METHODS: This research was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The databases that had been searched included Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Ovid from 2017 to 2022. Study characteristics were retrieved and study outcomes such as adherence status and diabetes control were extracted and quantitatively analysed through meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Eight studies met the final inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, contributing to a total of 884 subjects. The methodological quality of the included studies was variable. Three studies reported statistically significant improvement in medication adherence through mobile apps intervention. Additionally, the mobile apps intervention proved effective in reducing glycaemic outcomes. As compared to non-mobile apps users, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) significantly decreased by 0.36% (95% CI -0.47% to -0.25%), whereas fasting plasma glucose (FPG) significantly decreased by 16.75 mg/dL (95% CI -17.60 mg/dL to -15.80 mg/dL).
CONCLUSION: Mobile apps intervention had beneficial impacts on medication adherence and glycaemic parameters. Future research should explore the best practical approach for real-world settings.
METHODS: Through 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews, themes were identified using thematic analysis, guided by the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model (TRAM).
RESULTS: Anticipated convenience and benefits, openness to new technologies acted as drivers, while limited digital literacy and concerns about data privacy and security served as inhibitors of readiness to adopt health apps. Acceptance was influenced by elements related to medication, patient, healthcare professional, family and app aspects. The identified barriers were related to patient, smartphone and monetary factors. Patients perceived the need to adopt digital apps were for those with poor adherence, complex medication regimen and forgetfulness issues. However, concerns about effectively implementing this approach were noted as T2DM patients were predominantly late middle-aged adults who faced technical challenges, leading to combination approach between digital technology and conventional patient education and counselling.
CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted the factors influencing patient's readiness, acceptance, and barriers on effective utilisation of digital health solutions in managing adherence issues.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The elements of TRAM provide guidance for strategic actions to enhance digital health technology adoption among T2DM patients.
METHODS: This study employed a constructivist grounded theory approach. Data were collected through 30 semi-structured in-depth interviews and then analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the strategies.
RESULTS: The developed model highlighted five key dimensions: technological, economic, social, behavioral, and environmental strategies. Technological strategies discussed user interface and user experience. Economic strategies stressed the importance of financial support. Meanwhile, social strategies focused on social support and partnership. Behavioral strategies emphasized motivation. Environmental strategies included marketing, patient education, health care professionals' roles, supportive assistance, policy, and evidence-based approach.
CONCLUSIONS: This study offers actionable insights and a blueprint to increase the adoption of mobile apps for T2DM medication adherence and self-management, which requires the collective and collaborative efforts from different stakeholders. Nevertheless, the self-efficacy of patients remains low, justifying the need for further patient education and empowerment.