Electronic medication dispensers finding the right users – A pilot study in a Norwegian municipality home care service

Abstract

This paper presents the reports on a pilot study in Norway where electronic medication dispensers were tested by 16 elderly users, exploring the effects for both end users and the care service. There were large variations in the users’ individual perceptions of the dispenser. Persons with reduced eyesight or manual dexterity reported great personal benefits and increased feeling of independence and dignity. On the other hand, several patients stopped using the dispenser due to either cognitive challenges and/or feelings of insecurity. The home care service using electronic medication dispensers must take great care in finding the right users to increase probability of success, both for the user and the service.