Magic medicine management

A machine that dispenses the right dose of medication, at the right time, will come as a gift to the pharmacy and aged care sectors.

The Netherlands-designed medication management device called Medido is now being sold in Australia and sends an SMS or email to a carer or relative if the patient does not take their medication within a certain period of time.

The pharmacy and aged care sectors are among the initial target markets for a new device that dispenses the right dose of medication at the right time – and sends an SMS or email to a carer or relative if the patient fails to take their medication within a defined time period.

The Medido sees pre-packaged sachets of medications loaded into the device and the patient’s medication data entered into an internet portal. An alarm goes off in the device when the patient needs to take the medication, with the sachet released by simply pressing a button.

However, the patient’s nominated carer will also receive an email or text message if the patient fails to take their medication for any reason.

According to APHS Packaging chief executive, Cathie Reid, the Medido is being offered on a monthly service basis and says the “side-benefit” of the device is it acted as a “security alert”.

Although some older people wear communication pendants which can send emergency signals when pressed, Ms Reid tells iTWire the Medido is entirely automatic and would send an alert to a caregiver without any patient intervention.

The Medido is reportedly being offered to pharmacies using a contract similar to a phone rental, and are charging people $75 a month per device. Ms Reid claims most pharmacies offering the system were charging clients about $99 a month to use the device.