Figure 5 shows two rows of the mini sensors (a) and a detailed configuration (b). Each sensor this comprised of three electrodes: iridium-containing carbon (Ir-C)workin
Non-adherence is a prevalent problem in chronically ill populations and it may result in poor clinical Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries and economic outcomes [1]. Measurement of medication non-adherence is crucial to identify patients at risk for poor outcomes and to evaluate adherence-enhancing interventions. Several assessment methods exist, but all have inherent weaknesses [2]. Electronic monitoring (EM) is often promoted as ��the gold standard��, as it is the only assessment tool allowing continuous monitoring over time, generating information regarding taking and timing of drug intake. It is also capable of capturing minimal deviations from the prescribed regimen, which is an asset particularly for populations (e.
g., transplant or HIV) in which minimal deviations from dosing schedule are already sufficient Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries to result in poor clinical outcomes [3,4].To date, the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS, Aardex, CH) has been most frequently Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries used. It consists of a pill bottle, fitted with a cap, containing a microelectronic circuit, that registers the date and time of opening of the bottle (see Figure 1). Yet, the MEMS system has important drawbacks: it may lead to practical (e.g., the pill bottle is rather large) or confidentiality issues (e.g., HIV patients have addressed privacy issues) [4]. Besides, based on the safety regulations from the pharmaceutical companies, some medication tablets (e.g.
, immunosuppressants) need to stay in the blister until actual ingestion to avoid changes in stability of the drugs due to exposure to moisture, Inhibitors,Modulators,Libraries air, light, and microbiological cross-contamination [5]. In order to fit in the EM medication container, the blister needs to be cut in individual packaged pills.Figure 1.The Medication Electronic Monitoring System (MEMS) (Aardex, Switzerland).In recent years, other electronic monitoring devices have been developed. Bang & Olufsen, Medicom (Denmark) developed the Helping Hand? Data Capturing (HH), an electronic monitoring tool with similar functions compared to the MEMS, but Drug_discovery suitable for blister packages. This new device seems very promising to cover e.g., privacy problems because it is smaller and easy to hide compared to e.g., MEMS. Furthermore, the blister does not need to be cut anymore to fit into the device.
Besides, the reminder system consists of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) reminders providing feedback to the user regarding their medication behavior within the KOS 953 previous week via a patented traffic-light color-codes system. A red flashing lamp indicates major NA (��alarm��), orange indicates minor NA (��you missed doses��) and green means perfect adherence (��everything is fine��). The acoustic function yields a beeping signal at the time of the scheduled medication intake.