TEMPEST-an intelligent pill reminder and delivery system for telecare applications

This paper describes the philosophy and design of a new device and system for assisting older and confused people in dispensing a number of pills or tablets at the correct time in a community environment. It features novel pill containers which are individually programmed with prescription information by the pharmacist thereby eliminating an important source of error. Up to 6 different containers are housed in a home dispensing unit which provides timing and alarm functions that are compatible with current community response networks and future telecare systems