Smart Sensors in the Design of a Medication Management System: Enhancing Patient Autonomy

This article addresses the design of a smart medication management system to dispense medical treatments according to medical specifications. Although the project contains several parts, this work focuses on the design of the physical prototype and its technological integration. Assistive technologies aim to enhance people's autonomy by promoting their well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for accessible assistive devices including medication dispensers, as life expectancy and the number of people over 65 years of age continue to increase. However, existing dispensers and prototypes prioritize production efficiency over user needs, highlighting the necessity for user-centered design. This study incorporates semi-structured interviews, co-creation sessions, and surveys with patients and healthcare professionals to identify key user requirements. As a result, the developed device includes standard functionalities such as medication dosage notifications alongside enhanced features: an access security system (preventing access by people with Alzheimer's), a precise dispensing mechanism capable of handling various pill types, and a verification of pill intake. Medication to ensure adherence. Additionally, the system integrates an ESP32 microcontroller, laser sensors, and a mobile application for remote monitoring and alerts. These features set the design apart from existing solutions, providing a secure, adaptable, and ergonomic system tailored to user needs. The objective of this design is the development of a functional and ergonomic system for end users.