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. 2015 Nov 6:4:167-174.
doi: 10.2147/IPRP.S90923. eCollection 2015.

Patient views on an electronic dispensing device for prepackaged polypharmacy: a qualitative assessment in an ambulatory setting

Samuel S Allemann  1 , Kurt E Hersberger  1 , Isabelle Arnet  1
Affiliations

Patient views on an electronic dispensing device for prepackaged polypharmacy: a qualitative assessment in an ambulatory setting

Samuel S Allemann et al. Integr Pharm Res Pract. .

Abstract

Objective: To collect opinions on medication management aids (MMAs) in general and on an electronic MMA (e-MMA) dispensing prepackaged polypharmacy in sealed pouches.

Study setting: The setting involved community-dwelling older adults in Basel, Switzerland, in 2013.

Study design: The study involved 1) a 14-day trial with the e-MMA and 2) a focus group to identify general attributes of MMAs, their applicability to the e-MMA, and possible target groups for the e-MMA.

Data collection methods: Six participants using long-term polypharmacy and willing to try new technologies completed the 14-day trial and participated in the focus group. Inductive content analysis was performed to extract data.

Principal findings: Participants rated ten of 17 general attributes as clearly applicable to the e-MMA and five as unsuitable. Attributes pertained to three interrelating themes: product design, patient support, and living conditions. Envisaged target groups were patients with time-sensitive medication regimens, patients with dementia, the visually impaired, and several patients living together to prevent accidental intake of the wrong medication.

Conclusion: The evaluated e-MMA for prepackaged polypharmacy met the majority of the requirements set for an MMA. Patients' living conditions, such as mobility, remain the key determinants for acceptance of an e-MMA.

Keywords: automated drug dispensing; medication adherence; medication management aids; pharmaceutical care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Unit-of-dose pouches with prepacked oral solid medication from front (A) and back (B). Note: Patient’s name and date of birth were concealed for privacy reasons.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Remote-controlled, electronic dispenser, Medido®, used in this study as specific electronic medication management aid for the unit-of-dose pouches. Notes: Height × width × length: 140 mm × 140 mm × 225 mm. Weight: 1,486 g. The inset shows the power cord.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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