An Improved Wearable Medication Reminder System Using Peripheral Interface Controller for Persons with Arrhythmia

Abstract

Arrhythmia condition affects millions of people worldwide, and the management of the disease requires adherence to strict medication schedules. Wearable medication reminding systems have shown a great deal of benefits in improving medication adherence rates among patients with various chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease. In this study, an improved wearable medication reminding system for persons with arrhythmia was proposed and utilizes Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC) for the designed model. The system as designed functions to remind patients to take their medication at the appropriate times while monitoring the patient's heart rate. Hence, reporting the patient’s adherence to the doctor’s prescription. The wearable device was connected via the global system for mobile communication (GSM) to the patient's and medical advisor’s smartphone for notification purposes, and the device was equipped with a heart rate sensor to detect any abnormality occurring in the patient’s heartbeat. A simulation was carried out to test the system's effectiveness in promoting medication adherence and the results indicates the system significantly improved medication adherence rates among patients. Haven tested for performance validation, it is recommended that this system be adopted as a tool for managing arrhythmia and improving medication adherence rates. Long-term medication adherence and arrhythmia management are key areas that need more study to establish the system's potential.

Keywords: Heart, Arrhythmia, Medication Adherence, Wearable Technology