AGEM Author Spotlight June 2024

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Published Work by AGEM Members

 

AGEM Author Spotlight: Peter T Serina, MD, MPH, Research Fellow at the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University

 

Could digital pills improve medication adherence in persons living with dementia? A qualitative study

Summary: 
Persons living with dementia (PLWD) face challenges with medication adherence that are not adequately addressed by current solutions (e.g. pillboxes). This qualitative study is the first analysis to evaluate the perceptions of PLWD and their caregivers of a novel ingestible sensor that encapsulates prescribed medication and transmits time-stamped ingestion data. PLWD and their caregivers saw this digital pill system as feasible, acceptable, and usable if endorsed by trusted sources, designed for ease of use, and integrated with existing smartphone technology. Further clinical studies and endorsement by trusted messengers, including healthcare professionals, would enhance uptake.

Bio: 
Dr. Serina is a postdoctoral (T32) research fellow at the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health. He is also an emergency physician at the Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. His research aims to improve health outcomes and work towards goal-concordant care for older patients in the acute care phase of care, particularly for persons living with dementia.