Med Box: Smart Medication Reminding & Monitoring

Abstract

Effective medication management plays a vital role in a patient's recovery, and timely adherence to prescribed medication is key to achieving positive health outcomes. In our fast-paced society, many individuals face challenges in maintaining their medication schedules, which can significantly impact their recovery process. This concern is particularly pronounced among older adults and those managing chronic conditions. Inadequate medication adherence not only threatens health but can also lead to severe complications. Medication management applications have surfaced, although there has been limited advancement in this area in Pakistan, with few hospitals adopting comprehensive medication management systems. There is also a notable gap in home-based solutions that can effectively track medication intake and maintain detailed medication histories. This study aims to evaluate a newly developed medication management system that enhances patient adherence while minimizing medication errors and providing a reliable record of medication history. The proposed prototype includes both a hardware component and a mobile application called "Med App," designed to support patients in managing their medications and documenting their medication journeys. The integrated hardware features five automated containers for medication storage, all operated seamlessly through the Med App. It leverages advanced sensors and image processing technologies to ensure precise medication dispensing and tracking within each container. All collected data is securely stored on the Firebase platform, integrating information from both the app and the hardware.