Design and development of an electronic oral medication dispenser for older adults

Abstract

This study presents the design and development of an electronic oral medication dispenser aimed at improving therapeutic adherence and reducing risks associated with polypharmacy in older adults. Polypharmacy, commonly defined as the concurrent use of three or more medications, increases the likelihood of adverse drug reactions, medication errors, and preventable hospitalizations, particularly among aging populations with chronic conditions.A user-centered design methodology was implemented, integrating ergonomic, cognitive, and functional considerations specific to older adults. The development process included contextual inquiry, requirement definition, system architecture design, iterative prototyping, and preliminary usability validation. Design priorities focused on minimizing operational complexity, enhancing perceptual feedback, and reducing the probability of dosing errors.The resulting prototype is capable of storing and dispensing up to three daily doses over 30 days. The system incorporates a programmable electronic controller for scheduled dispensing, a visual notification interface, and an adjustable auditory alarm to reinforce medication reminders. The modular architecture allows future integration of wireless connectivity for remote adherence monitoring by caregivers or healthcare professionals, as well as optional accessory expansion.This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating user-centered product design with embedded electronic systems to support medication management in older adults. The proposed solution contributes to safer medication administration and represents a scalable platform for future telehealth-enabled applications in geriatric care.

Keywords: Geriatric care, Health Design, Product Design, Inclusive Design.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007271