U.S. patent application number 09/929987 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for systems and methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication regimens.
Invention is credited to DiPisa, Joseph, Fletcher, Richard, Vonk, Glenn Philander, Yarin, Paul.
Application Number | 20020027507 09/929987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23883003 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yarin, Paul ; et
al. |
March 7, 2002 |
Systems and methods for monitoring patient compliance with
medication regimens
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective
self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray
monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with
various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are
provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information
about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart
Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each
respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained
within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart
Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind
the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A
Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication
container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more
third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other
suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer
network. In addition, a Smart Tray can communicate with various
appliances and can modify medication regimens for particular
medicaments in response to data received from various
appliances.
Inventors: |
Yarin, Paul; (Cambridge,
MA) ; Fletcher, Richard; (Cambridge, MA) ;
DiPisa, Joseph; (Wyckoff, NJ) ; Vonk, Glenn
Philander; (Fuquay-Varina, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
1 BECTON DRIVE
FRANKLIN LAKES
NJ
07417-1880
US
|
Family ID: |
23883003 |
Appl. No.: |
09/929987 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09929987 |
Aug 15, 2001 |
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09474319 |
Dec 29, 1999 |
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6294999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.1 ;
340/666; 340/691.1; 340/691.6; 705/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 2200/30 20130101;
A61J 2200/74 20130101; G16H 15/00 20180101; A61M 2205/6054
20130101; A61J 7/0436 20150501; G07G 1/0045 20130101; G16H 20/13
20180101; A61J 2205/70 20130101; A61M 2205/3561 20130101; A61J
2205/60 20130101; A61M 2205/52 20130101; A61M 2205/6009 20130101;
A61J 7/0481 20130101; A61J 2205/10 20130101; G07F 17/0092 20130101;
A61M 2205/3569 20130101; G16H 10/65 20180101; G16H 40/67 20180101;
A61J 7/0454 20150501; G07G 1/009 20130101; A61M 2205/3553 20130101;
Y10S 128/903 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.1 ;
340/666; 340/691.1; 340/691.6; 705/2 |
International
Class: |
G08B 023/00 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A method of monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, the method comprising the steps of: removably receiving
a container within a receptacle in an apparatus, wherein the
container contains a medicament, wherein the container has an
electromagnetic tag attached thereto, wherein the electromagnetic
tag contains information about the medicament, and wherein the
apparatus includes a reader that is configured to interrogate the
electromagnetic tag and retrieve information therefrom;
interrogating the electromagnetic tag via the reader to retrieve
information therefrom, wherein the retrieved information comprises
an identification of the medicament; alerting a patient to take a
dose of the medicament in accordance with a dosage regimen
associated with the identified medicament; and storing in the
apparatus a time when removal of the container from the receptacle
is detected by the reader.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the electromagnetic tag
is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the
reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing a
visual signal adjacent the receptacle.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing an
audio signal to the patient via the apparatus.
5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises
a display, and wherein the step of alerting a patient to take a
dose of the medicament comprises displaying a message via the
display.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing an
indication of medicament quantity.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein the step of providing an
indication of medicament quantity comprises providing at least one
of a visual signal and audio signal via the apparatus.
8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes a
processor in communication with the reader and wherein the dosage
regimen associated with the medicament is stored within processor
memory.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the information
retrieved from the electromagnetic tag comprises a dosage regimen
associated with the medicament.
10. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of
measuring an amount of medicament in the container when the
container is removably received within the receptacle.
11. The method according to claim 10 wherein the step of measuring
an amount of medicament in the container comprises measuring an
electric signal generated by a weight sensor positioned between the
container and the receptacle.
12. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: establishing communications between the apparatus and an
external computing device via a communications network; and
transmitting information from the apparatus to the external
computing device.
13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the container contains
a plurality of different medicaments to be taken by a patient at a
prescribed time.
14. The method according to claim 12 wherein the external computing
device is a computing device of a supplier of the medicament and
wherein the information transmitted to the external computing
device comprises a request for an additional quantity of the
medicament.
15. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: establishing communications between the apparatus and an
appliance; retrieving data from the appliance; and modifying the
medication regimen associated with the medicament in response to
data received from the appliance.
16. The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps
of: establishing communications between the apparatus and a third
party computing device via a communications network; retrieving
information from the third party computing device about the
medicament; and displaying the retrieved information.
17. A method of monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, the method comprising the steps of: removably receiving
a container within a first receptacle of an apparatus, wherein the
container contains a medicament, wherein the container has an
identifier attached thereto, wherein the identifier contains
information about the medicament, and wherein the apparatus
includes a reader that is configured to interrogate the identifier
and retrieve information therefrom; interrogating the identifier
via the reader to retrieve information therefrom, wherein the
retrieved information comprises an identification of the
medicament; placing a health monitoring device within a second
receptacle of the apparatus; retrieving data from the health
monitoring device; and modifying the dosage regimen associated with
the medicament in response to data received from the health
monitoring device.
18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of
notifying a patient of the modified dosage regimen for the
medicament.
19. The method according to claim 17 further comprising the step of
notifying a healthcare provider of the modified dosage regimen for
the medicament.
20. The method according to claim 17 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing a
visual signal adjacent the first receptacle.
21. The method according to claim 17 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing an
audio signal to the patient via the apparatus.
22. The method according to claim 17 wherein the apparatus
comprises a display, and wherein the step of alerting a patient to
take a dose of the medicament comprises displaying a message via
the display.
23. The method according to claim 17 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of the medicament comprises providing an
indication of medicament quantity.
24. The method according to claim 23 wherein the step of providing
an indication of medicament quantity comprises providing at least
one of a visual signal and audio signal via the apparatus.
25. A method of monitoring patient compliance with multiple
medication dosage regimens, the method comprising the steps of:
removably receiving a plurality of containers within a respective
plurality of receptacles in an apparatus, wherein each container
contains a medicament, wherein each container has an
electromagnetic tag attached thereto, wherein each electromagnetic
tag contains information about the medicament within a respective
container, and wherein the apparatus includes a reader that is
configured to interrogate the electromagnetic tag of each container
and retrieve information therefrom; interrogating each of the
electromagnetic tags via the reader to retrieve information
therefrom, wherein the retrieved information comprises an
identification of medicament contained within each respective
container; alerting a patient to take a dose of medicament from
respective ones of the containers in accordance with a respective
dosage regimen associated with each of the identified medicaments;
and storing in the apparatus a time when removal of each container
from a respective receptacle is detected by the reader.
