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Feasibility of Using the Med-eMonitor System in the Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study

Objective: To test the feasibility of using a computerized device called the Med-eMonitor for daily monitoring of medication compliance and symptoms; to enhance medication and research protocol compliance; and to educate schizophrenic patients and their families. Method: Outpatients with schizophrenia were assessed for psychiatric symptoms, quality-of-life, and demographic information. They were instructed in the use of the Med-eMonitor. A test of knowledge about schizophrenia was administered. Over the two-month course of the study, the patient and or caregiver used the monitor at home to take medication, answer questions about symptoms and signs, and learn educational facts about the disease and medication. Medication compliance and symptom data were uploaded each day from the Med-eMonitor to an Internet-enabled database, where investigators could log on, monitor patients, and program devices. At the end of the study, patients and caregivers filled out a satisfaction scale, and a test of knowledge about schizophrenia. Treating physicians also rated their satisfaction. Results: Twenty-two patients and 16 caregivers completed informed consent. All were able to learn to use the Med-eMonitor in the clinic. Fourteen (64%) patients used the monitor at home. There was no significant difference in demographic variables, level of symptoms, or other clinical measures between the patients who did and did not use the device at home. Patients had nonsignificant improvement from pre- to post-test on the educational quiz (t = −1.25; p = .23) Caregivers showed significant improvement (t = −2.39; p = .048). Most patients, caregivers, and physicians were satisfied with using the Med-eMonitor system. Discussion: The Med-eMonitor System provided for compliance enhancement with medications and protocols, ease of central evaluation by treating professionals, additional education, and reduced onsite evaluation in chronic schizophrenics. Results suggest that use of computerized devices is feasible in daily clinical monitoring and treatment of schizophrenia. Patients, caregivers, and clinicians found the Med-eMonitor to be useful, easy to use, satisfying, and educational.