title: Real-time wireless compliance monitoring system using calendar-type pill organizer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accurate information about patients' use of medication is crucially important for medical treatment. Real-time information can prevent treatment failure resulting from medication delays or failures.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study, a compliance-monitoring system is developed for physicians to ascertain their patients' drug-taking behaviors at home in real time. Its operation is then evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors produced a device that uses wireless communication to notify a physician that drugs are taken out of a package by a patient. The device has sensors to detect the package opening. A wireless module is installed in a drug-containing calendar-type pill organizer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Experimental trials confirmed that a physician can monitor the kind and number of drugs removed from the package on a real-time basis. Furthermore, a practical system can be produced by measuring the distance and consumption current of the produced device, which allows wireless communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This system enables a doctor to intervene immediately when any compliance lapse occurs, thereby preventing treatment failure caused by delayed response.
authors.affiliation: Information Science Center, Tohoku Pharmaceutical University, Miyagi, Japan.
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoshi
authors.forename: Junko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kawakami
authors.forename: Sorama
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Kouji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hamada
authors.forename: Kenichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sato
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D059015:Wireless Technology; D016903:Drug Monitoring
keywords: Medication compliance/adherence; battery-aware design; telehealth; wireless compliance monitoring