26. The method according to claim 25 wherein each electromagnetic
tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the
reader comprises an array of RFID tag readers, wherein each RFID
tag reader is associated with one or more receptacles.
27. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of medicament from respective ones of the
containers comprises providing visual signals adjacent respective
ones of the receptacles.
28. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of medicament from respective ones of the
containers comprises providing an audio signal to the patient via
the apparatus.
29. The method according to claim 25 wherein the apparatus
comprises a display, and wherein the step of alerting a patient to
take a dose of medicament from respective ones of the containers
comprises displaying at least one message via the display.
30. The method according to claim 25 wherein the step of alerting a
patient to take a dose of medicament from respective ones of the
containers comprises providing an indication of medicament
quantity.
31. The method according to claim 30 wherein the step of providing
an indication of medicament quantity comprises providing at least
one of a visual signal and audio signal.
32. The method according to claim 25 wherein the apparatus includes
a processor in communication with the reader and wherein a dosage
regimen associated with each medicament is stored within processor
memory.
33. The method according to claim 25 wherein information retrieved
from each electromagnetic tag comprises a dosage regimen associated
with a respective medicament.
34. A method of monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, the method comprising the steps of: removably receiving
first and second containers within respective first and second
receptacles of an apparatus, wherein the first and second
containers contain respective different first and second
medicaments, wherein the first and second containers have
respective first and second identifiers attached thereto, wherein
the first and second identifiers contain information about the
respective first and second medicaments, and wherein the apparatus
includes a reader that is configured to interrogate each identifier
and retrieve information therefrom; interrogating the first and
second identifiers via the reader to retrieve information
therefrom, wherein the retrieved information comprises an
identification of the first and second medicaments; and determining
whether the first and second medicaments are contraindicated.
35. The method according to claim 34 further comprising the step of
alerting a patient if the first and second medicaments are
contraindicated.
36. The method according to claim 34 wherein each identifier is a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the reader
comprises an RFID tag reader.
37. The method according to claim 34 wherein the step of alerting a
patient comprises providing a visual signal adjacent at least one
of the first and second receptacles.
38. The method according to claim 34 wherein the step of alerting a
patient comprises providing an audio signal.
39. The method according to claim 34 wherein the apparatus
comprises a display, and wherein the step of alerting a patient
comprises displaying a message via the display.
40. The method according to claim 34 wherein the information
retrieved from the respective first and second identifiers
comprises dosage regimens associated with the respective first and
second medicaments.
41. The method according to claim 34 further comprising the steps
of: establishing communications between the apparatus and a third
party computing device via a communications network; retrieving
information from the third party computing device about the
contraindication of the first and second medicaments; and
displaying the retrieved information.
42. A method of monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, wherein a patient has an electromagnetic tag attached
thereto that contains information about the patient, and wherein an
apparatus for holding a medication container includes a reader that
is configured to interrogate the electromagnetic tag and retrieve
information therefrom, the method comprising the step of
interrogating the electromagnetic tag via the reader to identify
the patient when the patient accesses a medication container held
by the apparatus.
43. The method according to claim 42 further comprising the step of
storing in the apparatus a time when the patient accesses a
medication container held by the apparatus.
44. The method according to claim 42 wherein the electromagnetic
tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the
reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
45. An apparatus that monitors patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a receptacle for removably receiving a
container therein, wherein the container contains a medicament, and
wherein the container has an electromagnetic tag attached thereto
that contains information about the medicament including an
identification of the medicament; a reader that is configured to
interrogate the electromagnetic tag and identify the medicament; an
indicator that alerts a patient to take a dose of the medicament in
accordance with a dosage regimen associated with the identified
medicament; and memory associated with the apparatus that stores a
time when removal of the container from the receptacle is detected
by the reader.
46. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the electromagnetic
tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the
reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
47. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the indicator is a
visual indicator positioned adjacent the receptacle.
48. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the indicator
comprises an audio indicator.
49. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the indicator
comprises a display.
50. The apparatus according to claim 47 wherein the visual
indicator is configured to provide an indication of medicament
quantity.
51. The apparatus according to claim 48 wherein the audio indicator
is configured to provide an indication of medicament quantity.
52. The apparatus according to claim 45 further comprising a
processor in communication with the reader and wherein the dosage
regimen associated with the medicament is stored within the
processor memory.
53. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the information
retrieved from the electromagnetic tag comprises a dosage regimen
associated with the medicament.
54. The apparatus according to claim 45 wherein the container
comprises a weight sensor that generates an electric signal when
the container is removably received within the receptacle, and
wherein the apparatus reader is configured to measure an electrical
signal generated by the weight sensor to measure an amount of
medicament in the container.
55. The apparatus according to claim 45 further comprising a modem
that is configured to communicate with external computing devices
via a communications network.
56. The apparatus according to claim 45 further comprising a
plurality of receptacles for receiving a respective plurality of
medicament containers.
57. A system for monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a container that contains a medicament,
wherein the container has an identifier attached thereto that
contains information about the medicament including an
identification of the medicament; an apparatus, comprising: a
receptacle for removably receiving the container therein; a reader
that is configured to interrogate the identifier and retrieve
information therefrom; an indicator that alerts a patient to take a
dose of the medicament in accordance with a dosage regimen
associated with the identified medicament; memory associated with
the apparatus for storing a time when removal of the container from
the receptacle is detected by the reader; and a modem that is
configured to communicate with external computing devices via a
communications network; and a computing device in communication
with the apparatus via a communications network, wherein the
computing device transmits and receives information to and from the
apparatus.
58. The system according to claim 57 wherein the identifier is a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the reader
comprises an RFID tag reader.
59. The system according to claim 57 wherein the indicator
comprises a visual indicator positioned adjacent the
receptacle.
60. The system according to claim 57 wherein the indicator
comprises an audio indicator.
61. The system according to claim 57 wherein the apparatus
comprises a display.
62. The system according to claim 59 wherein the visual indicator
is configured to provide an indication of medicament quantity.
