Digital medication devices, trialled over a 12-month period in
Bridgend, have helped over 70 participants manage their
medication independently.
The two piloted devices - Pivotell™ Advance and YOURmeds™ -
prompt the user to take their medication and deliver the
appropriate dose at the right time. They can also alert family
members as well as the council's alarm receiving centre if a dose
is missed, prompting timely support.
Mrs Jones trialled the medicine dispenser and was very pleased
with it. The device is filled by a local pharmacy every two weeks
and provides an alert when it is time for Mrs Jones to take her
medication. The blue bowl into which the medicines are tipped
makes them easier to see and reduces the risk of them being
dropped.
Funded by Welsh Government with support from the Life Sciences
Hub, the dispensing devices were offered to adults referred to
Bridgend County Borough Council's social services who were
struggling to safely manage their medicines. This could be due to
sensory loss, cognitive impairment or dexterity issues.
The pilot has shown the devices can promote independence, reduce
need for care packages and potentially reduce hospital admissions
due to medication errors. Four out of five people in the trial
were able to use the device successfully, reducing missed doses
and medication errors.
Pharmacy and social care teams reported that staff time had been
freed up for new assessments.
The devices also support unpaid-informal carers by reducing the
need for medication-related visits by family members -
potentially supporting carers to stay in paid employment.
At the end of the trial, 83% of family members reported feeling
more supported, less isolated, and more confident that the person
they cared for was being supported more effectively.
Mrs Jones said:
“This has been fantastic, it's brilliant and made things so much
easier.”
The Minister for Children and Social Care, , said:
"This innovative project demonstrates how the right technology,
combined with expert support, can help people maintain their
independence and continue doing the things they love.
"The results speak for themselves – 80% medication adherence,
reduced pressure on our care services, and most importantly,
people feeling more confident and supported in their own homes.
"This is exactly the kind of preventative, person-centred
approach we need as we build an NHS and social care system fit
for the future"
Thomas Sauter, Clinical Lead Pharmacist at Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB,
said:
"By working together as an integrated health and social care
team, we've been able to support people to take their medicines
independently and safely. That independence makes a real
difference — not just to individuals, but to their families, who
feel more reassured and have reduced worries about daily
medication."
Bridgend County Borough Council have secured additional funding
to ensure participants can continue to use these devices for as
long as they need them and to support new users.
The project was showcased at the National Social Care Conference
last October and shortlisted for an NHS Wales Award.
