Using Wearable Sensors to Improve Adherence to Medication Directions

Lee Tuchfarber possesses an extensive background in commercial real estate and senior housing development. In addition to overseeing operations at Renew Senior Communities, LLC, in Glenwood Springs and Aurora, CO, Lee Tuchfarber has a professional interest in technologies, such as telehealth and wearable sensors, that can improve the quality of life for seniors.

Wearable sensors are devices that can collect and securely share important patient data. One promising application of wearable sensors is monitoring medication adherence. When patients forget to take their medication as directed, the prescription’s effectiveness is greatly reduced.

Traditionally, caregivers or clinicians are tasked with reminding patients to take their medicine and recording the dosage. This method is prone to documentation errors. There also may be considerable delays in transferring the information to patients’ medical files.

Wearable sensors can remind seniors to take their medication. Additionally, sensors on medication packaging can let seniors know if they have taken the correct dosage. This data can be uploaded automatically into the patients’ electronic health records, which can be shared with their physicians and caregivers