Wearable Patch Sensor for Medication Compliance Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to confirm whether patients ingest medication as prescribed, leading to non-compliance issues due to forgetfulness, complexity, cost concerns, fear of side-effects, or misunderstanding instructions, which can result in ineffective treatment, prolonged recovery, and increased medical risks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a patch with an RFID apparatus and sensor that is securely attachable to a biological organism, capable of inspecting biological materials for the presence of detectable agents, such as medication or dietary components, and transmitting results to a communication device or RFID transceiver for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current systems are used to sense pill removal from container, then presence of medication can be detected, but compliance with medication regimen cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detectable agent as an intermediary substance that is ingested with the medication. This agent serves as a mediator between the medication and the detection system, allowing indirect detection of medication ingestion through analysis of biological materials for the presence of the detectable agent, thereby confirming actual compliance rather than just detecting medication removal from container
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/conventional detection method (sensing pill removal from container) with a biochemical detection method (inspecting biological materials for detectable agent). This substitution enables confirmation of actual ingestion and compliance by detecting chemical markers in biological samples rather than relying on mechanical sensing of container removal
2Reliability
If multiple medications are prescribed to address complex medical conditions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient compliance becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system that can monitor multiple medications through a single integrated approach. The detectable agent can be incorporated into any medication form (pill, capsule, liquid), and the same sensor system detects all medications by identifying their respective detectable agents in biological materials, allowing comprehensive monitoring of complex multi-medication regimens without requiring separate tracking systems for each medication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring where the sensor detects the presence of detectable agents in biological materials and provides real-time information about medication compliance. This feedback mechanism allows healthcare providers to monitor whether patients are taking their medications as prescribed, enabling timely interventions to improve compliance with complex medication regimens
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively confirms medication compliance by detecting the presence of chemical markers in biological materials, enabling timely interventions and improving patient well-being by ensuring adherence to medication regimens.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is in electrical communication with the RFID apparatus and is configured to inspect a biological material of a biological organism for the presence of a detectable agent
Implementation Method 2
The RFID apparatus is configured to communicate a result of the inspection to the RFID transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring compliance with a medication regimen comprises a patch. The patch includes an RFID apparatus and a sensor. The patch is configured to be removably securable to a body of a biological organism. The sensor is in electrical communication with the RFID apparatus and is configured to inspect a biological material of a biological organism for the presence of a detectable agent. The RFID apparatus is configured to communicate a result of the inspection to an RFID transceiver and/or a communication device. Methods are also provided.