Automated Pill Dispenser in Telford
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West Midlands Automated Pill Dispenser Project

Objective

• To brief colleagues on the West Midlands Automated Pill Dispenser Project

Background

• The West Midlands Automated Pill Dispenser Project is the first ever large scale pilot of an automatic pill dispenser
• It is being run by the Joint Improvement Partnership for the West Midlands, together with the NHS West Midlands, Boots UK and PivoTell, the distributors of the dispenser.
• The project will test the use of the electronic device as an aid for patients who have difficulty remembering to take their medication.  The aim is to raise awareness of the dispenser and show that it can improve the quality of life of users, and allow them to remain living independently at home
• Research by Birmingham University, showed that the dispenser can be effective in helping vulnerable people stay well and remain living in their own homes
• The project will run for six months after which a final report analysing its use, clients' response and cost-effectiveness will be published.
• The following PCTs and local authorities are taking part:
• Dudley MBC
• Herefordshire County Council
• North Staffordshire PCT
• Staffordshire County Council
• Telford & Wrekin Council
• Wolverhampton City Council
• Worcestershire County Council
• Within Telford, the project is being lead by Clare Humphreys (Preventative Technology Development Officer based in the Joint Commissioning team for Older People), working closely with Hitesh Patel (Deputy Head of Medicines Management)

When will the pilot start?

• In Telford, the pilot will commence on Monday 9th November 2009.

What sort of dispensers are being used and how many will be available?

• The pilot will involve using Pivotell automated medication dispensers.  Telford & Wrekin is being provided with 50 dispensers. 

How do the dispensers work?

• The dispenser is a battery-operated device which automatically reminds the user when to take their pills and dispenses the correct pills.
• At pre-programmed times, the internal pill cassette rotates and the correct dosage comes into view through an opening in the lid.  An audible alarm, and a flashing light on the lid, alert the user that their medication is due.
• Community pharmacists will programme the dispenser to issue the medication at the right times of day and will dispense the medication into the trays. 

Who is eligible to take part in the pilot?

• To take part in the pilot scheme, people have to be:
• living in the Borough of Telford & Wrekin

18 years of age or over

• receiving support or services from Social Services or Health Services
• having difficulties taking medication

How can people be referred to take part?

• Initially, only the Intermediate Care team will be able to refer people into the pilot.  We will be looking to extend this to other social care and health teams during the course of the pilot

Is there a charge?

• The funding for the pilot has been made available through the Strategic Health Authority.  There is no charge to service users. 

Will all pharmacies in Telford dispense into the automated dispenser?

• The Medicines Management team is currently liaising with community pharmacies to tell them about the project and invite them to take part. 

What happens at the end of the pilot scheme?

• We cannot guarantee to continue providing the automated dispenser after the pilot has finished. 

Where can I get more information?

• For more information on any of the points raised in this briefing note, please contact Clare Humphreys (Preventative Technology Development Officer) on (01952) 381216 or by e-mailing clare.humphreys@telford.gov.uk