NZ716989B2 - Device for encouraging adherence to medication schedule and proper administration technique - Google Patents

Abstract

order to allow for tracking of time since a last medication dose was administered, as well as tracking time since a particular symptom was experienced by the patient, a method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique includes providing a medication container (16) and placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body (12), a first timer (56) associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a first button (28) on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the first timer. The first button is sized and shaped for accommodating the medication container (16) used to store or activate the medication. The first button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the first button and resetting the first timer, wherein the device further comprises a second timer associated with said body, said second timer (56) configured for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since a particular symptom presented in a user; and at least a second button (77) disposed on said body and configured for at least one of updating and resetting said second timer. ng a medication container (16) and placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body (12), a first timer (56) associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a first button (28) on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the first timer. The first button is sized and shaped for accommodating the medication container (16) used to store or activate the medication. The first button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the first button and resetting the first timer, wherein the device further comprises a second timer associated with said body, said second timer (56) configured for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since a particular symptom presented in a user; and at least a second button (77) disposed on said body and configured for at least one of updating and resetting said second timer.

Description

PCT/USZOl4/051716 DEVECE FOR ENCGURAGENG ADE-{ERENCE TO M 'l‘lON SCl-HZDULE AND PROPER ADMINISTRATION QUE QUND The present. invention relates to a device and, system for tracking l events, more particularly for tracking hoth time elapsed since a tion dosage was administered and time elapsed since one or more symptoms were noted hy the patient, Chronic illnesses may require regular medical treatmentsa as well as close monitoring of the condition. For example, a hemophiliac may require one or more l0 medications to he administered on a regular basis, such, as every several hours, once per day., once per week, etc. it would be impractical and expensive for the t to le visits with a health care professional tor each medication administration. Accordingly, patients typically self—administer these regimented medications. Adherence to the medication schedule is typically an ant aspect of ent.

Further, some medications are volatile. To help provide medications with an increased shelf life, they are provided to the patient or caregiver in a deactivated state.

Prior to stratiom the medication is activated. if the activation is performed incorrectly, the medication may he less effective than intended. Accordingly ts are tionally encouraged to correctly follow activation procedures for any prescribed medications.

Moreover, treatment for some chronic diseases may he based, on the ce or absence of particular symptoms. For example a medication dosage for a hetnophiliac patient may he increased it‘ the patient’s annual hleed rate exceeds a certain threshold. Moreoven such symptom tracking may help the patient and/or practitioner identify conditions which trigge T the symptoms. Such intbntnation may prove valuable in liirther defining treatments for the patient.

Thus, there is a need to encourage patients to adhere to atlntiinistration instructions for medications, including both scheduling and activation of the treatment.

Additionally there is a need to encourage patients to more accurately track their symptoms SUhiMARY A device for aging nce to a medication schedule and proper administration technique addresses these needs. The device allows for tracking of time since a last medication dose was administered, as well as tracking time since a particular symptom was experienced by the patient, Further, use of the device faciiitates proper administration technique of the tion. in addition, the present device motivates the user to set and achieve desired therapeutic outcome, and provides positive reinforcement of eutic techniques. in a first aspect, a method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a l0 medication schedule and proper administration que is ed, the method including placing the device on a surface. The device has a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered, and a button on the hody that, when depressed ve to the hotly, resets the timer. The button is sized and shaped for accommodating a medication ner used to store or te the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes a step of engaging the medication container with the button and resetting the timer. in another aspect, a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique is provided and includes a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer, the button being sized and shaped for accommodating a medication container used to store or activate the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. in yet r aspect, a device for encouraging adherence to a medication le and proper administration technique is provided and es a microprocessor configured for generating a clock signal. A first timer receives the clock signal from the microprocessor as an input, and is configured for measuring a time elapsed since an immediately prior medication dose was administered on the basis of the input clock signal A second timer receives the cinch signal from the microprocessor as an input and is configured for measuring a time since a particular symptom presented in a user on the basis of the input clock signal. A first button, when activated, resets the first timer. The first button is sized and shaped to accommodate a medication container used to store or activate the n'iedication, wherein. the first button is ucted and arranged for cooperating with the medication container for mixing the medication. A second bntton resets ti: e second timer. in still r ment; a medication administering system is provided and includes a medication container including a piuraiity of components heid l0 ted by the container, and a device for encouraging adherence to a tion schedule and proper administration technique. Included in the device is a hotly. a timer associated with the hody for ing and displaying an eiapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered, and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer, the button being sized. and shaped for odating the medication container used to store or activate the medication. The medication container is used to depress the button, thereby ng meehanicai breach of partitions separating the components.

