose. Outcomes data will be obtained through self-report questionnaires at three time points: baseline, about 6 weeks and about 3 months and from the patient medical records. The baseline questionnaire will be conducted after the informed consent and will collect information about demographic characteristics (i.e. date of birth, sex, race, ethnicity, type of residence- house vs apartment own vs rent, type of insurance), medication adherence (using ASK-20 Medication Adherence questionnaire) and depression symptoms (using Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Both these validated survey tools are available for public use. The follow-up questionnaires sent to the subjects will obtain additional information regarding technology acceptance from the participants in the study group only. From all subjects, the follow-up questionnaires will gather information about medication adherence and depression symptoms. Patient medical records and VDOT video review will be used to obtain an objective measure of medication adherence, comorbidities (Elixhauser co-morbidity score) and clinical outcomes.