อุปกรณ์เตือนทานยาสำหรับผู้สูงวัยชนิดโปรแกรมได้

Abstract

The advancement of medical technology in Thailand has led to an increase in the elderly population. Data from 2022-2023 indicates that Thailand has fully entered a "complete aged society" with the population aged 60 years and over accounting for 20% or more. Furthermore, the proportion of elderly individuals living alone or in single-person households has been steadily rising. Over time, age-related physical decline and various diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, become more prevalent in older adults. Additionally, neurological conditions commonly found in this age group, such as forgetfulness and Alzheimer's disease, contribute to the complexity of their healthcare needs. Consequently, many elderly individuals take multiple medications. These cognitive impairments can lead to difficulties in remembering to take medication at the prescribed times. To address this issue, the research team has developed a user-friendly medication reminder device specifically designed for the elderly. This device provides timely reminders, triggered at times set by village health volunteers (VHVs) or the research team, using both an illuminated LED light and an audible alarm. The device features a main unit with six compartments: five for individual medication types and one for an LCD display. An auxiliary unit provides an additional four medication compartments. Moreover, the device's functionality is enhanced by a Bluetooth connected mobile application, enabling users or VHVs to customize medication reminder times via their smartphones. The application allows for setting up to seven daily reminder times: before breakfast, after breakfast, before lunch, after lunch, before dinner, after dinner, and before bedtime. The primary goal of this research is to solve the problem of medication non-adherence due to forgetfulness among elderly individuals living alone, by providing a system where medication reminders can be easily managed through a mobile application by the research team or village health volunteers (VHVs).