Idea for Unit-Dose Packaging in Japan-How to organize good adherence for elderly patients-

摘要

Elder patients with complex diseases need to take a large number of medicines. Therefore, the unitdoseheat-sealing film (for tablets and capsules) is used to help people take medicines in Japan. However,there are still some problems with unit-dose packaging, such as low adherence, difficulty opening and the issueof the large amount of waste involved. In this study, we evaluated the conventional unit-dose packagingand developed it which suit for Japanese patients and medical service. We made a prototype of the new unitdosepackaging and evaluated usability of this one in medication through comparison with conventional unitdoseheat-sealing film. This was a prospective, controlled 2 week trial conducted in 20 elder patients. Accordingto the questionnaire, Almost patients satisfied with the new packaging due to ease of choosing right unitwhich should take. Furthermore, the number of remained medicine in the study group is less than the controlgroup. The control group generated larger amount of trash than the study group. The new unit-dose packagingreduced omission of a medication and amount of trash. Moreover, the questionnaire represents that the newpackaging is easier to use than existing one.