Evaluation of use of cellphones to aid compliance with drug therapy for HIV patients

Abstract

Key to the care of people living with HIV is effective data on use of ARVs, their responses to the medication and additional needs. An adaptation of cellphone technology by Cell-Life provides an easy-to-use data capturing devise for use by therapeutic counsellors (home based carers). Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with all the counsellors using the technology at two points in time, six months apart. The technology was found to be easy to use, especially for those who had previously used a cellphone. It eased data collection considerably and reduced fears around loosing notes. Improvements in technology between the two sets of interviews showed responsiveness from Cell-Life to the users of the technology. The patients also responded well to the technology, feeling that it improved their treatment. The major concern for home-based carers was the risk of crime due to having a cellphone, which led to the therapeutic counsellors eventually leaving the cellphones at home when visiting patients and entering the data at a later point. While the carers initially felt that the technology was an intrusion in their lives they later adapted to it.