A healthcare robot for monitoring adverse drug reactions in older people

Abstract

The problems in the current healthcare system suggest that patients should be monitored for pain and symptoms suggestive of possibilities of side-effects or adverse drug reactions (ADR) resulting from the prescribed medications. The research conducted by the multi-disciplinary group at the University of Auckland aims to use a Stationary Robotic Medication Management System to design, implement and monitor systematic therapeutic plans which would produce desired outcomes from medication regimes, thereby improving the quality of older peoples' lives. In essence, a key part of our research is designing a system to focus on medication error prevention and collaboration to eliminate the asymmetry that exists in forming successful therapeutic relationships. Medication adherence alongwith safety is a concern that can be addressed using the robot.