63. The system according to claim 60 wherein the audio indicator is
configured to provide an indication of medicament quantity.
64. The system according to claim 57 wherein the apparatus includes
a processor in communication with the reader and wherein the dosage
regimen associated with the medicament is stored within processor
memory.
65. The system according to claim 57 wherein the information
retrieved from the identifier comprises a dosage regimen associated
with the medicament.
66. The system according to claim 57 wherein the container
comprises a weight sensor that generates an electric signal when
the container is removably received within the receptacle, and
wherein the apparatus reader is configured to measure an electrical
signal generated by the weight sensor to measure an amount of
medicament in the container.
67. A system for monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a container that contains a medicament,
wherein the container has an identifier attached thereto that
contains information about the medicament including an
identification of the medicament; an apparatus, comprising: a
receptacle for removably receiving the container therein; a reader
that is configured to interrogate the identifier and retrieve
information therefrom; and memory associated with the apparatus
that stores a time when removal of the container from the
receptacle is detected by the reader; and an appliance in
communication with the apparatus, wherein the appliance is
configured to transfer data to the apparatus.
68. The system according to claim 67 wherein the apparatus is
configured to modify a medication regimen associated with the
medicament in response to data received from the appliance.
69. The system according to claim 67 wherein the appliance
comprises at least one of an exercise device, a weight scale, a
scanner, and a refrigerator.
70. The system according to claim 67 wherein the identifier
comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein
the reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
71. The system according to claim 67 wherein the apparatus further
comprises at least one of a visual indicator and audio indicator
that alerts a patient to take a dose of the medicament in
accordance with a dosage regimen associated with the identified
medicament.
72. A system for monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a container that contains a medicament,
wherein the container has an identifier attached thereto that
contains information about the medicament; and an apparatus,
comprising: a first receptacle for removably receiving the
container therein; a second receptacle for removably receiving a
health monitoring device therein; a reader that is configured to
interrogate the identifier and retrieve information therefrom, and
wherein the reader is configured to retrieve data from a health
monitoring device within the second receptacle; and wherein the
apparatus is configured to modify a dosage regimen associated with
the medicament in response to data retrieved from the health
monitoring device.
73. The system according to claim 72 wherein the identifier
comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein
the reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
74. The system according to claim 72 wherein the apparatus further
comprises memory that stores a time when removal of the container
from the receptacle is detected by the reader.
75. The system according to claim 72 wherein the apparatus further
comprises at least one of a visual indicator and audio indicator,
wherein the visual indicator is configured to alert a patient to
take a dose of the medicament in accordance with a dosage regimen
associated with the identified medicament.
76. A system for monitoring patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a first container that contains a first
medicament, wherein the container has a first identifier attached
thereto that contains information about the first medicament,
including an identification of the first medicament; a second
container that contains a second medicament different from the
first medicament, wherein the second container has a second
identifier attached thereto that contains information about the
second medicament, including an identification of the second
medicament; an apparatus, comprising: a first receptacle for
removably receiving the first container therein; a second
receptacle for removably receiving the second container therein; a
reader that is configured to interrogate the first and second
identifiers and retrieve information therefrom, wherein the
retrieved information includes an identification of the first and
second medicaments; and wherein the apparatus is configured to
determine whether the first and second medicaments are
contraindicated.
77. The system according to claim 76 wherein each of the
identifiers is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and
wherein the reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
78. The system according to claim 76 wherein the apparatus further
comprises a visual indicator that indicates the first and second
medicaments are contraindicated.
79. The system according to claim 76 wherein the apparatus further
comprises an audio indicator that indicates the first and second
medicaments are contraindicated.
80. The system according to claim 76 wherein the apparatus
comprises a display that displays a message that the first and
second medicaments are contraindicated.
81. An apparatus that monitors patient compliance with medication
treatment, comprising: a surface for removably receiving a
container thereon, wherein the container contains a medicament, and
wherein the container has an electromagnetic tag attached thereto
that contains information about the medicament including an
identification of the medicament; a reader that is configured to
interrogate the electromagnetic tag and identify the medicament; an
indicator that alerts a patient to take a dose of the medicament in
accordance with a dosage regimen associated with the identified
medicament; and memory associated with the apparatus that stores a
time when removal of the container from the surface is detected by
the reader.
82. The apparatus according to claim 81 wherein the electromagnetic
tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and wherein the
reader comprises an RFID tag reader.
83. The apparatus according to claim 81 wherein the indicator is at
least one of a visual indicator, an audio indicator, and a
display.
84. A comestible medicament comprising a non-toxic electromagnetic
tag, wherein the electromagnetic tag contains information about the
medicament including an identification of the medicament.
85. The comestible medicament according to claim 84 wherein the
electromagnetic tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to healthcare
systems and methods and, more particularly, to systems and methods
for monitoring healthcare treatment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] According to the National Medical Expenditure Survey of
1987, 90 million Americans suffer from one or more chronic
conditions. Treatment of these chronic conditions represents over
76% of health care expenditures and the total direct costs of
treating these chronic conditions is estimated to rise to $798
billion by the year 2030.
[0003] Many patients with chronic conditions are treated at home.
Unfortunately, many patients may be unable to reliably manage their
treatment, such as medication regimens, at home without the
supervision of a healthcare provider. To be effective, medications
often must follow various scheduling and dietary guidelines. For
example, some medications are to be taken with food, others are
not. Some medications are to be taken only once a day, others
multiple times per day. Remembering when to take a medication and
how much of it can become difficult as the number of concurrent
medications increases.
