An often challenging aspect of being a carer is ensuring medicines are being taken at the right time and dosage. With as many as 50% of patients not taking medicines as prescribed and £300 million being wasted as a result, medication problems are widespread. For the elderly, forgetfulness and double dosing can be a common issue and sticking with a schedule can be difficult for various reasons. Therefore, caregivers play an important role in managing medicines for patients with conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is more to being a caregiver than just ensuring medicines are being taken properly. The responsibilities range from food preparation to doing shopping for their loved ones and the role of a carer can often become stressful. However, there are opportunities for mobile health apps to aid in medicine management for not only caregivers, but also for patients managing their own medicines.
A 2017 survey from the Massachusetts eHealth institute had shown that 88% of caregivers within the study had to give medicines to their loved ones. Furthermore a 2016 report from AARP had shown more than three quarters of caregivers in the study were interested in technology that would aid them in medication adherence, delivery and refills.
With an app such as Medsmart, patients and caregivers can manage medicines in the comfort of their own home. Patients on multiple medicines can log, manage and learn about the medicines they are on. Furthermore, by using Medsmart, patients and caregivers can securely save their profile and manage their loved ones’ medicines.
With audiovisual content explaining how the individual medicines work and correct technique for how to take it, Medsmart unlocks information about medicine ingredients, side effects and interactions. Patients can use the Medsmart smart reminders to keep on track with their medicines so they never miss a dose again.
