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Measurement of anticonvulsant adherence behaviour in the community using a medication events monitoring system (MEMS)

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Abstract

The Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) is a relatively new device designed to overcome some of the disadvantages of traditional adherence-measuring techniques. MEMS has also been found useful in tracking adherence behaviour without the need to visit patients frequently. In this study each patient was given a pre-filled, labelled MEMS bottle and cap. Patients were monitored for 24 weeks. For patients specifically studied, there were periods when drug levels may have been low and some exhibited erratic medication-taking behaviour. It is concluded that MEMS can measure adherence behaviour objectively, and so might be used to improve prescribing decisions, identify drug wastage and improve carer support. Further research is needed before the routine use of electronic medication monitoring can be recommended.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Community Studies, University of Derby, DE3 5GH, Mickleover, Derby, UK

    P. H. Rivers

  2. Department of Health Care of the Elderly, Medical School, University Hospital, Nottingham, UK

    N. Ardagh-Walter

  3. Aston Hall Hospital, Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire, UK

    E. C. Wright

Authors
  1. P. H. Rivers
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  2. N. Ardagh-Walter
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  3. E. C. Wright
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Rivers, P.H., Ardagh-Walter, N. & Wright, E.C. Measurement of anticonvulsant adherence behaviour in the community using a medication events monitoring system (MEMS). Health Care Anal 6, 308–316 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02678367

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02678367

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