[0004] Various devices for assisting patients in following
medication regimens are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,719
to McIntosh describes a medication clock for signaling the times
that dosages of a medication should be taken. The McIntosh device
also provides a record of when each medicine was taken for
comparison with the medication schedule. In addition, the McIntosh
device can monitor and record temperature, blood pressure and pulse
rate of the user.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,037 to Raven discloses an alarm pill box
which cancels the alarm when a compartment lid is opened. A visual
display is used to indicate the number of times that the lid has
been opened within one day.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,327 to Shepherd et al., describes a
dispenser for providing scheduled dosages of pills according to a
predetermined medication program. A housing contains a plurality of
pill containers from which dosages of pills may be released into a
user-accessible pill receiver. The release of pills is controlled
such that pills are released at predetermined intervals as dictated
by the medication program. On release of a dosage of pills, an
alarm is activated to indicate to a user that a dosage is due to be
taken, the alarm being deactivated when the user accesses the pill
receiver to remove the dosage of pills. If the user does not access
the pill receiver within a predetermined time interval from release
of the dosage, an optional remote alarm may be activated to alert a
supervisor.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,316 to Hanpeter et al. describes a
medication compliance monitoring system consisting of a blister
pack having an array of plastic blisters defining compartments for
medication. The blister pack has a frangible non-conductive backing
sheet including conductive traces behind the compartments which are
respectively ruptured when the medication doses are removed. An
electronic memory circuit detects when individual compartments are
ruptured and stores this information.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,443 to Weinberger describes a
medication-dispensing system that includes a prescribing data entry
station for use by a physician to store prescription information in
a portable prescribing module, a dispensing data entry station for
use by a pharmacy to store dispensing information in a portable
dispensing data storage unit, and a medication dispenser responsive
to information stored in the portable prescribing module to
describe use of medication in the dispenser in accordance with a
regimen prescribed by the physician and to the dispensing data
storage unit to control dispensing of the medication. One
embodiment has two medication drawers, each having a plurality of
compartments with indicating lights selectively indicating the
compartment from which medication is to be taken, a screen for
displaying instructions regarding loading of the medication
compartments and taking of the medication, and a keyboard including
a confirming entry key for actuation by the user to confirm
compliance with the instructions. Another embodiment has a series
of medication-containing compartments, each covered by a separate
sliding or folding cover.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,491 to Mucciacciaro describes a holder
having a plurality of recesses for holding a plurality of
medication containers, each fitting into a unique recess. The
geometry of the bottom of each medication container is unique and
only matches one recess in the holder. A sensor in each recess
signals the presence or absence of the dedicated container to a
microprocessor. The microprocessor is programmed with the
prescribed dose administration schedule for each of the different
medications in the different containers. A real time clock
cooperates with the microprocessor and the program to signal
audibly and visibly by a light at the appropriate container when a
particular pill is to be administered. The signals stop when the
appropriate container is removed from its recess. A different,
warning sound indicates when the wrong container is lifted.
[0010] E-pill (www.epill.com) offers a pager system that sends
reminders to patients to take their medication at specific times of
the day. Carebridge (www.carebridge.net) provides an electronic
timing device that patients can use to help them to remember to
take their medication.
[0011] IBV Technologies (1500 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, Wash.
98109) provides a medication vial that records the time a patient
takes his/her medication when a button is pressed by the patient.
When returned to a pharmacy for a refill, the pharmacy can download
and review a compliance report from the vial and counsel the
patient regarding medication compliance.
[0012] APREX (30112 Eigenbrodt Way, Union City, Calif.) provides a
telemedicine service for monitoring medication compliance. Patients
take their medication from medication containers outfitted with
caps that have a mini-computer therein. When patients remove the
cap from a bottle to take a dose of the medication contained
therein, the mini-computer records the time and date of the dosing
event. At the end of the day, patients place their medication
bottles on a specially configured modem that transmits daily dosing
information to a selected healthcare provider. If the healthcare
provider detects a problem in how or when patients are taking their
medication, those patients are called the next day by specially
trained healthcare providers.
[0013] The MediMonitor.RTM., available from InforMedix, Inc. (5920
Hubbard Dr., Rockville Md. 20852), is configured to retain a
month's supply of up to five medications in individual compartments
and alerts patients when and how to take the medications. The
MediMonitor.RTM. also monitors medication use and health status by
providing a date and time-stamped record of a patient's
medication-taking behavior, together with patient responses to
specific questions. The MediMonitor.RTM. can transmit information
via an Internet-accessible server and database to clinical drug
trial sites, physicians, pharmacies and other healthcare providers.
Healthcare providers can communicate information, as well as
reminders and specific instructions, directly to patients via the
MediMonitor.RTM..
[0014] Szeto et al. describe a holder having receptacles for five
standard sized medication containers, a four-line 20-character
alphanumeric LCD, and connectors for power supply and data
communications. A microswitch embedded in a wall of each receptacle
detects whether the receptacle is occupied or empty.
[0015] Unfortunately, existing devices for assisting patients in
following medication regimens can be somewhat expensive and complex
in design. Furthermore, existing devices for assisting patients in
following medication regimens can seem somewhat intrusive to a
user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is directed to systems and methods for
facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by
patients. A "Smart Tray" is provided that is capable of monitoring
and reporting to third parties a patient's compliance with various
treatment regimens, including medication regimens. Medication
containers are provided with electromagnetic tags or other
identifiers that provide various information about one or more
medicaments contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray
is equipped with a reader that interrogates each respective
electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each
container. The reader may also retrieve other information as well,
such as dosage regimens. Using this retrieved information, a Smart
Tray can provide visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind
the patient when and how much of one or more medicaments to take. A
Smart Tray also monitors, via a reader, when a medication container
is removed and stores this information. This can provide an
indication of whether or not medication was taken in accordance
with one or more medication regimens.
[0017] A Smart Tray according to the present invention can be
configured to communicate with one or more third parties, such as
healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare
products and services via a computer network such as the internet
(or an intranet), a wide area network (WAN), or a local area
network (LAN). For example, a Smart Tray, upon sensing that a
supply of a particular medicament is low, can place an order for
more of the medicament directly with a pharmacy or via a healthcare
provider.
[0018] In addition, a Smart Tray can communicate with various
appliances and devices including, but not limited to, personal
computers, Web TVs, weight scales, refrigerators, exercise devices,
and scanners. A Smart Tray can modify medication regimens for
particular medicaments in response to data received from various
appliances. For example, if a Smart Tray receives data from an
exercise device that a patient has increased his/her exercise
regimen, a processor within the Smart Tray may adjust one or more
of the patient's medication regimens. In addition, data can be
retrieved from various health monitoring devices, such as blood
pressure monitors and the like. Retrieved data may also be utilized
by a Smart Tray to modify various medication regimens.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
Smart Tray can be configured to determine whether two or more
medicaments are contraindicated. The electromagnetic tags
associated with two or more medication containers can be
interrogated to identify medicaments contained within the
respective containers. The Smart Tray can then determine, based on
information retrieved from each respective electromagnetic tag,
whether or not medicaments contained within the respective
containers are contraindicated. If two or more medicaments are
determined to be contraindicated, a patient can be alerted by the
Smart Tray. Similarly, a third party healthcare provider may be
alerted by the Smart Tray.
