WO2021127335A1

WO2021127335A1 - Systems and methods for tracking medication taken from a pill container

Info

Publication number: WO2021127335A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/065848
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tyler MCCRARY; Ashley Hancock; John Kidd; Sam ZAMARRIPA; Ward BROOM
Original assignee: Intent Solutions, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-12-18
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-06-24

Abstract

An adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container is disclosed herein. In some instances, the adherence device comprises a band configured to be attached to the pill container, a housing attached to the band, and a button disposed about the housing. The button is configured to be depressed. The adherence device also includes a controller disposed within the housing. The controller is in communication with the button. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the button has been depressed and record that the button has been depressed.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING MEDICATION TAKEN FROM A PILL CONTAINER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/949,622, filed December 18, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to tracking medication adherence and more particularly relates to systems and methods for tracking when and how much medication a user has taken from a pill container.

BACKGROUND

[0003] For individuals taking medication, knowing if/when they have taken their medication and how much medication they have taken can be problematic, particularly for people who have memory difficulties or who are distracted when taking their medication. In addition, healthcare providers do not have good visibility into a patient’s adherence to a prescription and must rely on the patient to remember or to log his or her medication adherence.

[0004] Numerous approaches exist for attempting to address these problems, including smart phone applications, smart pill bottle caps, smart pill bottle dispensers, smart pill boxes, and paper logs, among others. While each of these options potentially may solve the problem, each has several drawbacks. For example, smart pill caps, smart pill dispensers, and smart pill boxes can be prohibitively expensive for some users. Portability may also be a problem for smart pill boxes and smart pill dispensers. Smart phone applications require the presence of the phone and require the user to remember to record taking the medication. More so, some of the above solutions require starting with a fresh prescription or transferring medication to a new container. [0005] Alternative methods and systems are therefore needed to help patients easily track their medication usage and improve their adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule. SUMMARY

[0006] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, an adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container is disclosed herein. In some instances, the adherence device comprises a band configured to be attached to the pill container, a housing attached to the band, and a button disposed about the housing. The button is configured to be depressed. The adherence device also includes a controller disposed within the housing. The controller is in communication with the button. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the button has been depressed and record that the button has been depressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0008] FIG. 1 schematically depicts adherence devices attached to, respectively, for different sized and shaped pill containers in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a number of adherence devices attached to a number of pill containers which are in communication with a user device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. [0010] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an adherence device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 schematically depicts an adherence device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The disclosure is directed to, among other things, systems and methods for monitoring, recording, and displaying when and how much medication a user has taken from a pill container. In some instances, the systems and methods disclosed herein enable a user to monitor, record, and display his or her adherence to a medication regimen. In certain embodiments, the data associated with when and how much medication the patient has taken from the pill container is provided to an authorized third party, such as a healthcare provider, a relative, a guardian, or the like.

[0013] As used herein, the term “pill” refers to tablets, capsules, gel caps, and other dosage units known in the art for administering pharmaceutical agents (or placebos of the same). Typically, the pill is a solid oral dosage form known in the art.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein are implemented via an adherence device that is attached to a pill container. The pill container may include a number of pills therein, e.g., 2 to 100 pills or more. The adherence device is used to determine when and how many pills the patient has taken from the pill container. For example, the adherence device is attachable to the pill container (e.g., the bottle portion and/or the lid portion of the pill container). In some instances, the adherence device includes an adjustable attachment band or the like capable of being attached to a number of different sized pill containers. Once the adherence device is attached to the pill container, the adherence device enables the patient to monitor, record, and display when and how much medication the patient has taken from the pill container. For example, as discussed below, the patient may press a button each time a pill is removed from the pill container. The adherence device may log this information. [0015] Data associated with when and how much medication the patient has taken from the pill container can be collected actively or passively via the adherence device.

For example, a user can provide input into the adherence device (e.g., via a button or the like) to indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container. In other instances, the adherence device detects certain movements of the adherence device and/or the pill container that indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container without needing direct input from the user.

