Sometimes the simplest things can make a dramatic difference in medicine. Taking the right dose of the right pills at the right time adherence is a major problem in a disease where patients may take dozens of medications a week, the researchers say. Now we see that a little electronic help can substantially improve compliance. The scientists presented early study results at last month s Conference on Retrovirus and Opportunistic Infections held in Chicago. When it s time for medicine, the device beeps and a light flashes.
Patients push a second button when they ve taken the medicine.
Forget any of these steps and DMAS continues to beep periodically for several hours. The system s software also adds messages about possible side effects or how to offset them. Then, at the next clinic visit, staff download the compliance information, which appears as a written printout for doctor and patient to discuss. The speed of response allows physicians to see if patients reaction time is slowing as the disease progresses and gives a quick check on HIV s spread into the brain. The DMAS is an investigational device produced outside of Hopkins.