[0020] The present invention may facilitate compliance with
medication regimens, especially complex regimens involving multiple
medications. As such, the present invention may reduce medication
errors made by patients, such as taking the wrong drug, taking the
wrong dose, taking a dose at the wrong time, or various
combinations thereof. Furthermore, the present invention may reduce
the need for patients to remember when and how much of a particular
medication to take.
[0021] In addition, the present invention may facilitate
prescription refills such that a patient receives a new
prescription without a lapse in medication occurring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a system for interactively
managing medication regimens of patients, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a system for interactively
managing medication regimens of patients, according to another
embodiment of the present invention wherein the Smart Tray of FIG.
1 is configured to communicate with one or more appliances and
devices.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a Smart Tray according to
one embodiment of the present invention wherein multiple medication
containers are removably received within respective receptacles. In
addition, a blood pressure monitor is removably received within
another receptacle referred to as a sensing surface.
[0025] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates various electronic
components included within a Smart Tray according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an exemplary medication
container having an RFID tag affixed to a bottom surface
thereof.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an exemplary medication
container having an RFID tag affixed to a bottom surface thereof
and having a piezoelectric element affixed to, and in communication
with, the RFID tag.
[0028] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate operations for monitoring compliance
with medication regimens according to various aspects of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a person having an identification tag
attached thereto that allows a Smart Tray to identify the person
when placing objects on the Smart Tray or when removing objects
from the Smart Tray, according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a pill having an identifying tag or
indicia attached thereto, according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a Smart Tray according to
another embodiment of the present invention wherein receptacles are
not utilized and wherein visual indication of the presence of an
object is utilized.
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates operations for identifying a person
tagged via an electromagnetic tag according to another embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The present invention now is described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout the description of the drawings.
[0034] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the
present invention may be embodied as methods and systems. The
present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware
aspects. Throughout the description of the present invention, the
terms medicament, medicine, drug, and medication may be used
interchangeably.
System Overview
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 10 according to an
embodiment of the present invention for facilitating effective
self-management of medication treatment by patients is
schematically illustrated. The illustrated system 10 includes an
electronic apparatus 12, referred to as a "Smart Tray", that is
capable of monitoring and reporting to third parties a patient's
compliance with various treatment regimens, including medication
regimens. The Smart Tray 12 can be configured to remind patients of
medication they are to take at a given time of day and to record
whether or not the medication was taken.
[0036] The Smart Tray 12 can also be configured to communicate with
one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers 14,
pharmacies 16, and other suppliers 18 of healthcare products and
services via a computer network 20 such as the internet (or an
intranet), a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network
(LAN). The Smart Tray 12 may be configured to communicate with
various data processing systems and computing devices of third
parties in order to transfer and receive various information. For
example, the Smart Tray 12, upon sensing that a supply of a
particular medicament is low, can place an order for more of the
medicament directly with a pharmacy 16 or via a healthcare provider
14. Preferably, the Smart Tray 12 utilizes a modem that is
configured to communicate with external computing devices via a
communications network.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 2, a system 10' includes a Smart Tray 12 that
can communicate with various appliances (22a-22f). Exemplary
appliances may include, but are not limited to, personal computers
22a, Web TVs 22b, weight scales 22c, refrigerators 22d, exercise
devices 22e, and scanners 22f. The Smart Tray 12 preferably
contains a processor that is configured to modify medication
regimens for particular medicaments in response to data received
from various appliances. For example, if the Smart Tray 12 receives
data from an exercise device 22e that a patient has increased
his/her exercise regimen, a processor within the Smart Tray 22 may
adjust one or more of the patient's medication regimens. Similarly,
medication regimens may be modified pursuant to data received from
a weight scale 22c that a patient's weight has changed. A patient's
food intake (as well as chemical intake, such as sodium) may also
be monitored when a Smart Tray is in communication with a
refrigerator 22d, or with a scanner that is configured to scan
packages of food. It will be understood that although
communications between the Smart Tray 12 and the other devices in
FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated as wired communications, wireless
communications also may be used.
Smart Tray
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, a Smart Tray 12, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The
illustrated Smart Tray 12 has an elongated configuration with a
generally flat surface 30. Disposed within the surface 30 are a
plurality of receptacles 32 configured to removably receive a
plurality of medication containers 34 therein. In the illustrated
embodiment, the receptacles 32 have a cylindrical configuration for
removably receiving cylindrical medication containers 34 (i.e.,
conventional pill bottles). However, it is understood that the
Smart Tray 12 may have receptacles with various configurations for
removably receiving medication containers of various configurations
and is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example,
custom medication containers containing "cocktails" (i.e., multiple
medicaments) that are for one-time use may be utilized with a Smart
Tray according to the present invention. These custom medication
containers may have various shapes and sizes.
[0039] The illustrated Smart Tray 12 also includes a display 35,
such as an LCD (liquid crystal display), located adjacent the
plurality of receptacles 32. Various types of displays may be
utilized. The Smart Tray 12 is not limited to an LCD. The display
35 is configured to display various types of information to a
patient. For example, and as will be described below, when it is
time for a patient to take a particular medicament, or combination
of medicaments, instructions can be displayed to the patient.
[0040] The illustrated Smart Tray 12 also includes a sensing
surface 37 located adjacent the plurality of receptacles 32 and
display 35. As will be described below, the sensing surface 35 is a
receptacle that is configured to removably receive and interact
with various objects that patients may use to perform a healthcare
functions. Exemplary "objects" include, but are not limited to,
blood pressure monitors, thermometers, pagers, glucometers,
prothrombin and coagulation monitors.
[0041] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, the Smart Tray 12
may include a processor 40. An RF coil array 41, multiplexer 42,
and a modem 43 are in communication with the processor 40. The RF
coil array 41 serves as an electromagnetic tag reader that can
rapidly identify electromagnetic tags associated with objects
disposed within a receptacle in the Smart Tray 12. The RF coils
within the array 41 are switched by the multiplexer 42 in order to
allow the position of multiple objects within the Smart Tray 12 to
be tracked concurrently. Multiplexers are understood by those of
skill in the art and need not be described further herein.