[0016] In some instances, the adherence device is programmed with a prescription medication regimen as part of a software platform for monitoring, recording, and displaying adherence to the medication regimen. In certain embodiments, the adherence data is displayed to the user on the adherence device. That is, the adherence device may display to the user when and how much medication the user has taken. The adherence device also may display the time and the quantity of the next dosage in the medication regimen. The software platform of the adherence device may adjust future doses based on missed or late doses in order to comply with the medication regimen.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the adherence device is configured to provide adherence data to a database over a network. For example, the adherence device may provide the adherence data to a cloud database or the like via a wireless connection. For example, the adherence device is configured to transmit the adherence data to a mobile application on a mobile device associated with the user. The mobile application is configured to display the adherence data to the user on the mobile device and/or provide the adherence data to the cloud, wherein the user and/or a third party (such as a healthcare provider, a relative, a guardian, or the like) can access the adherence data. In some instances, the software platform of the adherence device may be monitored and/or updated remotely over the network.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the adherence device comprises a band configured to be attached to the pill container, a housing attached to the band, and a button disposed about the housing. The housing may be any suitable size, shape, or configuration. In some instances, the band comprises an elastic band, an adjustable band, a magnetic band, or a combination thereof. Any suitable attachment device may be used; however, in a preferred embodiment, the band is an elastic band, since it advantageously may be easily used to secure to a wide range of sizes of pill containers know in the art. The button is configured to be depressed by the user to indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container. In some instances, the button may include a pressure pad. In such instances, the pressure pad may sense when the user grasps the pill container. In other instances, the button may include a switch. In such instances, the switch may be positioned about the pill container such that when the lid portion is removed from the bottle portion of the pill container, the switch may be tripped. Activation of the pressure pad and/or the switch may be logged by the adherence device. [0019] The adherence device also includes a controller disposed within the housing. The controller is in communication with the button. In this manner, the controller is configured to receive an indication that the button has been depressed by the user. In such instances, the controller records that the button has been depressed. For example, the controller comprises at least one processor in communication with at least one memory, which may store the record of the button being activated.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the adherence device includes a display screen disposed about the housing. The display screen is in communication with the controller.

In some instances, the display screen displays a medication regimen. For example, the display screen may indicate to the user when and how many pills he or she has taken and should be taking. The display screen also may provide alerts to the user when it is time to take a dose. In addition, the display screen may be configured to display information associated with the record of when the button was depressed. That is, the display screen may display when and how many times the button was depressed. In certain embodiments, the display screen may be a touch screen in which the user can manipulate the information being displayed thereon. For example, a user may scroll down the display to see various information, including the last dose time and amount and/or the next dose time and amount. In certain embodiments, the button may be a digital button display on the touch screen. In some instances, the adherence device is programmable via the display screen. That is, the user may manipulate the adherence device and/or the software platform of the adherence device via the display screen. In some instances, the display screen may be omitted.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the adherence device includes an indicator light disposed about the housing. The indicator light is in communication with the controller. The indicator light is configured to provide an indication associated with the record that the button has been depressed. That is, the indicator light may blink when the button is depressed. In some instances, the indicator light is configured to provide an indication associated with a medication regimen. That is, the indicator light may blink when it is time for the user to take a pill. In some instances, the indicator light may be omitted. [0022] In certain embodiments, the adherence device includes a speaker disposed about the housing. The speaker is in communication with the controller. The speaker is configured to provide an indication associated with the record that the button has been depressed. That is, the speaker may provide an audible sound when the button is depressed. In some instances, the speaker is configured to provide an indication associated with a medication regimen. That is, the speaker may emit a sound, e.g., a beep or the like, when it is time for the user to take a pill. In some instances, the speaker may be omitted. The adherence device also may include a vibrating element configured to provide a haptic or tactile feedback.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the adherence device includes a motion detection device disposed in or about the housing. The motion detection device is in communication with the controller. The motion detection device is configured to detect certain movements of the adherence device and/or the pill container that indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container. The motion detection device may include an accelerometer. In some instances, the motion detection device may be omitted.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the adherence device includes a wireless transceiver disposed within the housing. The wireless transceiver is in communication with the controller. In this manner, the controller is configured to communicate over a network with a user device. For example, the controller may communicate with a mobile application (or “app”) configured to operate on the user device. In some instances, the mobile application is configured to display information on the user device associated with when and how much medication the patient has taken from the pill container, such as when and how many times the button has been depressed. The mobile application may also display information on the user device associated with a medication regimen. In addition, the adherence device may be programmable via the mobile application on the user device. That is, the user may manipulate the adherence device and/or the software platform of the adherence device via the mobile application on the user device.

