Safe pill-dispensing.
Each patient is supplied with a smart-card containing a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) chip storing a unique identification code. The patient places the Smart-card on a pill-dispenser unit containing an RFID reader. The RFID chip is read and the code sent to a Base-station via a wireless Bluetooth link. A database containing both patient details and treatment information is queried at the Base-station using the RFID as the search key. The patient's treatment data (i.e., drug names, quantities, time, etc.) are retrieved and sent back to the pill-dispenser unit via Bluetooth. Appropriate quantities of the required medications are automatically dispensed, unless the patient has already taken his/her daily dose. Safe, confidential communication and operation is ensured.
Testa
Massimiliano
M
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, UK.
Pollard
John
J
D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital; D010355:Patient Identification Systems