WO2018109098A1

WO2018109098A1 - Device for providing pre-dosed medicament portions to a patient

Info

Publication number: WO2018109098A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/082860
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Mattis
Original assignee: Noventi Gmbh
Priority date: 2016-12-14
Filing date: 2017-12-14
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Also published as: DE102016014949A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for providing pre-dosed medicament portions to a patient, wherein the device has a carrier with a plurality of receptacles for the portions, which receptacles are distributed in a grid pattern on the carrier, wherein the device moreover has a base with a socket and a control unit, wherein the socket is configured to receive the carrier reversibly in a pre-defined position, and wherein the control unit is configured to nominate receptacles of the carrier inserted into the socket at times when the patient is intended to take medicaments from these receptacles.

Description

Device for providing pre-dosed medication portions

to a patient

The invention relates to a device for providing pre-dosed medication portions to a patient, wherein the device has a carrier with a plurality of receptacles for the portions, which are distributed in a grid pattern on the carrier. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a device.

Tablet boxes with grid-shaped receptacles for drugs have been known for a long time in a variety of designs. The medication portions arranged in the individual receptacles should be taken by the patient at certain times. Among other things, an improved compliance in terms of taking the medication to be achieved. In many older patients or general forgetful patients, however, non-compliance also very often occurs when using the tablet boxes.

The object of the invention is to provide a device with which the compliance in the intake of drugs can be improved. Against this background, the invention relates to a device for providing pre-dosed portions of medication to a patient, the device having a carrier with a plurality of receptacles for the portions, which are distributed in a grid pattern on the carrier, wherein the device further comprises a base with a socket and a control unit, wherein the socket is adapted to receive the carrier reversibly in a predefined position, and wherein the control unit is designed to name recordings of the carrier inserted into the socket at times at which the patient is to take medication from these recordings.

The control unit is thus designed to name a first recording at a first intake time, to designate a second intake at a second intake time, to designate a third intake at a third intake time, and so on. Thus, the intake times and the portions of medication to be taken can be communicated to the patient on the basis of the device. The intake times are typically time intervals that start at a certain time and during which an intake should take place.

For example, the pre-dosed portion of medication may be a tablet or a collection of multiple tablets that a patient must take at a given time. Also, certain portions of liquid drugs or portions of drugs in other dosage forms (suppositories, etc.) can be arranged in the recordings.

It can be provided that information is stored on the control unit when the patient has to take the medication from which receptacle of the wearer.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the carrier has a planar shape and the receptacles are distributed in a grid pattern over the surface of the carrier, wherein is preferably provided that the carrier comprises releasably inserted into the receptacles inserts for the drugs, which is preferably provided. The basic shape of the planar support may be rectangular, for example. The raster can be a n times m raster with n> 1 and m> 1. An example includes a 4x7 grid for the morning, noon, evening and night times on all days of a week.

The use of separate inserts for the drugs has the advantage that no cleaning of the images of the wearer is required. The inserts are preferably disposable parts. It can be provided that the inserts are trays which are sealed at the top. The recordings may be formed, for example, as breakthroughs in the carrier, in which an insert for the medication is inserted. Thus, the carrier has the shape of a perforated board with inserts inserted in the holes.

Alternatively it can be provided that the recordings represent an integral part of the wearer and have a lid to be reversibly opened and closed, so that the patient or a nursing service can individually fill the receptacles. This essentially corresponds to the execution of known tablet boxes.

The carrier may for example be inserted or locked in the socket. In one embodiment, it is provided that the socket has a bottom, on which the carrier used rests, wherein preferably sensors and / or signal elements are arranged on the bottom, more preferably at all those points which are below a receptacle of the inserted carrier. This allows, for example, an individual recording of fillings of individual recordings and an individual naming of individual recordings. Suitable sensors and signal elements will be discussed in detail later. In an embodiment, it is provided that the device comprises a graphical user interface which is fixedly or removably arranged on the base. The graphical user interface may include a touch-sensitive screen. Preferably, the graphical user interface also includes speakers for sound output. The user interface may include input means instead of a touch screen or in addition to a touch screen. At the user interface different information regarding the medication intake and the therapy as well as general information about time, date etc. can be output.