BREE}? DISESCREP’FZEGN ()3? THE DRAWlNGS FIG. l is a top ctive view of an embodiment of the present device including a medication dispenser shown in exploded orientation reiative to the device; is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present device HQ. 1 shown without a cover; is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of FIG. i. showing the device in use; PEG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the logic board used in the device of and is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device including a pocket tormed in the main body and a leaflet stored in the pocket.

DE’E‘AILED DZEESCRlP’l‘lQN Referring now to Fle. l and 2, a device for encouraging patient compliance with. a tion schedule and administration technique is generally designated l0. in particular, the device shown in Fle. l and 2 is intended to encourage t compliance with a medication schedule and aditninistration technique for a hemophilia medication. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that the device has applications for other types of prescription and/or over the counter medications, The device ll) includes a main body l2 and, optionally, a cover l4. The rnain body l4. and cover l4 are preferably formed from a light. weight, low cost, durahle l0 material such as a thermoplastic resin, polycarbonate, or the like. The hotly l2 is sized and shaped to be easily portable by the user. As non—limiting examples, the body 12 is ally approximately the same size and shape as a mobile phone or personal digital assistant, a lrey fob, or a. utility knife. Alternatively, the. body 12 may be formed in other useful shapes, such as a lid sized to fit a iption pill bottle. it is contemplated that the device ll) is used by a patient who ely uses a n'iedication ed in a dispensing container l6. A suitable container is disclosed in US Patent l’ublieation No. 23l2/G053555 which is incorporated by reference.

Generally, the dispensing container lo es a main g l8 retaining in a first end a first container or vial 20 of a first medicine or composition 20, and at an opposite end a second container or vial 22 of a second medicine or composition. Certain drugs are supplied in lyophilized form. it is customary that a lyophijlizetl drug is mixed with water or other diluent or carrier solution to reconstitute the drug into a form le for injection into a patient. The dispensing container 16 is configured for retaining two compositions, each in one of the two vials 2t) and 212, physically separated until use.

As best shown in PEG. 3, just prior to use of the medication, the user or a medical caregiver 23 causes the first and second vials 20 and ‘22 to move towards each other relative to the rnain g ill by placing the device ll) onto a surface and exerting a force F on. the dispensing container 16, urging the container toward the device. The surface on which the device ll) is placed is preferably vely flat and stable. Example surfaces suitable for this purpose include a table, a counter, a shelf, or the like. Structures (not shown) within the main housing l8 cause rupturing of respective seals of each of the vials 2t), 22 and the subsecptent controlled, sterile mixing of the contents so that the medicine is suitably formulated for injection into the patient. it will be seen that the vials, 20, 22 each. have a diameter r than a diameter of the main housing l8. The dispenser id is configured so that a first impact causes the first vial 20 to move upward as shown in Fle. l and 3 relative to the main housing 18., and a second impact causes the second vial 22 to move downward as seen in FIG-s. l and 3 towards the first vial. The first and second impacts can occur simultaneously.

Referring again to the device l0, disposed on the main body l2 is a first l0 display 24 that shows a time since a last medication dose was administered and a second y 26 that shows a time since a particular symptom was last enced by the t. The main body l2 further includes an activation button 28 used to indicate that the patient has administered a medication dosage, and first and second symptom indicator buttons 30, 32 used to indicate, update and or reset an indication of the presence or absence of a ular symptom. A symptom indicator 34 is associated with the buttons , 32 to instruct the user about the purpose of those buttons, and may optionally include a backlit or flashing indicator 36. ing now to the cover l4 preferably includes a protective portion 38 and an attachment portion 40 joined by a hinge n 42. The protective portion 38 is lly planar and preferably has approximately the same size and shape as the body 12. However, it is contemplated that the size and. shape of the protective portion 38 may vary. For example, the protecti 7e portion 38 is alternately and optionally red for securely ing and covering at least a portion of the main body l2 that includes the activation button 28 and the m tor buttons 38, 32, but not the first and second displays 24, 26, The attachment portion 40 releasably affixes the cover 14 to the body l 2 using mating tabs, snaps, hook—and—loop fastening material, retaining loops, magnets, threaded fasteners, and/or other similar fastening technologies used in mobile phone or e— booh reader or tablet covers. More permanent fastening, as by chemical adhesives, is also contemplated. As shown in Flt}. l, the protective portion 38 preferably includes a recess or pocket 4-4 that releasably retains a printed leaflet 4-6. in one embodiment, cover l4- could be replaceable such that a user can customize color, cs, or appearance of the device l0 to suit needs and tastes.

