Affiliations: [a] Information Science Center, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, Miyagi, Japan | [b] Chiba-Hokusoh Hospital, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Kenji Hoshi, Information Science Center, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University 4-4-1 Aoba-ku Komatsushima, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan. Tel.: +81 22 727 0056; Fax: +81 22 727 0205; E-mail: hoshi@tohoku-pharm.ac.jp.
Abstract: Background:Accurate information about patients' use of medication is crucially important for medical treatment. Real-time information can prevent treatment failure resulting from medication delays or failures. Objective:In this study, a compliance-monitoring system is developed for physicians to ascertain their patients' drug-taking behaviors at home in real time. Its operation is then evaluated. Methods:The authors produced a device that uses wireless communication to notify a physician that drugs are taken out of a package by a patient. The device has sensors to detect the package opening. A wireless module is installed in a drug-containing calendar-type pill organizer. Results:Experimental trials confirmed that a physician can monitor the kind and number of drugs removed from the package on a real-time basis. Furthermore, a practical system can be produced by measuring the distance and consumption current of the produced device, which allows wireless communication. Conclusions:This system enables a doctor to intervene immediately when any compliance lapse occurs, thereby preventing treatment failure caused by delayed response.
