MedSignals' digital pill box charts your dosage
By Darren Murph 
posted May 26th 2007 4:15AM
posted May 26th 2007 4:15AM
As the field of devices that let caregivers step away and give the elderly more independence expands, it was just a matter of time before digital pill boxes hit the mainstream. The aptly-dubbed med-minder holds one's pills in separated compartments to divvy up the days, and send out audible alerts (as well as flashing LEDs) when it's time to take them, records the time of opening in its built-in memory, uploads the usage data automatically to a server, and allows for access to personal chart trackers that show if any days were skipped over or taken late. The 5- x 3.5- x 1-inch box stays permanently connected to both a telephone and AC outlet, and once a day it dials up a toll free number to deliver the latest statistics. The box can apparently be ordered right now for $169, but if your great grandmother figures out that she can just crack the lid and dump the pills, you're still back to square one.[Via MedGadget]
This is interesting to me because I attended a Governor's School (special summer program) for "Information Technology and Business Leadership" and one of our tasks over the course of the five weeks was for groups of six of us to create a business plan based around a new, "made-up" invention or innovation. My group came up with "Doctor Database," a system combining common doctors' instruments with the ability to send their data through Bluetooth to a handheld unit (read: Palm/Pocket PC) which would then transfer the data to an office server through WiFi, then to a centralized server over the internet. This is a little different, but I still find it interesting how many articles and devices I've seen that are enhancing data and records transfer through the use of technologies.
Natedog, your timing was right on! The marketplace is exploding now with home-based telehealth tools that upload --though numerous means-- and aid caregivers in remotely observing patients. Your idea was quite insightful.
The MedSignals device also is funded now to serve as a hub for other vital sign monitors in the home and to Bluetooth-collect their readings and then upload them to patient charts, along with their pill-taking patterns via the telephone line. Soon we'll see medication adherence as the NEW vital sign to be monitored.
Vesta
In the George Lucas film "THX-1138," this function is served by the medicine cabinet, which (after asking you in a friendly voice, "What's wrong?") proceeds to give you automated advice about which pills to take:
"Take four red capsules. In ten minutes take two more. Help is on the way...."
Of course, in the world of THX-1138, people were sent to prison for "criminal drug EVASION."
I imagine they had less patient compliance issues that way....
"Soon we'll see medication adherence as the NEW vital sign to be monitored."
I bet.