[0042] Preferably, the RF coil array 41 can identify
electromagnetic tags resonating within a range of about 55 kHz to
about 85 kHz. However, it is understood that electromagnetic tags
resonating at other frequencies may also be identified using an RF
coil array according to the present invention. Moreover, it also
will be understood that various other types of identifiers may be
used on the containers 34 including, but not limited to, one and
two dimensional bar codes, graphical indicia, and other electronic
tags. Corresponding sensors including optical, magnetic, and
capacitive sensors also may be provided. Moreover, the identifiers
and sensors need not be of the same type.
[0043] The processor 40 may be virtually any type of processor,
such as an 8-bit processor, and controls electromagnetic tag
reading and display functions. In addition, the processor 40
preferably retains a history of events within memory, as will be
described in detail below. Dosage regimens for various medicaments
may be stored within processor memory. In addition, dosage regimens
may be read from electromagnetic tags attached to medicament
containers and stored within processor memory. It will be
understood that general purpose processors or special purpose
processors may be used. Moreover, an Application Specific
Integrated Circuit (ASIC) may be provided to integrate one or more
of the elements of FIG. 4. The ASIC can include a processor and/or
logic circuits to control operations.
[0044] The modem 43 is configured to communicate with external
computing devices so that data stored within processor memory can
be transmitted to healthcare providers and other third parties,
including medicament suppliers (e.g., pharmacies), and so that
information can be received from healthcare providers and other
third parties.
[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, each RF coil within the array
41 is associated with (and is preferably positioned adjacent to) a
respective receptacle 32. An RF coil in the array 41 is also
associated with (and positioned adjacent to) the sensing surface
37. Each RF coil is configured to independently sense the presence
of an object having an electromagnetic tag, such as a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag, secured thereto. For example,
an RF coil associated with a particular receptacle 32 can sense the
presence of an object having an electromagnetic tag disposed within
the receptacle. It will also be understood that one RF coil can
sense multiple RFID tags on one or more containers. As such, one RF
coil may be utilized for more than one receptacle 32.
[0046] In addition, each RF coil in the array 41 is configured to
communicate with an electromagnetic tag attached to an object in
the vicinity of the RF coil. Preferably, each RF coil serves as a
"reader" that can "interrogate" an electromagnetic tag (or other
identifier) to obtain information stored within the electromagnetic
tag (or other identifier). When attached to a medication container,
an electromagnetic tag may contain information that identifies one
or more medicaments contained within the container, and information
about dosage rates and frequency of dosages. Other information
relevant to a patient's treatment may also be stored within an
electromagnetic tag. For example, information about whether a
medicament needs to be taken with food, whether a patient should
avoid sunlight may be included, and other similar types of
information may be included. Information obtained from an
electromagnetic tag by an RF coil may be stored within the
processor memory.
[0047] RF coils and their use in detecting the proximity of
electromagnetic tags and for interrogating electromagnetic tags for
information are understood by those of skill in the art and need
not be discussed further herein. A particularly preferred Smart
Tray having an array of RF coils for detecting the proximity of
objects tagged with electromagnetic tags and for interrogating
electromagnetic tags for information is disclosed in a co-assigned
and co-pending U.S. Provisional Application, entitled Platform for
Item Sensing and Identification (Attorney Docket Number 109026-77)
which was filed Dec. 29, 1999, and which is incorporated herein by
reference, in its entirety.
[0048] RFID tags typically contain circuitry that stores and
transmits information about the item attached to the tag in
cooperation with a compatible RFID reader/writer. Conventional RFID
circuitry does not require a battery or an external energy source.
However, a battery may be included. RF energy is typically
transmitted by an RF reader specifically adapted to interact with
the RF circuitry of an RFID tag. RFID tags are described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,528,222 which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary medication container
34 has an RFID tag 50 affixed to the bottom surface 34a thereof. An
RF coil (39, FIG. 6) associated with a respective receptacle 32 is
configured to detect the presence of a medicine container 34
disposed therein via the RFID tag 50. In addition, an RF coil is
also configured to interrogate the circuitry of the RFID tag 50 to
obtain information therefrom. Although the illustrated RFID tag 50
is attached to the bottom surface 34a of the medicine container, it
is understood that RFID tags can be attached to (or incorporated
within) medication containers in various locations, and the RF coil
may be located at various locations.
[0050] Referring back to FIG. 3, the illustrated Smart Tray 12
includes an LED (light emitting diode) 36 adjacent each respective
receptacle 32. Each LED 36 serves as a visual indicator for
displaying visual signals to a patient. For example, when a
medication container 34 is placed within a respective receptacle
32, the LED 36 adjacent the receptacle 32 may display a green
color. When a medicament within a medication container 34 disposed
within a receptacle 32 is to be taken by a patient, the LED 36 may
display a red color, or may flash in order to gain the attention of
the patient. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, five
medication containers 34 are disposed within five respective
receptacles 32. An LED 36 adjacent each of these receptacles is
illuminated to indicate the presence of a medication container
therewithin.
[0051] In addition, the Smart Tray 12 may include an audio
indicator that can audibly signal a patient as to which medications
should be taken in accordance with a medication regimen. Exemplary
audio signals may include, but are not limited to, voice commands
and signals such as bells, whistles, beepers, buzzers, and the
like.
[0052] The number of flashes and/or audio signals can be used to
indicate the number of pills (dosage amount) to be taken. For
example, three flashes (or audio signals) can indicate three pills,
two flashes (or audio signals) can indicate two pills, and so
forth. In addition, voice commands may also be utilized to specify
medicament quantity.
[0053] Each time a tagged medication container 34 is placed within
a receptacle 32, or a tagged object is placed on the sensing
surface 37, the event is recorded by a processor 40 or other device
within the Smart Tray 12. Similarly, each time a medication
container 34 is removed from a receptacle 32, or an object is
removed from the sensing surface 37, the removal event is recorded
by the Smart Tray processor 40 or other device. Each event is
stored and can be communicated to other computing devices via a
communications network 20.
