EP3241541A1 - Distributeur de médicaments avec système de contrôle - Google Patents

Distributeur de médicaments avec système de contrôle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3241541A1
EP3241541A1 EP17169404.5A EP17169404A EP3241541A1 EP 3241541 A1 EP3241541 A1 EP 3241541A1 EP 17169404 A EP17169404 A EP 17169404A EP 3241541 A1 EP3241541 A1 EP 3241541A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
taking
communication means
signal
information system
medicines
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP17169404.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Giovanni Rapacioli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
H&s Qualita' Nel Software SpA
Original Assignee
H&s Qualita' Nel Software SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by H&s Qualita' Nel Software SpA filed Critical H&s Qualita' Nel Software SpA
Publication of EP3241541A1 publication Critical patent/EP3241541A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
    • A61J7/0427—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers with direct interaction with a dispensing or delivery system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/0069—Trays for holding or distributing medicines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
    • A61J7/0481—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers working on a schedule basis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
    • A61J2200/30—Compliance analysis for taking medication
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
    • A61J2200/70—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for the controlled dispensing of medicines according to the main claim.
  • the invention relates to a device for the controlled dispensing of medicines which allows to control the correct taking of the medicine by the patient.
  • Devices for the controlled dispensing of medicines are already known, and usually provide a base with seats wherein containers for medicines are placed. Such containers are removable to allow easier access to medicines.
  • the elderly population is particularly at risk under the therapy adherence profile, particularly if multiple pathologies coexist, thus involving the necessity of taking different types of medicines with taking rates which are not always the same.
  • the known devices are not helpful because they offer a passive control of therapy adherence, since they do not allow to interact with your doctor or family members.
  • An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for the controlled dispensing of medicines which allows to improve the adherence to the prescribed therapies for patients who take their medicines autonomously.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device for the controlled dispensing of medicines which allows an active control of the therapy adherence by the patients.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device for the controlled dispensing of medicines which allows a more flexible medicine taking.
  • Such device 1 comprises a base body 2 provided with a plurality of individual seats 3.
  • the device 1 comprises a plurality of containers 4 each of which is suitable to contain a dose of medicine to be taken, said containers 4 being removably insertable in the plurality of individual seats 3.
  • Communication means are also provided for receiving and sending signals to a control information system for medicine taking, said control information system being accessible on the Internet.
  • the device 1 also includes electronic command means for commanding the operation of the dispenser itself, the command means being connected to the communication means, for receiving and sending signals to the control information system for medicine taking.
  • electrical power supply means are also provided.
  • the base body 2 has an upper surface 2A, a lower one (not visible in the Figures), a front surface 2B, a rear surface (not visible in the Figures), and two side surfaces 2C.
  • the front surface 2B has a height which is lower than the rear surface, so that the upper surface 2A is tilted forward.
  • the individual seats 3 remain preferably created according to a vertical or substantially vertical axis.
  • the upper surface 2A is removable. To this end, it comprises a pair of gripping members 2D preferably arranged on its side edges ( Figures 1 and 2 ).
  • the gripping members 2D include fins integrally formed with the upper surface 2A of the base body 2.
  • the upper surface 2A is removable allows to easily provide doses of useful medicines for a future time, such as doses for the following week.
  • the fins 2D are inserted into special recesses formed in the 2C side surfaces.
  • the gripping members 2D and the recesses are arranged in an asymmetrical position with respect to the front surface 2B and the rear surface.
  • the upper surface 2A is arranged in a wrong direction (for example, upturned or with the front edge placed at the bottom) on the base body 2.
  • each container 4 is suitable to contain a dose of one or more medicines to be taken at a predetermined time of the day, for example before or after breakfast, in the afternoon or even in the evening.
  • each of the individual seats 3 corresponds to a time of the day when a predetermined medicine dose is scheduled.
  • the information system is thus programmed to send a signal representative of the signalling means activation corresponding to the individual seat containing the medicine dose provided for a given time to the signalling means.
  • the device 1 comprises thirty-five individual seats 3, preferably arranged in order to represent seven days provided with five predetermined time schedules each.
  • the individual seats 3 are arranged in seven columns comprising five rows each.
  • the individual seats 3 shown in the Figures have a circular section, and also the containers 4 have the same circular section.