In the case of a detachable user interface, the base may include a docking station for plugging in the user interface. The detachable user interface can also be, for example, a mobile phone with a corresponding app. If the user interface is removable, both the base and the user interface must have an interface for wireless communication. The removable user interface has the advantage that information can be transmitted to the patient even when he is not in the vicinity of the base.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the device comprises a camera. The camera can be arranged on the base and in particular on the user interface.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the base has an interface for communication with an external subscriber and / or with the user interface. Suitable interfaces include those for connections via WLAN, Ethernet, mobile network, etc. Preferably, these interfaces are designed so that an encrypted communication can take place. Thus, for example, it can be achieved that the device receives information about a new medication or a new carrier from a pharmacy or central dispensing office. Further, for example be achieved that a voice telephone connection and, if a camera is available, a video telephone connection can be established with an external subscriber.

In one embodiment, the device comprises an emergency button, upon actuation of which an external subscriber is notified, an alarm is triggered and / or a telephone connection is set up. The emergency button may be located, for example, on the touch-sensitive screen or at another location on the user interface or generally the base. It can be provided that the device has a GPS receiver in order to be able to also transmit a position signal in the event of an emergency.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the device has a light source and the control unit is designed to illuminate the recordings individually. In this embodiment, the naming of the images thus takes place by visual highlighting, for example by illumination or backlighting. Preferably, the light sources are arranged on the base. In principle, however, their arrangement on the carrier and current from the base out conceivable. Suitable light sources include, for example, LEDs.

It can be provided that a plurality of light sources are provided and each recording is associated with a light source. It is preferably provided that the receptacles of the carrier are formed on the underside of transparent or open and at the bottom of the socket at all those points light sources are arranged, which are below a receptacle of the carrier used. Thus, individual shots can be backlit from below.

Alternatively, it can also be provided, for example, that the naming of the recordings takes place by way of an optical and / or acoustic indication on a user interface. In one embodiment, it is provided that the device has a means for detecting the filling of the receptacles, and that the control unit is designed to output a signal if a receptacle is not emptied during the intake time and / or if a receptacle is outside the intake time is emptied. For example, therefore, a signal can be output when a recording is not emptied after a defined period of time from the onset of the intake time, because the patient has forgotten to take, for example. Furthermore, it can be provided that a signal is output if the patient erroneously empties the wrong recording.

Suitable means include sensors such as capacitive sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors can be arranged on the bottom of the socket at all those points which lie below a receptacle of the inserted carrier. Thus, the loading conditions of individual recordings can be detected. Alternatively, the means may also be the camera of the device, wherein the control unit is designed such that the image data of the camera are read out in order to detect the filling or emptying of the recordings.

The signal may be, for example, an optical or acoustic signal. For example, emptying the receptacle may correspond to removal of an insert from the receptacle. The signal can be output using the light source or the user interface. Thus, an optical and / or visual warning signal can be output at the user interface. A detachable user interface can also vibrate. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting of the recording may change. Furthermore, signal output via the communication interface to an external subscriber such as a relative or nursing service is possible.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is designed such that the signal changes with increasing deviation from the time of intake and is preferably intensified. The change can take place, for example, in stages. For example, the illumination of the recording may first change, for example, as it becomes more intense, changes color, or begins to flash. If emptying of the recording still does not take place, an optical and / or acoustic signal can be output at the user interface. If nothing happens, an external subscriber can be called or alerted. It may be that the patient is prevented from taking the medication by an incident.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is designed such that additional signals are emitted as the deviation from the time of ingestion increases. For example, it may be provided that, after a certain period of time, an acoustic signal is emitted in addition to the optical signal.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the carrier comprises a label and the base comprises a reader for reading this label, wherein the control unit is preferably designed to output a signal when the recognized label deviates from a desired label. The signal can be as described above. For example, the label may be a barcode and the reader may be a barcode reader. Furthermore, the label may be, for example, an RFID transponder and the reader may be an RFID reader. On the control unit information can be stored, which identifier the carrier should have. This information can be obtained via the communication unit from an external subscriber such as a pharmacy. Thus, when exchanging the carrier confusion can be excluded, which in particular can facilitate work in retirement homes or the work of mobile care services. In one embodiment it is provided that the device comprises a card reading unit for, for example, patient data. For example, a collection routine can be read.