The leaflet 46 may e information such as directions for administration of a drug, directions for use of the device it), a log for noting the date and time of each. medication dose administered, one or more pages for cataloging medication. doses using a sticker from the medication packaging, information regarding the s of the medication prescribed to the user, an area for tlt, e user to log treatment goals, an area for handwritten notes, and/or other information which may be useful to the user.

Alternatively, the information is optionally printed directly onto the protective portion 38 l0 and/or the attachment portion 40.

As discussed previously, the main body l2 is ahly sized and shaped to be similar to a mobile phone. The main body l2 surrounds a power source (not shown) and a logic board 48. Additionally, the main body l2 includes label text ated with each. ot‘ the first and. second displays ‘24 and, 26. For example, label text associated with. the first display may te “hours since my last dose” or the like. rly, label text for the second display tes time period since the user’s last symptom presentation.

As a non—limiting example, when the device it) is used to traclr a hemophilia patient, the label for the second display may read “days since my last bleet 3’ Those of skill in the art will recognize that the label text for both the first and second displays 24, ’26 may be altered, to suit the situation. in particular, the units of time used in the label text may be altered, First label text may indicate that the time unit is, for example, minutes, hours, days, or weeks, depending upon how often the medication is to be administered.

Similarly, the time units for the second display may be, for example, days, weeks, or months.

Referring now to Fle. l and 2, the activation button 28 is disposed on the main body 12, and is preferably sized and shaped for accommodating and engaging the medication container/dispenser lo, That. is, the size and, shape of the tion button 28 are determined by the particular medication to be used in conjunction with the device it 0.

Preferably, the activation button 28 has a slightly recessed or e exterior relative to a planar face of the main body 12, and the portion ot‘ the body immediately nding the activator button optionally includes a beveled edge or ring 50 for facilitating location and engagement of the medication container lo upon the activator button. More specifically, it is preferred that the activation button 28 is sized and shaped so that the first vial 2O nests into the recessed area. The medication can be reconstituted. by the user pushing down on the second vial 22, which also pushes the dispenser l6 and the first vial against the button 28, with the body l 2 serving as a stabilization base. This movement causes the button 28 to be depressed relative to the body l2, and also causes the vials ’20, '22 to be retracted into the housing l8 for mixing of the respective components of the two vials. Alternatively, the activation button 28 maybe depressed by a user as a separate act upon activation and administration of a medication dose. The activation button 28 and/or the attachment n 40 are preferably formed with a resilient e, such as a rubber- l0 like compound or plastic to provide a non-slip surface that is pleasant to the touch and that facilitates secure engagement of the vial 2t}, and/or secure placement of the t evice ltl on a surface.

The symptom indicator s 3G, 32 are designed to be activated by the user to indicate, update and/"or reset the presence or absence of a particular symptom. The specific configuration of the buttons 39, 32 may vary to suit the situation, and it will be seen that. the shape and positioning of these s vary between the embodiments of Fle. l and 2. For example, in the case of a device for use with hemophilia. tion, the buttons 30, 32 are optionally used to ii'ulicate whether the user has been bleed~tree, as shown in Fltfis. l and 2. The buttons 30, 32 are intended to be used as an indicator at each medication activation/dosing, but may be used more or less frequently, as desired by the user and/or indicated by a medical practitioner. The first and second symptom indicator buttons 39, 32 are ably sized for easy depression or activation by a. user, and are preferably provided with a resilient, non—slip surface as is known in the art. The m indicator 3-4 is preferably d near the buttons 30, 32 on the body l2 to provide the user with context for selecting a button. onally, the buttons 30, 32 are preferably d to aid the user in button selection. As a non—limiting example, Fle. l. and 2 show the text label “Bleed Free?” as the syi'nptotn indicator 3-4 on the body l2, with the first indicator button 36 including the text label “‘1’” and the second symptom indicator button 32 including the text lalel “N”. Depressing the button 32 will reset the respective counter.

