Method and Apparatus for Verification of Medication Administration Adherence

Abstract

A system and method of confirming administration of medication is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving information identifying a particular medication prescription regimen, determining one or more procedures for administering such prescription regimen and identifying one or more activity sequences associated with such procedures. Activity sequences of actual administration of such prescription regimen are captured and then compared to the identified activity sequences to determine differences therebetween. A notice is provided if differences are determined.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]It has been widely recognized that methods and systems for insuring proper medication ingestion by individuals are very important in defending against unnecessary sickness, deaths and other problems. Giving instructions and then letting patients fend for themselves has been shown not to work particularly well. This is because it is not only the improper ingestion of medicines that is the primary cause of medical danger. Rather, an overall lack of sufficient patient guidance is part of the problem. Also, the inability to confirm a proper prescription regimen being provided to a user in the first place may cause a number of other problems with the use of such medication. While other systems have been proposed to ensure such proper usage of medication, it is only the present invention that provides a complete solution to the medication management problem.[0002]Dr Lars Osterberg, M.D. and Dr, Terence Blaschke have reported in the New England Journal of M...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided that allow for complete control and verification of adherence to a prescribed medication protocol, whether is a health care provider's care, or when self administered in a homecare situation by a patient. The system and method preferably includes a means for receiving user medication information, including a medication profile and history, providing indications to a user regarding when to take a medication, and which medication to take, imaging medication either in pill or container form to confirm a correct medication is being taken, confirming, in accordance with the user medication history that a new medication will not conflict with an already being taken medication (including non-prescription medication that may be used by a patient), scan a group of medication containers or pills to inform a user which is the correct medication through the use of visual, verbal or other prompts, providing assistance information to aid a user in properly taking the medication, imaging, employing still photos, video sequences or other activity or gesture recognition techniques, the user to confirm that the medication is being actually and properly taken, providing any appropriate additional or special instructions, using the imaging to note any possible adverse effects associated with taking of the medication, accumulating statistics about adherence to a prescribed protocol, assisting in reordering medication on an as-needed basis and notifying a medical professional if the user is not properly following a prescribed protocol.

[0009]From beginning to end, a user is provided with a system and method that aids the user in properly following a protocol, while informing an administrator of any deviations from the protocol, either innocent or purposeful, by a user so that an early interaction may be provided. The present invention is the only medication adherence verification system that may determine whether a user is actually following a protocol, and provide additional assistance to a user, starting with instructions, video instructions, and the like, and moving up to contact from a medication administrator through phone, email video conferencing or the like, if it is determined that the user may benefit from such assistance. Upon prescription of a medication to a user and entry of appropriate medical information into the system, the pharmacist or other medical personnel may allow the system to image the medication or enter medication information in any number of ways, thus recalling one or more preferred protocols for administration of the medication. An image of the medication may be further provided to the pharmacist upon this or any subsequent refills of the medication and act as an added visual check to confirm proper medication administration. The personnel may then select a desired protocol, thus removing a likely point of error, incorrect instructions to a user. Further, a medication image may be shown to a patient when they are to take a medication, to thus further ensure proper medication is administered.

Problems solved by technology

Giving instructions and then letting patients fend for themselves has been shown not to work particularly well.

This is because it is not only the improper ingestion of medicines that is the primary cause of medical danger.

Rather, an overall lack of sufficient patient guidance is part of the problem.

Also, the inability to confirm a proper prescription regimen being provided to a user in the first place may cause a number of other problems with the use of such medication.

Most importantly, the authors note “The ability of physicians to recognize nonadherence is poor, and interventions to improve adherence have had mixed results.”Adherence, p.

The authors conclude “Poor adherence to medication regimens is common, contributing to substantial worsening of disease, death and increased healthcare costs.”Adherence, p.

While such a system provides many improvements for easing a burden on the patient, this system suffers in many ways.

Most importantly, this system provides no mechanism for actually confirming that a patient is in fact ingesting or otherwise properly administering required medication.

While the system may be sufficient for one who is in full possession of their mental faculties, any individual who may have difficulty following directions, or one who is actively avoiding medication may still not be taking required medication after it is dispensed.

Furthermore, the system requires preloading of various medications into a dispenser, and thus likely requires regular visits by an administering manager to be sure appropriate medications are in fact loaded therein.

It is surely possible that an inexperienced user may place incorrect medications into the device, or may somehow provide incorrect dosages into the device.

Additionally, for potentially more complex regimens, there is no method provided for insuring that a user is able to follow such a protocol, and to thereafter confirm that the user has in fact taken all required medications in accordance with any provided instructions or the like, or has taken the medications according to one or more specifications or followed suggested procedures.

There is in fact no particular manner in which to ensure actual adherence or the relationship of adherence to the efficacy of the drug over time.

Additionally, existing systems fail to maintain an audit trail for post administration review by a medical official, and further cannot therefore confirm confirmation of proper medication administration.

Existing systems are further generally impractical in that they fail to address many of a patient's other healthcare needs, including billing, insurance paperwork and filing, education regarding healthy living and proper use of medications, easing obtaining refills for medications, and providing feedback to a medical service provider, for example, in advance of an appointment so that the medical provider can be prepared for such an appointment.

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