Adherence to Polypharmacy in Patients With Opioid Substitution Therapy Using Electronics

Remote-controlled Dispensing of Medication and Electronic Monitoring of Adherence in Ambulatory Patients With Opioid Dependency Syndrome and Polypharmacy - a Feasibility Trial

Electronic dispensers for polypharmacy are used in home care to assist patients with their medication management and to improve adherence. Opioid dependent patients with substitution therapy often exhibit multiple risk factors for non-adherence. The increase of both the age and associated comorbidities in this population demand for innovative solutions to optimize medication management. The investigators developed a novel medication supply model with an automated electronic medication dispenser to simultaneously assist opioid dependent patients with their medication and objectively monitor their adherence. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the new supply model.

Inclusion Criteria:

• written informed consent given
• reading and writing skills in German
• Stable housing situation in the canton of Basel-City and adjacent communities
• Accessibility by phone
• Minimum duration in opioid substitution treatment for 2 months
• Polypharmacy (> 3 solid oral medications)
• Routine monitoring of clinical parameters less than 1 week before inclusion or agreed within 1 week from inclusion
• Insured with Swiss health insurance

Exclusion Criteria:

• opioid substitution treatment with Diacetylmorphine
• > 2 drugs, which can not be packaged in pouches (eg liquids)