[0025] The adherence device includes a power supply. The power supply is in communication with the controller and other components of the adherence device. In some instances, the power supply is rechargeable.

[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an adherence device 100 attached to a pill container 102. The pill container 102 includes a lid portion 104 and a bottle portion 106. The lid portion 104 may be a screw cap or child-resistant closure known in the art. The lid portion 104 is attachable to the bottle portion 106. The pill container 102 may include a number of pills therein. The adherence device 100 is attachable to the bottle portion 106 of the pill container 102 by way of a band 108. In some instances, the band 108 is an elastic band. In this manner, the band 108 may be expanded to fit around the bottle portion 106 of the pill container 102, with the elasticity of the band 108 ensuring that the band 108 compresses around the bottle portion 106 of the pill container 102 and stays in place, secured by frictional engagement, around the bottle portion 106 of the pill container 102. The band 108 may be attached to pill containers 102 of various sizes, as depicted in FIG. 1.

[0027] In other instances, the band 108 may comprise two components (e.g., straps) that are fastened together. For example, the band 108 may include an adjustable buckle similar to a watch band, a ratchet assembly similar to a zip tie, two straps held together via a magnet, an adhesive (e.g., a reusable adhesive strip), and/or a button, etc. Any suitable attachment means may be used herein. In some instances, a tool may be needed to attach and detach the band 108 from the pill container 102. Adjustable straps may include a slip resistant coating, such as a silicone, to facilitate securement to the bottle. [0028] The adherence device 100 includes a housing 110. The band 108 is configured to secure the housing 110 to the pill container 102. The housing 110 is sized and shaped to house the various components of the adherence device 100 disclosed herein. The housing 110 may be any suitable size, shape, or configuration.

[0029] A button 112 is disposed about the housing 110. In some instances, the button 112 is disposed on a front surface of the housing 110. The button 112 is configured to be depressed by the user to indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container 102. The button 112 may be a mechanical button or a digital button. The button 112 may be any suitable size, shape, or configuration. The button 112 may provide a tactile response to the user when pressed, such as a click or a vibration. The button 112 also may provide an audible sound, such as a “click,” when the button is pressed by the user. A user can provide input into the adherence device 100 (e.g., by pushing the button 112) to indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container 102.

