Pill organizer

A pill organizer covering 4 daily doses over one week (labeled in French)
Swedish pill organizer, "Dosett".

A pill organizer (pill organiser in British English), pill container, or pill box is a special container for storing scheduled doses of one's medications. Pill organizers usually have square-shaped compartments for each day of the week, although other more compact and discreet versions have come to market, including cylindrical and pen-shaped cases.[1][2] Some organizers have multiple sections for different times of the day. Pill organizers are viewed as a way to prevent or reduce medication errors on the part of the patient.

Usage

Pill organizers are useful for all types of patients, including the elderly and others with memory deficiencies, and for those taking multiple medications, as an aid in remembering to take proper doses of their medications. They allow a patient to know whether or not they have taken a particular dose of their medication; if a pill still remains in its compartment, it is apparent that it has not yet been taken, whereas if it is missing, it has already been taken.[3]

Pill organizers often have various features to make them easier for special-needs patients to use, such as color-coding, braille for the blind, or a locking mechanism to prevent double dosing.[4] Some organizers used for diabetes patients have sections for insulin and hypodermic syringes.

Some pharmacists will preload pills into pill organizers for their patients, as a convenient service.[5]

Electronic pill organizers

Electronic pill organizers or pill dispensers have been developed that alert patients when their prescription medication, OTC medication, or daily food supplements must be taken.[4] These devices have been credited with saving lives and saving money in the health care system.[6] Advanced models can be linked via the Internet to a medical facility, to aid in monitoring and reminding a patient to take his/her medications.[7]

References

  1. ↑ "American Medical Association Guide ... - Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  2. ↑ "Not Taking Your Medicine on Schedule? ... - Everyday Health". everydayhealth.com. Retrieved 2012-06-12.
  3. ↑ "Heart to heart, a personal plan for ... - Google Books". Books.google.com. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  4. 1 2 "Tools and Techniques for Visual Impairment (Page 5)". Diabetes Self-Management. 2007-01-30. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  5. ↑ Friday, November 14, 2003 - Page updated at 04:01 P.M. (2003-11-14). "The Seattle Times: Local News: Stakes high to help those with chronic diseases". Seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  6. ↑ "University Of Montreal Students Design Argus, A High-tech Pill Organizer - Could Help Save Lives And Money". Medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
  7. ↑ Kirsner, Scott (2009-08-30). "New gadgets prod people to remember their meds - The Boston Globe". Boston.com. Retrieved 2011-04-10.
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