  • the containers 4 are provided with a respective closure member 5 which is openable and closable several times, such as a lid or a cap. This allows the patient to remove, from the base body 2, one medicine dose (or more medicine doses) to be taken before the time of taking of the dose itself, and carry the taken dose with him if he knows that at the corresponding time of taking he will not be near the device 1.
  • a respective closure member 5 which is openable and closable several times, such as a lid or a cap.
  • closure member 5 is connected to the container 4, even when this latter is open ( figure 3 ).
  • Such containers 4 are preferably made of plastic material, and more preferably, are made of transparent and opaque plastic material. The advantages associated with this material will be explained below.
  • the closure members 5 are made of the same material.
  • the closure members 5 are integral with the respective container 4 by means of a connection member 6 of the flexible ribbon type, possibly integrally formed with both the container 4 and the closure member.
  • the closure member 5 is directly hinged to the container 4.
  • each container 4 is provided with a distinctive element 7, such as a writing or a logo, which may indicate a moment, or even a scheduled medicine taking time.
  • the distinctive element can be printed on a side wall 4A of the container 4, or even on the closure member 5 ( Figure 3 ). This latter possibility is preferred because it allows a better view of the distinctive sign by the patient when the containers 4 are arranged in the seats 3 of the base body 2.
  • the device 1 comprises communication means suitable to communicate with a control information system, preferably available on the Internet.
  • Such information system preferably includes a database, and it is also accessible to the doctor or the family members of the patient.
  • the communication means are configured for receiving a signal representative of the medicine taking program from the information system.
  • the device 1 is provided with a processing unit configured for receiving the signal from the communication means (possibly integrated into the processing unit) and associating each container 4 with a scheduled event.
  • “Scheduled event” means the set of time data (date and time) of a predetermined medicine taking.
  • the doctor can change the patient's treatment at any time, and can also check, at any time, that the prescribed treatment is followed properly.
  • the communication means are suitable to communicate also with other similar communication means, for example to allow to advise the doctor or the family members of the patient without having to go through the information system or even to send a signal to the patient himself if he is not near the device 1.
  • the communication means include a SIM card and a related reader.
  • the reader is integrated into the base body 2.
  • the communication means are of the wireless type.
  • the SIM card reader is suitably provided with an antenna.
  • the device 1 also includes signalling means associated with said control information system and/or said processing unit for receiving a signal representative of a scheduled taking of said medicines and configured for signalling a scheduled taking of the medicines (communicated by the control information system).
  • the signalling means are connected to the command means. In this way, these latter can command the operation of the signalling means.
  • the signalling means suitably comprise a sound member suitable to emit an auditory signal to signal the scheduled taking of a medicine dose.
  • the sound member can be operated at a predetermined time recorded in the information system so that the patient is advised that a scheduled taking time has come.
  • the signalling means comprise at least a visual element suitable to emit a visual signal to signal the scheduled taking of a medicine dose.
  • a visual member may be a LED light bulb that lights up at a predetermined moment.
  • the signalling means include a plurality of visual members, the number of visual members being equal to the number of individual seats 3, and each visual member being placed near a respective individual seat 3. In this way, it is possible to clearly and unambiguously indicate to the patient what container 4 is to be picked up when a scheduled taking time is signalled.
  • the visual members are light bulbs emitting a luminous visual signal
  • the fact that the containers 4 are made of transparent and opaque plastic material is an advantageous because the emitted light is much better diffused by this type of material and it is, thus, more visible for the patient.
  • the signalling means include both the sound member and the visual members.
  • each of the individual seats 3 is provided with respective detection means for the medicine extraction. Thanks to this detection means, it is possible to control that each container 4 has been picked up, suggesting that the medicine dose contained in it has been taken by the patient.
  • the detection means are configured to detect the presence or absence of a given container 4.
  • the detection means for the medicine extraction are suitably connected to the communication means so as to communicate to the information system that a given container 4 has been picked up.
  • the information system is then able to associate the taking of a medicine dose with it and record this taking, associating a taking time with this event.
  • the communication means can be set in order to automatically send a signal to a patient's electronic dispenser provided with equivalent communication means if he has picked up a container 4 before the medicine taking time.
  • the communication means are configured to automatically send a signal to a patient's electronic dispenser provided with equivalent communication means (for example, smartphones or another device) when the taking time has come and the detection means detect the absence of the related container from the dispenser.
