The Use of Technology to Enhance Treatment Adherence

In this chapter, we review technological solutions to address the challenge of enhancing treatment adherence. The initiation of clinical care of a patient with a medical illness begins with the assessment, proceeds to the rendering of a treatment plan, which may include prescribed medications, and then ultimately focusses on the course of treatment for the youth with the consent of the family. Given the number and complexity of the treatment steps, nonadherence with the medical plan is a common challenge across multiple domains of pediatrics. We begin with a discussion of technological solutions implemented at the level of healthcare systems, such as telehealth appointments and text message reminders for attending appointments. Then, we discuss technological solutions that individual patients might employ, such as using the internet for education about one’s illness or for finding a support group, and mobile phone applications designed specifically to enhance adherence. Finally, we explore technological solutions unique to various therapies, such as pill forms and containers, and more recently, closed loop systems of insulin administration. In conclusion, we discuss challenges to this research and avenues for further study.