In an embodiment, it is provided that the base comprises a sensor which can detect whether the carrier is correctly inserted into the receptacle. Examples of suitable sensors include, for example, reed sensors.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the base and / or the carrier have a tilt sensor, with which it can be detected whether the inclination of the filled carrier exceeds a certain maximum, for example 70 ° or 80 °. The control unit may be configured to output a warning signal if an overshoot of the maximum has been detected. Thus it can be prevented that, for example, inserts fall unrecognized from the carrier.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the base has a battery. Thus, the device can be carried over a certain period, for example, if the patient is not at home.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the device has a temperature sensor and the control unit is designed to output a warning signal when an exceeding of a defined maximum temperature has been detected. Thus, improper storage of the drugs can be prevented.

Before the above-mentioned background, the invention further relates to a method for operating a device according to the invention, wherein a loaded with drugs carrier is inserted into the socket of the base and the recordings of the inserted into the socket carrier are named at times when the patient medication to take these pictures. Generally, in the Operation of the device according to the invention be provided that the steps are carried out according to the design of the control unit.

In one embodiment, when using the device according to the invention, it may be provided that in a pharmacy a carrier is filled with medicaments individually matched to the patient. This carrier is then brought to the patient who has a base with a temporarily emptied carrier with him. The emptied carrier is removed and the loaded carrier used. If the carrier comprises a label and the base comprises a reading device for reading out this label, it can be provided that the pharmacy, after filling the new carrier, sends its identifier to the base located at the patient. Upon insertion, it is then detected whether the correct carrier has been inserted into the correct base unit.

Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment described below with reference to FIGS. In the figures show:

Figure 1: a perspective view of a device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base of this device; and

Figure 3: another perspective view of the base of this device.

In the figures, a device according to the invention is shown, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. The device 1 consists of two parts, namely a base 20 and a carrier 10 inserted in the base.

The carrier 10 is made of plastic and has a rectangular, flat shape. At its top, it comprises a cover plate 1 1 with a plurality of openings 12, which are arranged in a regular 4x7 grid. In the openings 12 inserts 13 are used. The inserts 13 are around blistered disposable plastic trays, which are held with their upper peripheral edge at the edges of the openings 12. In the inserts 13 are drugs. At the front, the carrier 10 has a labeling surface 14, on which a label with different data is attached to a patient. Furthermore, the carrier 10 comprises a non-visible RFID transponder.

The base 20 includes a socket 21 in which the carrier 10 is inserted. The socket has a flat bottom 22 with a plurality of light and sensor buttons 23, which are also arranged in a regular 4x7 grid. The grid corresponds to that grid of the apertures 12 on the carrier 10. Accordingly sits under each breakthrough 12 or insert 13 of the inserted carrier 10, a light and sensor button 23. Each of the light and sensor buttons 23 includes an LED and a capacitive sensor. The frame 21 is framed by webs 24 on three sides and has on the open front two retaining projections 25 which engage in corresponding recesses in the carrier 10 to fix the insertion position of the carrier 10 in the socket 21.

At the back of the base 20 is a graphical user interface 26 is arranged with a touch screen, a camera, not shown, and also not shown speakers. In the body of the base 20 a non-visible control unit is arranged with a processor, a memory and an interface for wireless communication via WLAN and mobile network. The control unit is connected to the light and sensor buttons 23 and to the user interface 26. At the back of the base 20 various plugs 27 are arranged for power lines and cable connections leading to the control unit. In addition, an RFID reader is arranged in the body, which is also in communication with the control unit and can detect the TFID transponder on the carrier 10. On the screen of the user interface 26 various information such as time, date and time of the next medication intake are displayed. Furthermore, an emergency button is visualized on the screen. Upon touching the screen at the appropriate location, a cellular connection is established with a pre-set external contact, such as a relative of the patient or a caregiver.

Information stored in the memory of the control unit is received wirelessly by an external contact person. This information includes information about the RFID tag of the wearer and information about when the patient should take the drugs from which breakthrough 12 of the wearer 10.

