The MOD is a small “hand
sized” device that is secured on an
IV pole and placed directly next to a patient’s
bed. The device contains an individual’s
as needed oral medication within an arm’s
reach of the patient. For example, when
a physician orders an as needed oral medication
(called in medical jargon a prn medication)
using the MOD, then that medication can
be loaded into the device which remains
at the patient’s bedside.
The patient’s nurse programs the
device for the allowed time interval between
doses as ordered by the physician. Once
the device is loaded and programmed, it
remains next to the patient until the medication
is needed. |
|
The patient will activate the device by simply
touching the pain scale and bringing a RFID (Radio
Frequency Identification) tag, located on their
identification bracelet, close to the MOD™.
This will cause the device tray to rotate into
an open position and the medication can be removed
and self-administer as though the patient was
at home. After the medication is removed, the
tray rotates into a locked position. After the
preset time interval, as programmed into the device,
the patient can once again obtain the medication
by using the same procedure.
As needed medications (prn) are given only if
the patient requests them. Medications frequently
given on an as needed basis are usually for pain,
anxiety or nausea. To obtain these medications,
a patient must first find the nurse and ask for
the medication. The nurse must locate the medication
and take it directly to the patient. In a hectic
busy hospital these doses are frequently delayed.
With the MOD device, the patient will no longer
need to request the prn medication; they can get
it directly from the bedside MOD if the physician
has ordered that the prn medication be given in
this fashion. The MOD is obviously for patients
who are alert and able to follow directions to
use the device.
The device will improve patient care because
of easy access to medications as needed, in particular
oral pain medications. Nursing and pharmacy time
will be saved since multiple doses will sit inside
the device saving time usually needed to locate
and dispense each dose individually. Nurses will
also be able to query the device to determine
the times each dose was taken, as well as find
out the patient’s pain level when he took
the dose for medication charting.
In the spring of 2005, using an alpha MOD prototype,
an outpatient focus group study was completed
with very positive results regarding the MOD design
and ergonomic features. Currently at a Florida
hospital the beta MOD prototype is being evaluated
in an inpatient oncology (cancer) unit using the
MOD to deliver as needed oral pain medications.
A final MOD design is ready to go to market in
hospitals and healthcare facilities around the
world.
|
