A usability study: An e-medication dispenser as part of a home-based medication management programme

• Published in: Kai tiaki nursing research Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 23 - 30
• Main Authors: Hendry, Chris, Prileszky, Gail
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wellington, N.Z New Zealand Nurses Organisation 01.09.2017; New Zealand Nurses' Organisation
• Subjects: Analysis; Cognition & reasoning; Cognitive ability; Communication; Community health care; Community health nursing; Community nursing; Community support; Dispensaries; Drug administration; Drug stores; Evaluation; Health services; Home health care; Information technology; Management; Medical electronics; Medical errors; Medical management services; Medical personnel; Memory; Methodology; Nurses; Nursing home care; Patient compliance; Pharmacists; Pharmacy; Practice; Usability; New Zealand
• ISSN: 1179-772X

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the logistics and acceptability of an electronic medication dispenser (EMD) within a home-based medication management service as a substitute for face-to-face home visiting, to remind elderly clients to take their medication on time. Method: A qualitative usability study methodology was used to conduct this study, which was centred on a small group of clients receiving this service from a community nursing organisation in Christchurch, New Zealand. Clients, pharmacists, nurses and managers of the community nursing service were all actively involved in this process. Findings: The study found the device was useful and acceptable to the clients and the health professionals. The study also identified critical processes and protocols required to safely support a wider roll-out of the product within the service. Ongoing monitoring required to identify "ideal" clients, grow the service and identify potential risks for clients was also developed. This article focuses on the experience of participants in this study, demonstrating the teamwork required to incorporate an electronic product into an existing service involving elderly clients. Conclusion: This usability study recommends the EMD as a viable option for selected clients referred for medications support. The potential benefits outweighed the potential risks and costs for the organisation and clients, and the device was also acceptable for both health professionals and clients.