The Effect of the MedSentry System on Medication Adherence

The Effect of the MedSentry System on Medication Adherence for Patients With Congestive Heart Failure: A Pilot Study

The goal of this pilot study to evaluate the effect of the MedSentry system, a multi-faceted medication adherence device and reminder system, on medication adherence and clinical outcomes in heart-failure (HF) patients. We will also evaluate the usability and satisfaction derived from using this system.

We hypothesize that:

1. The use of the MedSentry system will improve medication adherence in patients with a discharge diagnosis of HF.
2. The improvement in adherence correlates with fewer hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits.
3. The improvement in adherence correlates with better health-related quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have successfully completed the Partners Connected Cardiac Care Program (CCCP)
• Take at least 3 and no more than 10 different daily medications (including both prescription and non-prescription/over the counter medications) to treat Heart Failure (HF) and other comorbid disorders.
• Take medications no more than 4 specified times each day (i.e. morning, afternoon, early evening, bedtime).
• The patient must be able to open a pill bottle independently.
• The patient must be able to sort and manage their own medications.
• Hospitalization within the last 24 months.
• Have a telephone or cell phone.
• Live in the greater Boston area.
• The patients must speak, read and write English.
• The patients must not be either vision or hearing impaired (i.e., unable to hear an alarm similar to a clock alarm or oven alarm).
• Patient must have an Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) affiliated care provider.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Dementia or other conditions precluding the participant from providing informed consent or from learning to use the MedSentry pillbox.
• Home environment unsuitable for the MedSentry pillbox and other installed equipment.
• Awaiting revascularization, cardiac resynchronization or heart transplant.
• Patients with a coexisting terminal illness like cancer or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) requiring dialysis.