  • the processing unit is configured to send (via the communication means) a signal to a patient's electronic remote dispenser, provided with equivalent communication means, when the detection means signal the absence of the container at the predetermined time for the taking of the corresponding medicine dose.
  • the device 1 is configured to:
  • the patient is automatically advised even when he is not near the base body 2 of the dispenser, if he has carried the medicine dose to be taken with him.
  • the doctor then, inserts the medicines to be taken, specifying doses and times of takings. Then, the information system interacts autonomously with the device 1.
  • the patient or, in alternative, a family member or a predetermined person such as a nurse fills the containers 4 with the medicine doses prescribed by the doctor.
  • the information system sends a signal to the device 1 via the communication means. These transmit the signal to the command means, which activate the signalling means. These latter emit a sound signal, if they include a sound member. Thus, the patient, advised by the sound signal, goes to the device 1 to pick up the medicine dose to be taken.
  • the signalling means provide a respective light bulb arranged at each individual seat 3, the light bulb at the seat 3 corresponding to the reached taking time, emits a light, for example flashing.
  • the patient immediately knows which is the container 4 to be picked up and, therefore, what medicine dose must be taken.
  • the detection means activate, and communicate a corresponding signal to the information system via the communication means.
  • the information system records the event, and the corresponding time, and compares these data with the data entered by the doctor, i.e. with the prescribed treatment. The results of this comparison are recorded in a specific table.
  • the information system is configured to mark each of said events (i.e., each pick up of the container) with a predetermined identifying motif.
  • Such identifying motif is representative of whether or not the pick up is compliant with the pre-set medicine taking program (by the doctor or the user) and allows the doctor or family members of the patient a rapid visualization of the therapy followed during the just elapsed period.
  • the doctor or even the patient can access the aforementioned table and easily visualize the adherence to the prescribed therapy.
  • the table allows to visualize the adherence using a colour code, for example green, yellow, red, depending on the time interval of the medicine taking, or even simply on the compliance of the medicine taking, for each scheduled taking.
  • the system detect the absence of the container 4 because the detection means for the medicine extraction have been activated.
  • the information system sends a signal not to the device 1, but directly to the patient, more precisely to his electronic dispenser provided with an equivalent communication means (typically his mobile phone) for example via the sending of an sms to the respective mobile phone.
  • an equivalent communication means typically his mobile phone
  • the communication means or the information system are configured to send said signal also to a further remote device (e.g. the smartphone of a family member), in order to allow a greater control on the dose taking.
  • a further remote device e.g. the smartphone of a family member
  • the invention achieves the intended objects and provides important advantages.
  • the invention can be connected (e.g. to a Cloud service) and, therefore, the doctor and family members can remotely monitor if the therapy is followed.
  • the wearability of the containers and the ability to adapt the type of signal to the presence or not of the containers in the base seats guarantees a maximum use flexibility and makes it much easier to comply with the therapeutic program, by adapting the dispenser functionalities to the daily habits and needs of the patient.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Threshing Machine Elements (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
EP17169404.5A 2016-05-05 2017-05-04 Distributeur de médicaments avec système de contrôle Withdrawn EP3241541A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITUA2016U097616U ITUA201697616U1 (it) 2016-05-05 2016-05-05 Dispositivo per l'erogazione controllata di medicine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3241541A1 true EP3241541A1 (fr) 2017-11-08

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EP17169404.5A Withdrawn EP3241541A1 (fr) 2016-05-05 2017-05-04 Distributeur de médicaments avec système de contrôle

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EP (1) EP3241541A1 (fr)
IT (1) ITUA201697616U1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060058917A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2006-03-16 Vonk Glenn P Medication adherence system
US20120113761A1 (en) * 2010-11-08 2012-05-10 Ming-Fu Chen Medicine reminder device
US20150048102A1 (en) * 2013-08-13 2015-02-19 Next Paradigm Inc. Electronic pill box and medication reminder and compliance system incorporating same
US20150317455A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-11-05 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Home medication manager

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060058917A1 (en) * 2001-11-30 2006-03-16 Vonk Glenn P Medication adherence system
US20120113761A1 (en) * 2010-11-08 2012-05-10 Ming-Fu Chen Medicine reminder device
US20150317455A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2015-11-05 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Home medication manager
US20150048102A1 (en) * 2013-08-13 2015-02-19 Next Paradigm Inc. Electronic pill box and medication reminder and compliance system incorporating same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITUA201697616U1 (it) 2017-11-05

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