Unit-dose dispensing reminder for medication adherence improvement

摘要

Medication non-adherence is now a major issue in the pharmaceutical domain. Many electronic medication reminders have been invented to solve the issue. However, all of them have the problems of drug error and drug contamination. In this paper, we propose a medication reminder that dispenses a unit-dose packet rather than pills in plastic compartments. Through exploring functions of current electronic reminders and considering potential of unit dose packing service in homecare industry, the functions of a unit-dosing dispensing reminder are figured out. It is then designed and implemented. Our experience shows that unit-dose packing service simplifies medication process and enhances medication safety. Designers of medication device should consider the service from third part to simplify their design and provide a patient-centered product.