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.
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.