Monday, August 31, 2009

Medication Reminder Systems

I don't think that reminder technology tied to prescription containers make sense for the vast majority of people. The Boston Globe covers a system that might benefit select patients with a lot of medications or complicated dosing schedules. The device blinks when a dose is due then starts beeping louder and louder if the dose is missed. It can be programmed via the web but someone needs to fill the cups, hopefully accurately, every week. The device costs less than $100, has large labeling, but isn't exactly portable. A $30 per month monitoring fee will track compliance and send notices to the select caregivers.

I wonder how a cellphone-based system would compare with reminders, pictures of the correct medication, patient feedback that they took the dose and even collection of other health status indicators (e.g., weight, blood pressure, glucose). Can anyone point me to such a system?

4 comments:

Michael Guzzo said...

You can try the reminder cycle that works for me at my home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iPdwNNtA-A

Susan said...

There is no "one-size-fits-all" adherence solution, and IMHO the more complicated and expensive container and dispenser approaches will probably not help very many people. Simple phone reminders can be very effective for just about anyone - if used right.
Sometimes a call is all it takes.

Susan said...

Hmm... forgot to include the link to the OnTimeRx site:
http://www.ontimerx.com

DMRationalist said...

I like that the cellphone based system would allow a caregiver to program the reminders. Any chance you are working on a system that would collect information from the patient?