EP0526166A2 — Patient compliance monitoring method and system

USPTO Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of monitoring a patient's medicine compliance. It involves utilizing an automatic compliance monitoring device which tracks patient compliance data, along with a wave energy transmitter and power source, all connected to a medicine container. A receiver is connected to a computer with a display unit. The compliance monitoring device or the computer is programmed to calculate compliance requirements of the container e.g. by number of cap openings, by dispensing count or by weight information obtained by the automatic compliance monitoring device, for each dosage administration for the prescription period. The wave energy transmitter on the medicine container continuously, periodically, or randomly transmits raw or calculated data to the receiver and from there to the computer to compare actual usage with compliance required, to determine compliance results on the display unit to permit compliance monitoring on a monitor at a remote location. Optionally, other patient characteristics are also monitored and feedback is provided. The present invention includes both the method and the system of interconnected devices to practice the method as well as a single component which includes in combination, the medicine container, compliance device, transmitter and power source. Feedback may be to any professional or any remote location, and a single medicine or a plurality of medicines may be monitored.