1. Accessible Pill Cap Dispensing/Cutting Device
Team Leader: Max Michalski
Communications: Ashley Huth
BWIG: Bryan Fondrie
BSAC: Joe Ferris
Client: John Enderle, Ph.D
Local Client: Mitch Tyler, Ph. D
Advisor: Naomi Chelser, Ph.D

2. Overview Problem Statement Background Design Requirements
Accessibility
Current Products
Designs
Future Work

3. Problem Statement
Currently, errors in medication administration and compliance are persistent problems in home medication.
Common errors include skipped dosages, confusion over what pill to take at an appropriate time, and misinterpretation medication instructions.
Many current pill dispensers incorporate medication reminders; however, few relay missed dosage information to medical personal.
No current pill dispenser has the ability to cut pills in half.
1.Inappropriate use, or lack there of, of medication can result in direct patient harm if not addressed by clinical staff.
2. Patients suffering from a wide variety of disabilities may encounter difficulties remembering medication administration schedule or opening traditional pill bottles.

4. Background-Problems with adherence to medication
Reported average adherence rates of 43%-78% for patients receiving treatment for chronic conditions
HIV Patients
Patients with Psychiatric illnesses
Elderly
Reasons: forgetfulness, other priorities, decision to omit dosage, lack of info, and emotional/physical factors
The ability of physicians to recognize poor adherence1
which leads to worsening of disease, death and increased healthcare costs in US (100 billion dollars a year) 4

5. Background-Measures of Adherence
METHODS Measurement of level of medicine in blood Rate of prescription refills Patient self-reports Electronic monitors
ADVANTAGES
Objective
Objective, easy to obtain data
Simple, inexpensive
Precise, track patterns of taking meds
DISADVANTAGES
Variations in metabolism, expensive
Prescription is not equal to ingestion
Susceptible to error and can be distorted by patient
Expensive, downloading data from medication

6. Design Requirements Accurately Dispense Multiple Medications
Moderately Priced
Dispense Varying Doses
Precisely Cut Pills in Half
Functional for Home or Clinical Environment
Medication Alarm System
Record Medication History
Accessible Device

7. Background- Accessibility
Accessible Design
Adheres ADA Specifications
Operable by persons with multiple, varying disabilities
Sensory Motor, Physical, & Cognitive
Eliminate disability-associated barriers
For home & general hospital use
FDA Class I Specifications 2 2

8. Background- Current Pill Dispensers
Pill Boxes/Organizers ($5-$60)
Correct # of pills for each day
Do not monitor ingestion or alert caregiver in any way when missed
Weekly preloaded pills3
Pill Dispensers ($500-$1500)
Records daily dosages taken
Contacts Caregiver if dosage skipped
Monthly preloaded pills3
*Currently, there are no dispensers that can cut pills! 3 3

9. Background- Current Pill Cutters
Small, hand held devices
Uniform cutting not guaranteed
Work only for certain pill shapes/sizes/compositions
Cost-effective 3 3

10. Background- Previous Design
Limitations
Not universal
Large
Expensive
Doesn’t make the “cut” 4 4

11. Alternative Dispensing Mechanism: PEZ™ Dispenser
Use PEZ™ dispenser mechanism to release one pill at a time.

12. Alternative Dispensing Mechanism: Manual Measurer

13. Final Component Breakdown
Pill Storage
Motor
Pill Drum
Cutting Blade
Half Pill Storage
½ & Full Pill Shoot
Pill Funnel
Pill Slide
Collection Dish

14. Pill Cutting Mechanism
360 Rotation
Cuts From Outside
Pendulum Motion
Rotating Blade

15. Universal Pill Drums Adaptive for all pill sizes and shapes
Turnbuckle adjustment
Self-centering
Cup-holder clamp

16. Display and Controls Touch screen Large/broad text Program
High resolution & contrast
Low activation pressure
Large/broad text
Program
Controls timed dispensing of specific quantity of pills
Adjustable audible alarms
Alerts off-site caregiver

17. Total Assembly Compact design Able to accommodate more pills if needed
Each dispenser and cutting device is easily accessible

18. Future Work Finalize Components & Dimensions Purchase Materials
Construction
Mechanical Build
Circuitry
Programming
Integration of Components
Testing & Validation

19. References
1 Osterberg, Lars, and Terrence Blaschke. “Adherence to Medication” Drug Therapy 353:
Salzman, C. “Medication Compliance in the Elderly.” J Clin Psychiatry 56 (1995):
2 “Americans with Disabilities Act Homepage”. < Oct 2, 2007.
3 “E-pill Medication Reminders”. <
4 Haggerty, Michael. “The Daily Dose”. < May 2006.

20. QUESTIONS?