Device to remind the user to regularly take a medical application device

Abstract

Device for reminding the user to regularly take a medical application device, comprising: • a holder for receiving the application device, • a detection means for detecting removal of the application device from the holder, • a control unit with a predefined intake schedule, • a timer for determining intake times and intervals, • a signaling unit for issuing reminder and warning signals, wherein the control unit is configured to: • evaluate detected removals of the application device depending on the intake schedule and the timer, and • control a state-dependent motivation indicator, wherein the state of the motivation indicator depends on the historical adherence to the intake schedule over several intake intervals and the motivation indicator is issued via the signaling unit to motivate adherence to the intake schedule.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for reminding the user to regularly take a medical application device, in particular an inhalation device, and aims to improve adherence to a predetermined intake schedule through motivating, condition-dependent feedback. The device comprises a holder for the application device, a detection means for recording when the application device is removed from the holder, and a control unit to which an administration schedule is assigned. Furthermore, a timer is provided by means of which administration times and intervals can be determined. The control unit is designed to evaluate detected withdrawals from the application device based on the dosing schedule and time measurement. A withdrawal is used as an indication of a possible dose, without requiring actual measurement of medication administration. The device also features a signaling unit for issuing reminder and warning signals, which reminds the user of the due payment in the event of a missed or delayed withdrawal. According to the invention, the control unit additionally controls a state-dependent motivation indicator, the state of which depends on the historical adherence to the intake schedule over several intake intervals. The motivation indicator represents a changing state that changes over time depending on user behavior and is output via the signaling unit, in particular via a visual display. By linking the motivation indicator to long-term adherence to the medication schedule, behavior-influencing, motivating feedback is provided, which is particularly suitable for children and adolescents. The invention thus enables improved therapy adherence without requiring invasive sensors or inhaler-integrated measurement technology. Description of a preferred embodiment In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a holder (20) for receiving a medical application device, in particular an inhaler (10). The holder (20) is designed as a recess into which the inhaler (10) can be positively inserted. A detection means (21) is arranged within the holder (20) for detecting when the inhaler (10) is removed from the holder (20). In the illustrated embodiment, the detection means (21) comprises a waterproof microswitch equipped with a movable roller. The roller is pressed down when the inhaler (10) is inserted, so that removing the inhaler (10) causes a change in the state of the microswitch. The change of state is detected by a control unit (1), in particular a microprocessor, by means of an interrupt signal. This allows the removal of the inhaler (10) to be reliably and energy-efficiently detected. The holder (20) also has drainage openings (22) which serve to drain any liquids, especially water, that have entered the recess. The bracket (20) is connected to a mounting adapter (23) designed for wall mounting. The mounting adapter (23) is designed as a thin plastic element and has chamfers (24) on its top surface and on its sides. The mounting adapter (23) can be attached to a wall using adhesive strips, in particular adhesive strips that are easily removable by stretching. The bracket (20) can then be slid onto the mounting adapter (23) and is held securely in place by the chamfers (24). This design allows the mounting adapter (23) to remain permanently on the wall, while the bracket (20) is detachably attached to it. The device further comprises a signaling unit (30) which includes a visual display (31). In the illustrated embodiment, the visual display (31) is designed as a bistable, energy-saving e-paper display. In normal operation, the display (31) shows a dosage history, which is represented, for example, by a sequence of symbols. In a preferred display, checkmark and cross symbols are shown in combination with a sun symbol and a moon symbol to represent the dosage history for morning and evening dosage intervals. Additionally, a state-dependent motivation indicator (32) is displayed in the form of a graphic symbol. In the illustrated embodiment, the motivation indicator (32) is designed as a graphic symbol, for example in the form of an animal face, in particular a cat's face, the state of which changes depending on the historical adherence to the intake schedule. The motivation indicator (32) in the illustrated embodiment has, among other things, the following states: 1. a happy state, 2. a sad state, and 3. a final state. At the time of a due dose, a prompt to remove the inhaler (10) is displayed on the screen (31), for example by an inhaler symbol in combination with an arrow symbol. If no product is removed, an optical warning signal is triggered after an initial period of time by means of a light unit (33), in particular a red flashing LED. After a further period of time, an additional acoustic warning signal is emitted via an acoustic signal generator (34), in particular a piezo signal generator. Removal of the inhaler (10) is only considered as successful ingestion if the inhaler (10) is removed from the detection agent (21) for a specified minimum duration. A shorter removal period merely interrupts a warning signal and is not considered successful ingestion. The power supply is provided by a primary cell (40), in particular a lithium primary cell, which has a high capacity and low self-discharge. The battery (40) is designed for an operating period of several years and, in the illustrated embodiment, is not replaceable by the user. For time measurement, a timing device (2) is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a real-time clock module (41). Additionally, the current time can be displayed on the display (31). In an optional embodiment, an adapter (50) is provided with which the recess of the holder (20) can be adapted to different designs of inhalers. Furthermore, a switch controllable by an external magnetic field, in particular a reed contact (51), can be provided which can be activated by an external magnet (52). Optionally, the control unit (1) may have internal storage of the revenue history as well as a wired or wireless interface, in particular a USB or Bluetooth interface. Reference symbol list 1 Control unit 2 Time measuring device 10 Application device / Inhaler 20 Holder 21 Detection medium 22 Drainage opening 23 Mounting adapter 24 Chamfer 30 Signal unit 31 Display 32 Motivation indicator 33 Light unit 34 Acoustic signal generator 40 Primary cell 41 Real-time clock module 50 Adapter for different application devices 51 Reed contact 52 Magnet

Claims

Device for reminding the user to regularly take a medical application device, comprising: • a holder for receiving the application device, • a detection means for detecting removal of the application device from the holder, • a control unit with a predefined intake schedule, • a timer for determining intake times and intervals, • a signaling unit for issuing reminder and warning signals, wherein the control unit is configured to: • evaluate detected removals of the application device depending on the intake schedule and the timer, and • control a state-dependent motivation indicator, wherein the state of the motivation indicator depends on the historical adherence to the intake schedule over several intake intervals and the motivation indicator is issued via the signaling unit to motivate adherence to the intake schedule. Device according to claim 1, wherein removal of the application device is only considered as having been taken after a predetermined minimum duration has been exceeded. Device according to claim 2, wherein a withdrawal below the minimum duration causes an interruption of an issued warning signal, but does not result in an assessment as having been taken. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the signal unit is configured to output reminders in a multi-stage escalating manner. Device according to claim 4, wherein the escalation comprises a visual display, an optical signaling and an acoustic signaling. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signaling unit comprises a visual display in the form of a screen. Device according to claim 6, wherein the display is designed as a bistable, energy-saving display, in particular as an e-paper or e-ink display. Device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the motivation indicator has a variable state. Device according to claim 8, wherein the state of the motivation indicator deteriorates upon repeated failure to perform a withdrawal considered as intake. Device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the motivation indicator is transferred to a final state when a predetermined number of missed receipts is exceeded within a predetermined time window. Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the motivation indicator is transformed into an improved state upon renewed adherence to the intake schedule. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the holder has a fastening mechanism for wall mounting.

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