[0030] In some instances, the button 112 comprises a pressure pad. In such instances, the pressure pad may sense when the user grasps the pill container 102. In other instances, the button 112 may include a switch. In such instances, when the lid portion 104 is removed from the bottle portion 106 of the pill container 102, the switch may be tripped. The button 112 may comprise a combination of a mechanical button, a pressure pad, and/or a switch.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the adherence device 100 includes an indicator light 114 disposed about the housing 110. The indicator light 114 is configured to provide an indication to the user that the button 112 has been depressed. For example, the indicator light 114 may blink when the button 112 is depressed. In some instances, the indicator light 114 may blink when it is time for the user to take a pill. The indicator light 114 may include various colors that signal different actions. For example, green may indicate it is okay to take a pill at this time, while red may indicate that a pill should not be taken at that time. In some instances, the indicator light 114 may be omitted. [0032] As depicted in FIG. 2, the adherence device 100 includes a controller 116 disposed within the housing 110. The controller 116 may be any computing device. For example, the controller 116 comprises at least one processor in communication with at least one memory. The controller 116 is in communication with the button 112 and the indicator light 114. In this manner, the controller 116 is configured to receive an indication that the button 112 has been depressed by the user. In such instances, the controller directs the indicator light 114 to flash (or “blink”) to provide an indication to the user that the button has been depressed. The controller 116 also records that the button 112 has been depressed.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the adherence device 100 includes a wireless transceiver 118 disposed within the housing 110. The wireless transceiver 118 is in communication with the controller 116. In this manner, the controller 116 is configured to communicate over a network 120 with a user device 122 (such as a smart phone or a personal computing device). In other instances, the controller 116 may communicate directly with the user device 122. The controller 116 may communicate using Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi direct or over a network. The controller 116 may communicate with a mobile application 124 (or “app”) configured to operate on the user device 122. That is, the controller 116 may transfer data 126 via the wireless transceiver 118 and the network 120 to the user device 122 or to a service provided over the cloud. In certain embodiments, the wireless transceiver 118 may be in direct communication with the user device 112 via local wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth or the like). In some instances, the mobile application 124 is configured to display information on the user device 122 associated with when and how much medication the patient has taken from the pill container 102, such as when and how many times the button 112 has been depressed. In this manner, the user may easily track his or her adherence to a medication regimen. The mobile application 124 may also display information on the user device 122 associated with the medication regimen. In addition, the adherence device 100 may be programmable via the mobile application 124 on the user device 122. That is, the user may manipulate the adherence device 100 and/or the software platform of the adherence device 100 via the mobile application 124 on the user device 122.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the adherence device 100 is configured to transfer data 126 to a database 128 over the network 120. For example, the adherence device 100 may provide the data to a cloud database 128 or the like via a wireless connection. In some instances, the adherence device 100 is configured to transmit the data to the mobile application 124 on the user device 122. The mobile application 124 is configured to display the data to the user on the user device 122 and/or provide the data to the database 128, wherein the user and/or a third party can access the data.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the adherence device 100 includes a speaker 130 disposed about the housing 110. The speaker 130 is in communication with the controller 116. The speaker 130 is configured to provide an audible sound when the button 112 is depressed. In some instances, the speaker 130 may beep or the like when it is time for the user to take a pill. The speaker 130 may also provide the user with instructions on when and how many pills to take. The speaker 130 may also inform the user when and how many pills were previously taken by the user.

[0036] The adherence device 100 also may include a vibrating device 132 configured to provide haptic feedback. The vibrating device 132 is in communication with the controller 116. The vibrating device 132 is configured to provide a vibration (or other haptic notification) when the button 112 is depressed. In some instances, vibrating device 132 may vibrate or the like when it is time for the user to take a pill. The vibrating device 132 may also provide the user with instructions on when and how many pills to take. For example, the vibrating device 132 may vibrate twice to indicate that two pills should be taken. The vibrating device 132 may also inform the user when and how many pills were previously taken by the user.

[0037] In certain embodiments, the adherence device 100 includes a motion detection device 134 disposed about the housing 110. The motion detection device 134 is in communication with the controller 116. The motion detection device 134 is configured to detect certain movements of the adherence device 100 and/or the pill container 102 that indicate that a pill has been removed from the pill container 102. The motion detection device 134 may be an accelerometer 136.

[0038] The adherence device 100 includes a power supply 138. The power supply 138 is in communication with the controller 116 and other components of the adherence device 100. In some instances, the power supply 138 is rechargeable. The power supply 138 may be a rechargeable battery or the like.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 4, the adherence device 100 includes a display screen 140 disposed about the housing 110. The display screen 140 is in communication with the controller 116. In some instances, the indicator light 114 may be omitted when the adherence device 100 includes the display screen 140. In other instances, the adherence device 100 may include both the display screen 140 and the indicator light 114.

