Read more about the project here.
As our population ages, the number of chronic medical conditions and medications given to the elderly increases. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that frail elderly patients have trouble keeping track of and taking their medications as told by their doctor. Blister packs and dosettes can simplify taking pills, however they do not provide any information about how and which pills a patient may be taking.
This study looked to see whether the eDosette can help the frail elderly take their medications better. More importantly, the study determined whether the information sent by the eDosette will allow family doctors and pharmacists to match patients’ medications to their ability to safely self-administer them, while keeping in mind what was best for each patient. This study was able to show how frail elderly patients are taking their medications, how the eDosette prompted improved medication regimes, and lastly, further refined the eDosette device for a larger future study.
Henry Siu, MD, MSc, CCFP is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Enhanced Skills Care of the Elderly Director at McMaster University. He studied Medical Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Toronto, receiving his Master of Science in 2004, and in 2008 he proceeded to obtaining his Doctor of Medicine. In 2010, he completed the Family Medicine Residency Program at McMaster University. Dr. Siu’s research interests include complex patient management, care of the elderly and developing clinical expertise in wound care.