Mother Commends New Hospital Medication Technology

A mother, whose son has been hospitalized for over a year, has commended the pilot program of a new medication dispensing technology, stating it has enabled her to “feel like a mum again”. This device, referred to as a bedside intelligent cabinet, securely holds routine medications and notifies patients or their guardians when doses are due. NHS Grampian characterizes this trial, taking place at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH), as a global first. Kirsty Mair’s 13-year-old son, Jacob, has been hospitalized for the past 16 months because of multiple health conditions. She noted that the new apparatus alleviates staff workload and fosters her greater involvement in his care, simultaneously preparing her for his upcoming discharge. Three Kinetic-ID machines are currently undergoing trials at RACH. Following a completed risk assessment, medical personnel enter patient data into the machine, specifying the medications, dosages, and administration times. The device provides a reminder, prompting a parent or guardian to press a notification button. Subsequently, they scan a wristband against the locked machine, which then unlocks the medication drawer. Access to the machine is restricted to patients, guardians, and staff possessing the appropriate scanning pass. As it lacks refrigeration, its use is limited to routine medications. NHS Grampian suggests this technology can promote patient independence and ready them for managing their medication at home. Lindsay Cameron, NHS Grampian’s medication safety advisor, stated: “Self-administration of medicine is about supporting individuals to take their own medication while in hospital.” She continued: “It’s not suitable for every patient or every medicine, but it can improve patient satisfaction and confidence, encourage independence and self-care in a safe environment, and improve an individual’s knowledge and understanding of their medication.” Cameron added: “This can help those already on medicines to continue to self-administer while they are admitted to hospital and others getting used to new medications to feel better prepared when it’s time to go home.” Jacob, Kirsty’s son, suffers from conditions such as Arnold Chiari Malformation. This condition causes his brain to press down towards his spinal cord, impacting his breathing and swallowing. His mother expressed her willingness to participate in the trial. Kirsty, 39, from Aberdeen, informed BBC Scotland News: “He has spent most of his life in and out of hospital,” She elaborated: “Being a parent, obviously when you’re at home you’ve got a set routine for everything – medications, a bedtime routine.” “When you come into hospital, some of that is taken away, because you can’t obviously get all the medications at the right time, and the staff are in charge of them, it’s a hospital and they are so run off their feet.” “So since the new cabinet has come on the go and I got asked to trial it, I was more than happy to help. And it’s just absolutely brilliant.” “If you’re late giving medication it flashes up red.” “It takes pressure off the staff, for them and me, because I don’t have to go chasing for medication.” She further explained: “I just feel I’m back being responsible for my own child. So it’s really good.” “He’s on different medications, and medications change. Now I get to do the medications myself, and also learn about the hazards and dangers.” “I just feel like a mum again. And it kind of preps me for being discharged which we are close to. I want one for the house.” She concluded: “The aim is to hopefully get Jacob home for Christmas. It would mean absolutely everything.” During the continuing trial, users and staff will offer recommendations for potential enhancements to the technology.