[0054] The Smart Tray 12 may be configured to communicate with
computing devices via communications networks that conform to
various standards and protocols including, but not limited to, the
Bluetooth standard. As is well known to those having skill in the
art, Bluetooth technology provides a universal radio interface in
the 2.45 GHz frequency band that enables portable electronic
devices to connect and communicate wirelessly via short-range ad
hoc networks. Bluetooth technology is described for example in
Haartsen, "Bluetooth-The Universal Radio Interface for Ad Hoc,
Wireless Connectivity", Ericsson Review No. 3, 1998, pp. 110-117,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In addition, a serial data connection may be provided to allow the
exchange of data with external appliances and other devices.
[0055] When a medication container 34 is placed within a receptacle
32, an RF coil associated with the receptacle 32 can interrogate an
RFID tag 50 attached to the medication container to obtain
information about the medicament(s) within the container 34.
Exemplary information includes the name of the medicament(s) and a
dosage regimen for the medicament(s). A dosage regimen typically
includes an amount of a medicament and time(s) that each dose is to
be taken. In addition, other information, such as whether to take a
medicament with food, or whether to avoid taking a medicament in
conjunction with other types of medications, can also be retrieved
from an RFID tag. Preferably, a Smart Tray 12 according to the
present invention can display various types of information to a
patient via the display 35.
[0056] According to another embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more piezoelectric elements 60 or
other weighing devices may be attached to a medicine container 34.
In the illustrated embodiment, a piezoelectric element 60 is
attached to an RFID tag 50 on the bottom surface 34a of a
medication container 34. As is understood by those of skill in the
art, piezoelectric elements generate an electrical signal when a
mechanical stress is applied thereto. Accordingly, by measuring an
electrical signal generated by a piezoelectric element 60 stressed
under the weight of the medicine container 34, the weight (and,
thus, the amount) of medicament within the medication container 34
can be determined. By using piezoelectric elements, a Smart Tray 12
according to the present invention can monitor how much of a
medicament has been taken over time, thereby facilitating
monitoring user compliance with medication regimens. Piezoelectric
elements according to this aspect of the present invention can
communicate with an RFID tag attached to a medication container (or
other object) or can communicate directly with an RF coil or other
sensor within the Smart Tray 12.
[0057] Referring back to FIG. 3, a blood pressure monitor 70 is
disposed on the sensing surface 37. An RF coil associated with the
sensing surface 37 preferably communicates with an electromagnetic
tag (not shown) attached to the blood pressure monitor 70 and
downloads information therefrom. For example, after measuring
his/her blood pressure with the blood pressure monitor 70, a
patient can place the blood pressure monitor 70 on the sensing
surface 37 and blood pressure information can be downloaded to and
stored within the Smart Tray processor 40. This information may be
transmitted to a third party healthcare provider via modem 43.
Alternatively, this information may be used to modify one or more
dosage regimens for one or more medicaments as described above.
[0058] The sensing surface 37 may be used to download information
from virtually any type of healthcare device having an
electromagnetic tag attached thereto or embedded therewithin that a
patient may use including, but not limited to, blood pressure
monitors, thermometers, pagers, glucometers, prothrombin and
coagulation monitors.
[0059] A Smart Tray according to the present invention passively
and unobtrusively facilitates monitoring patient compliance with
medication treatment regimens. For example, the Smart Tray can
remind patients which medication to take using visual and/or audio
cues. In addition, the Smart Tray can record medication
administration as an aid to disease management. Furthermore, the
Smart Tray can facilitate disease management by providing education
and motivation to patients.
[0060] A Smart Tray according to the present invention also can
facilitate control over medicament inventory by automatically
placing orders prior to supply depletion. A Smart Tray can be
incorporated into a medicine cabinet or shelf, and can be
integrated with kitchen shelf for both diet and medication
management. A Smart Tray may be utilized with various
medicine-dispensing regimens. For example, the Smart Tray can be
utilized with dispensers of liquid medicines. A Smart Tray may also
be incorporated within a refrigeration device. A portable version
of a Smart Tray may be configured for travel.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
Smart Tray can be configured to alert patients if one or more
medicaments are contraindicated. As is known to those of skill in
the art, the term "contraindicated" means that when administered
together, two or more medicaments may cause an adverse reaction in
a patient or can inhibit the effectiveness of each other.
Contraindications may be signaled via a visual indicator or via an
audio indicator, or some combination of audio and visual
indicators.
[0062] A Smart Tray according to the present invention need not
have receptacles for receiving medication containers and other
objects. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a Smart Tray 12'
may have a generally flat surface 30 for receiving tagged objects
such as medication containers 34. An RF coil array can be
configured to recognize a tagged object placed anywhere on the
surface 30. Various types of visual indicators may be utilized to
indicate the presence of a tagged object. In the illustrated
embodiment, portions 36' of the surface directly beneath a tagged
medication container 34 are illuminated to indicate the presence of
the tagged medication containers 34.
Operations
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, operations for monitoring
patient compliance with medication treatment, according to various
embodiments of the present invention, are illustrated. Referring
initially to FIG. 7, a medication container containing one or more
medicaments is removably received within a receptacle of a Smart
Tray (Block 100). The container has an electromagnetic tag or other
indicia associated therewith (e.g., attached thereto or embedded
therein), such as an RFID tag, that may contain various types of
information about the medicament(s) within the container. Exemplary
information includes, but is not limited to, an identification of
each medicament and dosage regimens for each medicament within the
container.
[0064] The electromagnetic tag is interrogated by a reader, such as
an RF coil, to retrieve information, such as an identification of
the medicament(s) and/or a dosage regimen(s), from the
electromagnetic tag (Block 110). A patient is then alerted via the
Smart Tray to take a dose of a medicament in accordance with a
dosage regimen associated with the identified medicament(s) (Block
120). Each time the patient removes the container from the
receptacle, the time of removal may be detected by the reader and
stored (Block 130).
[0065] A patient may be alerted by the Smart Tray to take a dose of
the medicament(s) via visual and/or audio indicators. For example,
a light may flash to indicate that a particular medicament is to be
taken (and how much is to be taken). Similarly, an audio signal may
sound to indicate that a particular medicament is to be taken (and
how much is to be taken). Synthesized voice instructions also may
be generated. In addition, a patient may be alerted via a display
that displays messages.