Referring now to FlG. 4 the logic board 48 provides the tunctionality for displaying since last dose and time since last presentation of a particular symptom in the first display 24 and second display 26, respectively. The logic hoard 48 is preferably a printed circuit board including a microprocessor 52 generating a clock signal, a first timer 54 thr measuring an elapsed time since the last dose of tion was administered, and a second timer 56 for measuring an elapsed time since the particular symptom was last presented. Additionally, the logic hoard 48 optionally includes one or more light emitting diodes {LEDs} 58, a speaker 60, and/or a haptie feedback generator 66, as well as one or more communication interfaces 62 and a. memory 64.

The first timer 54 is electrically connected to the microprocessor 5'2 for receiving at least a clock signal and a reset signal. The first timer 54 uses the input clock l0 signal to measure an elapsed time since an immediately previous medication dose was administered. For e, the clock signal connected to the first timer 54 optionally causes the timer to measure elapsed time in increments of hours, tenths of an hour, minutes, or other time increments meaningful for ing the elapsed time since the last medication dose was administered, which is triggered by the sion of the activation hutton 28. The microprocessor 52 also selectively provides a reset signal to the first timer 54, which is used to reset the timer to zero, in one embodiment, the reset signal is generated in response to a user depressing the activation hntton 28. However, othe actions for resetting the first timer 54 are contemplated, such as pressing and holding the activation button 28 or simultaneous sing first and second symptom indicator buttons 30, 32.

The first display 24 is operatively connected to the first timer 54, and displays the value maintained by the first timer, The display 24 is preferably a relatively low—power display, such as a liquid crystal y, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an e—ink display, or the like. The first display 24 may he formed ally with the first timer 54, or may he a separate element electrically connected to the. timer via, for e, electrically conductive Wiring.

The second timer 56 is also electrically ted to the microprocessor 52 to receive at least a clock signal. and a reset signal. The clock signal provided to the second timer 56 may he the. same as the clock signal provided to the first timer 54-, or a separate . The second timer 56 uses the input clock signal for measuring an elapsed time since a particular m presented in a user. For example, the second timer may measure time in increments of hours, days, tenths of a day, weeks, or any other regular time unit useful for providing information to a user. The reset signal is preferably provided to the second timer 56 when the first symptom indicator button 30 is depressed by a user.

The second display 26 is electrically connected to the second timer 56 such that the value of the second timer is displayed on the second display. The second display '26 is preferably ed to match the first display 24. As is the case with the first display 24, the second display '26 irray he fonned integrally with the second timer 56, or may he a separate t electrically connected to the timer hy electrically conductive wiring.

The one or more LEDs 58 are optionally disposed within the body l2 so l0 that the Mills illuminate at least a portion of the activation button 28, the beveled ring 50, the first display 24, and/or the second display 26. When a user depresses the activation button 28 (ie, when the user properly activates the medication in the first vial 20'}, the first timer 54 is preferably reset as sed above. ln addition, sing the button 28 preferably causes the microprocessor 52 to provide an electrical signal to one or more or" the LEDs 58, the spealrer 60, and/or the haptic ck tor 66, causing a visual, audio, and/or tactile cue to he emitted from the device ltl, These , audio, and/or tactile cues are designed to he pleasing to the user and thus provide positive reinforcement for proper use of the device ltl, Additionally, any or all of the one or more LEEDS 58 are optionally illuminated at particular times. For example, the LEDs 58 may be illuminated alter the first timer measures that a set amount of time has elapsed tie, a particular amount of time has passed since the last medication dose was administered). This serves, for an example, as a reminder that the use is due to administer another dose of the tion. in addition to or in place of illumination of the one or more LEDs 58 at these particular times, an audible tone may he d {rent the speaker oil, and/or a tactile one may be created by the haptic feedback tor 66. Further, any or all of the LEDs 58 are optionally illuminated for a particular amount of time ii'rnnediately tollowing depression of the activation button 28. This may serve to indicate the length of time a user should perform the steps of medication activation.