In operation of the device 1, the carrier 10 is filled in a pharmacy or by a nursing service by means of a prescription for a particular patient with medication. This is done so that filled with drugs and blistered disposable plastic shells 13 are inserted into the openings 12. On the labeling surface 14, a label is glued to the data of the patient. The RFID tag of the carrier is then read by a reader in the pharmacy or the nursing service and together with information on when the patient should take the medication from which opening 12 of the carrier 10, wirelessly set up at the patient, unfilled or with a blank Carrier 10 equipped base 20 sent. The information as to when the patient should take the medication from which opening 12 of the carrier 10, derives the pharmacy or the nursing service from the regulation. For example, with the carrier's 4x7 grid, you can set four intake times (eg, morning, noon, evening and night) over a period of one week. It is also possible to set two intake times (eg morning and evening) over a period of two weeks or one time of taking (eg in the morning) over a period of four weeks. The filled carrier 10 is then physically brought to the patient by a nursing service and inserted into the base 20 there. If in the base 20 before an old carrier 10 is added, this is removed and transported back to the pharmacy. The base 20 detects the RFID tag of the filled carrier 10 with the RFID reader. If this identifier corresponds to the identifier previously received from the pharmacy or the nursing service, a message is output on the screen of the user interface 26 that the correct carrier 10 is inserted has been. Otherwise, an acoustic warning signal is output and a message is output on the screen that the wrong carrier 10 has been inserted.

The control unit then marks, at a certain time of administration, a first shell 13a, which is arranged in a first opening 12a at the far rear left in the carrier 10. The drugs in this shell 13a are intended to be taken at the first time of administration after replacement of the carrier. The marking of this shell 13a takes place by activating the LED of the knob 23a arranged behind the shell 13a.

When the patient then removes the tray 13a from the breakthrough to take the medication, the removal is detected by the capacitive sensor of the button 23a and the LED goes out. The control unit then waits until the time of administration for another shell, where this process repeats itself.

However, if it is detected by the capacitive sensor of the button 23a that the patient has not yet removed the tray 13a after a certain period of time, for example after one hour has lapsed after activation of the LED, the LED starts to flash. If no removal is still detected after another hour has elapsed, a warning icon will appear on the screen of the user interface 26 and the loudspeakers of the user interface 26 will periodically emit an audible warning. If there is no reaction for another hour, the control unit automatically notifies the nursing service and establishes a video connection between the device 1 and the nursing service over the cellular network.

Claims

claims

1 . A device for delivering pre-dosed portions of medication to a patient, the device comprising a carrier with a plurality of receptacles for the portions, which are distributed in raster form on the carrier, characterized in that the device further comprises a base with a socket and a control unit, wherein the socket formed is to receive the carrier reversibly in a predefined position, and wherein the control unit is adapted to appoint recordings of the carrier inserted into the socket at times when the patient is to take medication from these recordings.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier has a flat shape and the recordings rasterformig over the surface of the Carriers are distributed, it being preferably provided that the carrier comprises releasably inserted into the receptacles inserts for the drugs, which is preferably provided.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the socket has a bottom on which rests the carrier used, wherein the bottom preferably sensors and / or signal elements are arranged, more preferably at all those points below a receptacle of used carrier lie.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises a graphical user interface, which is fixed or detachable to the base, and / or that the device comprises a camera, preferably at the base and more preferably at the user interface is arranged.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base has an interface for communication with an external subscriber and / or with the user interface.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a light source and the control unit is designed to illuminate the images individually.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises means for detecting the filling of the receptacles, and that the control unit is adapted to output a signal when a recording is not emptied during the intake time and / or if an intake is emptied outside of the intake period.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit is designed so that the signal is changed with increasing deviation from the intake time and preferably intensified and / or that with increasing deviation from the time of administration additional signals are output.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier comprises a label and the base comprises a reader for reading this label, wherein the control unit is preferably adapted to output a signal when the recognized label deviates from a desired label.

10. A method of operating a device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a loaded with drugs carrier is inserted into the socket of the base and the recordings of the holder inserted in the socket are named at times when the patient medication from these Should take pictures.