[0066] Each time a container is returned to a receptacle, an amount
of medicament(s) remaining in the container may be determined
(Block 140). As described above, this step is preferably performed
using piezoelectric elements or other weight sensors that deflect
under the weight of the container and its contents.
[0067] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
communications may be established between a Smart Tray and one or
more external computing devices via a communications network (Block
150). Information may then be transmitted from the Smart Tray to
the external computing device(s) (Block 160). For example,
communications may be established with one or more healthcare
providers that use data from the Smart Tray to determine whether a
patient is in compliance with a medication (or other treatment)
regimen. A healthcare provider can communicate with a patient by
sending messages that can be displayed to a patient via the Smart
Tray display (Block 170). In addition, a healthcare provider can
modify a dosage regimen by transmitting commands to the Smart Tray.
As another example, communications may be established with a
medicament supplier such that additional medicament may be supplied
to a patient.
[0068] In addition, a patient may establish communications with an
external computing device via the Smart Tray, such as a Web site,
and retrieve information therefrom (Block 170). For example,
information about a particular medicament may be displayed to a
patient, either via the Smart Tray or via a PC or Web TV in
communication with the Smart Tray.
[0069] According to another embodiment of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 8, a Smart Tray can be configured to
communicate with one or more appliances including, but not limited
to, exercise devices, refrigerators, scanners, and weight scales.
According to this embodiment, communications are established
between a Smart Tray and an appliance (Block 200). Data is then
retrieved from the appliance (Block 210). For example, a patient's
weight is retrieved from a scale, or a patient's intake of sodium
is retrieved from a "smart" refrigerator that monitors food
obtained therefrom by the patient. A medication (or other) regimen
associated with one or more medicaments can then be modified in
response to data received from one or more of the appliances (Block
220).
[0070] A patient may be alerted by the Smart Tray of modified
medication regimens (Block 230). In addition, third parties, such
as healthcare providers, may be notified of modified medication
regimens (Block 240). As described above, the Smart Tray may notify
third parties by establishing communications with external
computing devices and transmitting information therebetween.
[0071] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
Smart Tray can be configured to modify a dosage regimen based upon
data retrieved from a health monitoring device. Referring to FIG.
9, a medication container containing one or more medicaments is
removably received within a receptacle of a Smart Tray (Block 300).
The container has an electromagnetic tag associated therewith, as
described above, that may contain various types of information
about the medicament(s) within the container. The electromagnetic
tag is interrogated by a reader, such as an RF coil, to retrieve
information, such as an identification of the medicament(s) and/or
dosage regimen(s), from the electromagnetic tag (Block 310).
[0072] A health monitoring device is placed within a receptacle
(e.g., the sensing surface 37 described above) of a Smart Tray
(Block 320). The health monitoring device has an electromagnetic
tag attached thereto that identifies the health monitoring device.
Data is then retrieved from the health monitoring device (Block
330). For example, the health monitoring device may be a blood
pressure monitor that a patient has just used to measure his/her
blood pressure. The patient places the blood pressure monitor
within the receptacle and blood pressure data is retrieved by the
Smart Tray.
[0073] A medication (or other) regimen associated with one or more
medicaments can be modified in response to data received from a
health monitoring device (Block 340). A patient may be alerted by
the Smart Tray of modified medication regimens (Block 350). In
addition, third parties, such as healthcare providers, may be
notified of modified medication regimens (Block 360). As described
above, the Smart Tray may notify third parties by establishing
communications with external computing devices and transmitting
information therebetween.
[0074] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
Smart Tray can be configured to determine whether two or more
medicaments are contraindicated. Referring to FIG. 10, two or more
medication containers are removably received within respective
receptacles of a Smart Tray (Block 400). As described above, each
medication container includes an electromagnetic tag or other
identifier/indicator that contains various information about
medicament(s) contained within the respective container. The
electromagnetic tag of each container is then interrogated (Block
410) as described above. A determination is made, based on
information retrieved from each respective electromagnetic tag,
whether or not medicaments contained within the respective
containers are contraindicated (Block 420). If two or more
medicaments are determined to be contraindicated, a patient is
alerted by the Smart Tray (Block 430). As described above, visual
and/or audio signals may be utilized to alert a patient.
Tagging Persons and Medications
[0075] According to additional embodiments of the present
invention, persons and medications can be "tagged." In the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, a person 70 is wearing a
bracelet 72. The bracelet 72 contains an identification tag that
can be recognized by a sensor of the Smart Tray 12. Preferably, the
identification tag is an electromagnetic tag, such as an RFID tag
that can be interrogated by an RF coil array as described above.
According to this embodiment, a Smart Tray 12 can identify a
particular person that is placing or removing objects on the Smart
Tray 12 or removing objects from the Smart Tray 12.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 14, a Smart Tray reader is configured
to interrogate an electromagnetic tag, such as an RFID tag,
attached to a person and retrieve information therefrom, such as
the person's identity, when the person accesses an object on the
Smart Tray (Block 500). The term "accessing" can mean placing a
medication container on a Smart Tray and removing a medication
container from a Smart Tray. In addition, the term "accessing" can
mean placing on a Smart Tray and/or removing from a Smart Tray
various other tagged objects including, but not limited to, blood
pressure monitors and other monitoring devices. Preferably, a Smart
Tray according to this embodiment of the present invention stores
in the Smart Tray (or elsewhere) a time when a person accesses an
object held by the Smart Tray (Block 510).
[0077] Referring to FIG. 12, a comestible medicament 80 includes a
non-toxic electromagnetic tag 82 thereon that allows a Smart Tray
to identify the individual comestible medicament 80. The
illustrated comestible medicament 80 is in pill form; however, it
is understood that other types of comestible medicament forms may
be utilized, such as caplets, capsules and the like. In addition,
it is understood that a non-toxic electromagnetic tag may be
disposed within a comestible medicament.
[0078] By tagging individual units of medication, a Smart Tray
according to the present invention can accurately track whether a
particular dose of a medication has been taken by a patient at a
prescribed time. In addition, tagging individual medication units
can facilitate control over medication inventories.
[0079] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is
illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as
limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that
modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims,
with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
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