Similarly, in response to a user depressing the second symptom indicator button 3Q, indicating that a symptom has not been present since the last use of the device l0, the microprocessor 52 transmits a signal to one or more of the LEDs 58, the speaker 2014/051716 60, and/or the haptic iieedhaclt generator (36, resulting in an audio, visual, and/or tactile display (cg, one or more of a flashing LED, an audio tone or series oftones emitted from the speaker, and a tactile cue produced by the haptic ck generator). This audio, Visual, and/or tactile one is intended to instill a sense of accomplishment in the user, and to offset any negative feelings associated with administration of the medication.

Additionally, the device it) optionally includes one or more communication interfaces 62. Eor example, the device ll) may include a r‘adio-li‘edueney identification (RElD) reader capable of reading data from an REE) tag optionally included on the medication container l6 during the medication activation. The data is l0 then stored with in the memory 54.

The memory 64 is ably a nonntransitory computer le medium, such as a random access memory, flash memory, a magnetic or magneto-optical memory, or the like. An additional Wired or wireless communication interface 62 such as a serial port, parallel, port, universal, serial has (USES), local area network tie, lEElEE 892.3 specification or similar), Wireless local area l: (i.e., lEEE 802d la/b/g/n/ac specification or similar), Bluetooth (per lEEE 832.l5.l siecitieation or similar), or the like is optionally included on the logic hoard 48 for retrieving the data stored in the memory 64.

The elements of the logic board 48 are d by a power source, such as a battery, such as a replace‘hle or non-replaceable alkaline battery. Preterahly, y capacity provides power to the logic heard 48 for a period or" time that greatly exceeds a meaningfiil patient goal for the outcome timer 5:6, such as l year. Alternatively, a rechargeable power source (eg, a nickel metal hydride battery, lithium ion battery, or lithium polymer battery) or a ble power source (eg, a photovoltaic panel) is used to power the elements of the logic board 48‘ Referring now to MS. 5, another embodiment of the present device for encouraging patient compliance with a tion schedule and administration technique is generally designated K). The device 70 is consistent in many respects to the device it), and shared components are indicated with cal reference s. The device ’73 includes a main hotly ‘72 that defines an elongate, slot-like cavity 74. Disposed on the main body 72 are an activator button 28 a beveled ring 5G and first and, second symptom WO 26837 indicator buttons 30, 32. Also disposed on the main body 72 are a multifiinction display 76 and a toggle button 78.

The cavity 74 is sized to retain at least one instruction panel 80 which includes printed material as descrihed above. in the preferred embodiment, the panel 80 is formed as a series cl" one or more sub~panels that are pivotably retained within. the cavity 74. l’ivoting action occurs about a point approximately coaxial with the activation button. 28, Thus the cavity ‘74 accommodates a pivoting action. of the panel. 80 under user control front a led position Within the cavity and an exposed position, as seen in HS. 5. When the instructions are no longer needed they can be concealed within the l0 cavity 74.

The multifunction display 76 is operatively connected to both the first timer 54 and the second tirner 5a and is thus capable of displaying the elapsed time measured by each tirnen together with a brief text label. For exampleg the display includes both an elapsed. time measured by the second counter and the text label “days since my last bleed”. The user operates the toggle button 78 to toggle hetween at least a first display function displaying the d time measured by the first timer 54 and a first display label, and a second display function displaying the elapsed time measured hy the second timer 56 and a second display label. r, additional display functions are contemplated. For e, a clock. display hinction displaying a current time is optionally included.