[0040] In some instances, as depicted in the top illustration of the display screen 140 in FIG. 4, the display screen 140 displays a medication regimen 142. For example, the display screen 140 indicates to the user when and how many pills he or she has taken, such as, e.g., “one, pill twice per day, last dose: 5/17 9:36pm.” The display screen 140 also may provide alerts to the user when it is time to take a dose. In addition, the display screen 140 may be configured to display information regarding when the button was last depressed, which may correspond to the “last dose.” In certain embodiments, the display screen 140 may be a touch screen in which the user can manipulate the information being displayed thereon.

[0041] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container, the adherence device comprising: a band configured to be attached to the pill container; a housing attached to the band; a button disposed about the housing, wherein the button is configured to be depressed; and a controller disposed within the housing and in communication with the button, wherein the controller is configured to: receive an indication that the button has been depressed; and record that the button has been depressed.

2. The adherence device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate over a network with a user device.

3. The adherence device of claim 2, further comprising a mobile application configured to operate on the user device.

4. The adherence device of claim 3, wherein the mobile application is configured to display information on the user device associated with the record that the button has been depressed.

5. The adherence device of claim 3, wherein the mobile application is configured to display information on the user device associated with a medication regimen.

6. The adherence device of claim 3, wherein the adherence device is programmable via the mobile application on the user device.

7. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising a display screen disposed about the housing and in communication with the controller.

8. The adherence device of claim 7, wherein the display screen is configured to display information associated with the record that the button has been depressed.

9. The adherence device of claim 7, wherein the display screen is configured to display information associated with a medication regimen.

10. The adherence device of claim 7, wherein the adherence device is programmable via the display screen.

11. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator light disposed about the housing and in communication with the controller.

12. The adherence device of claim 11, wherein the indicator light is configured to provide an indication associated with the record that the button has been depressed.

13. The adherence device of claim 11, wherein the indicator light is configured to provide an indication associated with a medication regimen.

14. The adherence device of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises at least one processor in communication with at least one memory.

15. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver disposed within the housing and in communication with the controller.

16. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising a power supply disposed within the housing and in communication with the controller.

17. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising a motion detection device disposed within the housing and in communication with the controller.

18. The adherence device of claim 1, further comprising a speaker disposed about the housing and in communication with the controller.

19. The adherence device of claim 1, wherein the band comprises an elastic band, an adjustable band, a magnetic band, or a combination thereof.

20. A method comprising attaching an adherence device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19 to a pill container.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving an indication that a pill is being dispensed from the pill container; and recording that the pill is being dispensed from the pill container.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising transmitting, from the adherence device, data associated with the pill being disponed from the pill container.

23. An adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container, the adherence device comprising: a band configured to be attached to the pill container; a housing attached to the band; a pressure pad disposed about the housing; and a controller disposed within the housing and in communication with the pressure pad, wherein the controller is configured to: receive an indication that a force has been applied to the pressure pad; and record that the force has been applied to the pressure pad.

24. An adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container, the adherence device comprising: a band configured to be attached to the pill container; a housing attached to the band; a switch disposed about the housing; and a controller disposed within the housing and in communication with the switch, wherein the controller is configured to: receive an indication that the switch has been activated; and record that the switch has been activated.

25. A method for tracking medication from a pill container, the method comprising: attaching a housing to a pill container via a band, wherein the housing comprises a controller; receiving, by the controller, an indication that a pill is being dispensed from the pill container; and recording, by the controller, that the pill is being dispensed from the pill container.

26. A method for tracking medication from a pill container, the method comprising: providing an adherence device that is attachable to the pill container via a band; determining, by the adherence device, that one or more pills have been dispensed from the pill container; and transmitting, by the adherence device, data associated with the one or more pills having been dispensed from the pill container, to a mobile device.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising transmitting, by the mobile device to a database over a network, the data associated with the one or more pills having been dispensed from the pill container.

28. An adherence device for tracking medication from a pill container, the adherence device comprising: a band configured to be attached to the pill container; a button disposed about the band; and a controller in communication with the button, wherein the controller is configured to track, based on actuation of the button, when a pill is removed from the pill container.