A 3D Printed Assistive Technology Intervention

Florida International University (FIU)

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 1

Conditions: Chronic Disease

Treatments: Device: 3D printed pillbox

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03353038

IRB-17-0025

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to understand the feasibility of using a 3D printer to create tailored assistive technology rehabilitation devices. Specifically, we are investigating if a tailored 3D printed pillbox is safe, acceptable, and effective compared to an off-the-shelf generic pillbox. In this study, approximately 20 people with chronic health conditions who use pillboxes will describe their satisfaction and medication adherence with their current pillbox using a series of surveys and interviews. Then they will partake in an interview about their pillbox, medications, and routines. Based on the interview, the research team will 3D print a new pillbox tailored to the participant's preferences, abilities, and medication regimen. Then the participant will use the pillbox for 2-8 weeks. At the end, the participant will answer the same questions describing their satisfaction and medication adherence with the new pillbox using a series of surveys and interviews. This research will reveal important knowledge about the potential of 3D printing in the clinic and effectiveness of customized assistive technology.

Enrollment: 14 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• English-speaking
• Adults (ages 18+ years)
• Use a pillbox at least weekly
• Prescribed 2+ medications
• Willing to try a new 3D printed pillbox

Exclusion criteria

• Have significant cognitive impairment evidenced by a score of 10+ on the short blessed test
• Unable to meet with the research team in person and by phone

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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14 participants in 1 patient group

Off-The-Shelf Pillbox vs 3D Printed Pillbox

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in the study were pillbox users at baseline. Participants described their experiences and preferences with their own pillbox. Then participants will be given a 3D printed pillbox. Researchers will compare participants' experiences and preferences between their off-the-shelf pillbox used at baseline and the customized 3D printed pillbox delivered to participants as part of the study.

Treatment:

Device: 3D printed pillbox