While the principles of the present device to encourage nce to medication schedules and proper administration techniques ha 'e been described above in connection with specific apparatus and ations, it is to he understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the claims tellowing below.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS :

1. A method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique, comprising: providing a tion container (16); placing the device on a surface, the device including; a body (12); a first timer (54) associated with said body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; a first button (28) on said body that, when depressed relative to said body, resets said first timer, said first button being sized and shaped for accommodating the medication container (16) used to store or activate the tion; said first button and said body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication; engaging the medication container with said first button and resetting said first timer; and n the device further comprises a second timer associated with said body, said second timer (56) configured for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since a particular symptom presented in a user; and at least a second button (77) disposed on said body and configured for at least one of ng and resetting said second timer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein engaging the medication container includes depressing the button, and wherein the body and the first button define a recess (44) for accommodating the medication container and sing the first button includes at least one step in a reconstitution of a lyophilized medication simultaneously with resetting of the first timer.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said body includes a cavity (74) odating a pivoting portion being e under user control from a concealed portion within said cavity and an d position.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the device further comprises a microprocessor (52) operatively connected to said first timer, said microprocessor configured for generating a clock signal, n said first timer receives the generated clock signal as an input for measuring the elapsed time.

5. The method of claim 1, r comprising at least one notification device selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (58) and a speaker (60), and wherein said at least one notification device provides an audio and/or visual output in response to activation of the first , and further including a third button for activating said at least one notification device.

6. A device for encouraging adherence to a tion schedule and proper administration technique, comprising: a body (12); a microprocessor (52) disposed within said body and configured for generating at least one clock signal; a first timer (54) associated with said body, said first timer receiving, as an input, one said at least one clock signal ted by said microprocessor, and being configured for measuring and displaying a time elapsed since an immediately prior medication dose was administered on the basis of the input clock signal; a second timer (56) associated with said body, said second timer receiving, as an input, one said at least one clock signal generated by said microprocessor, and being configured for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since a particular symptom presented in a user on the basis of the input clock signal; a first button (28) on said body that, when depressed relative to said body, resets said first timer, said first button being sized and shaped for odating a medication container (16) used to store or te the medication; and a second button (30) for resetting said second timer, wherein said first button is constructed and arranged for ating with the medication container for mixing the medication.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the medication container (16) is used to depress said first button (28), and wherein said body and said first button define a recessed space for accommodating the medication container such that depressing said button using the medication container causes reconstitution of a lyophilized medication simultaneously with resetting of said first timer.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the clock signal received by the first timer and the clock signal received by the second timer are identical.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising at least one notification device selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode (58) and a speaker (60), and wherein said at least one cation device provides an audio and/or visual output in response to activation of the first button.

10. The device of claim 9, further sing a third button (30, 32) for ting said at least one notification device.

11. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a first communication interface (62) configured for reading data associated with the medication container; and a memory (64) for storing the read data.

12. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a multifunction display (76) disposed on said body and operatively connected to said first timer and said second timer; and a toggle button (78) disposed on said body, said toggle button configured for causing said multifunction y to selectively display one of the elapsed time measured by said first timer and the elapsed time measured by said second timer.

13. A medication stering system, sing: a tion container (16) including a plurality of components held separated by said container; and a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique, the device including: a body (12); a first timer (54) associated with said body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was stered; a first button (28) on said body that, when depressed relative to said body, resets said first timer, said first button being sized and shaped for accommodating said medication container used to store or activate the medication; and a second timer associated with said body, said second timer configured for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since a ular m presented in a user; and at least a second button disposed on said body and configured for at least one of updating and resetting said second timer, wherein said medication container (16) is used to s said first button, thereby allowing mechanical breach of partitions separating the components. WO 26837 WO 26837 ZEiES Heurs since mg:§?%§3dose "ieiil‘ M Pm... w g2 s mxu \ p”... 5. as 9I1\JII‘-IlcHHxx\sx“ fllfi wz”aa, a I y M A. liiinn.\lu a . . m K‘\ ‘ngluxali. x... X .. if .l u 4. M M ” a s x 11 ~ a m a Mu“ \\it£u1i.ncs.. ....... EEHRSTENSPLAY § SECOND DESPLAY 48 E 2951’- HRST1fimER é §$ECGND1MWER§ FERST SYMPTOM 3 TQR BUTTON SECOND SYMPTOM E ENDiCATGR BUTTQN §RMCROPROCESSOR _5___2_ icammuwmAnON§ § ENTERFACE g i g HAPHC g § § FEEQBACK ; 52 g 2 ggfiwaRATOR; MEMORY WO 26837