OBJECTIVES: Among patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), poor adherence to psychopharmacologic therapy is common and results in increased health care utilization and costs. Emergence of digital tools that track medication adherence along with general health is useful, but evidence on caregiver valuations of such tools is limited. This study assessed caregivers’ preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) for digital (ingestible sensor pill, medication containers with electronic monitoring, mobile apps, smart pill dispensers) and non-digital (medication dairy, simple pill organizer) tools for caring BPD, MDD and SCZ patients.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among caregivers of BPD, MDD and SCZ patients to collect preferences and knowledge/attitude towards healthcare technologies. Additionally, survey included twelve discrete choice questions comparing tools that varied across attributes including source, access and frequency of medication adherence, physical activity, mood and rest information, and out-of-pocket contribution. Random parameter logit models were conducted to estimate preferences and WTP.

RESULTS: The study included 57, 61 and 66 caregivers caring for BPD, MDD and SCZ patients. Caregivers of MDD, BPD and SCZ patients reported 9.79 (95% Confidence Interval (CI):4.81-19.90), 7.47, (95% CI:3.81-14.65), and 6.71 times (95% CI:3.29-13.69) higher preference for tool that tracked medication adherence using pill with ingestible sensor and collected information about patients’ physical activity, mood and rest compared to pill organizer, respectively. Additionally, caregivers of BPD, MDD and SCZ patients were willing to pay $197.48/month (95% CI: $50.91-$344.04), $227.76/month (95% CI: $66.04-$389.47) and $480.72/month (95% CI: $-317.77-$1,279.20), respectively more for this digital tool than pill organizer, however no significant difference was identified among caregivers of SCZ patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of BPD, MDD and SCZ patients have strong preference and are willing to pay for digital tool, with strongest preference and WTP higher among those caring for MDD patients.