PharmAssist: Revolutionizing Medication Management for the Elderly

An Innovative Solution for Aging in Place

PharmAssist, designed by Muriel Shields and Dosun Shin, is an in-home, low-profile, automated medication management device that aims to address this issue. It is specifically designed to fit in a residential refrigerator, seamlessly replacing a standard water and ice dispensing unit. This innovative system emits visual and audio alerts, dispenses medications at pre-programmed times throughout the day, and automatically sends digital refill requests to the patient’s pharmacy.

Unlike existing medication management devices that are often set up in the kitchen, PharmAssist integrates into the front face of the refrigerator, giving it a lower-profile and tying it in more seamlessly with the health and wellness hub of the home. The device is designed to encourage rather than demean the user when on display in their home, addressing concerns raised by geriatric nursing professors at Arizona State University. Many elderly patients hesitate to use existing devices due to the fear that they will signal a lack of independence. PharmAssist provides a functional and discreet solution that fits seamlessly into a modern user’s home.

After the initial setup, the customer receives all prescriptions in a PharmAssist compatible bottle, which is then inserted into the device. PharmAssist reads information off the bottle's NFC chip to emit visual and audio alerts, dispense the user’s medications through the left-side chute, and automatically send refill requests to the patient’s pharmacy. This automated system reduces the potential for human error, providing peace of mind for elderly patients who choose to administer their own medication.

The design team, consisting of Muriel Shields and Dosun Shin, conducted extensive research to identify the most common risks associated with aging in place. Through interviews with geriatric nursing professors, employees at assisted living facilities, and individuals who had assisted older relatives with in-home care, three major risks emerged: falls, loneliness, and medication mismanagement. The research also highlighted the shortcomings of existing medication management devices, such as their potential to demean the user and their lack of coordination with pharmacies.

PharmAssist was developed at Arizona State University from September 2015 to December 2015. The design team created a series of CAD iterations and an appearance model with the help of a professional prototyping company. The device's technical specifications include a height of 374mm, width of 304mm, and depth of 98mm.

Recognizing its innovative design and practicality, PharmAssist was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Home Appliances Design category in 2020. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. PharmAssist's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contribute to a better world for elderly patients managing their medication at home.