A qualitative study of type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients' perspectives on readiness, acceptance and barriers of mobile apps for medication adherence

Objectives: This qualitative phenomenological study explored the perspectives of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients in adopting mobile apps for medication adherence management. 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.