YOURmeds for medication support in long-term conditions

The technology described in this briefing is YOURmeds. It is used to manage medications for people with long-term conditions.

The innovative aspects are that it is the first digital medication dosage system that allows real-time monitoring of medication adherence.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to administered medication support (when people are given their medicines rather than taking their medicines themselves) in people with long-term conditions.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 3 case studies including a total of 69 people, with more than 39,000 unsupported medication rounds. It suggests that YOURmeds increases adherence and costs less.

Key uncertainties around the evidence are that YOURmeds has only been evaluated in pilot studies with small patient numbers without a comparator. Also, data is only presented in summary form.

Experts advised that YOURmeds has the potential to improve adherence and so improve health outcomes and reduce hospital attendance or admissions. They noted that there may be potential risks associated with this technology including technology failure, incorrect pharmacy medication dispensing, and potential risk of overdose. But 1 expert noted that these are low risks or can be mitigated. Two experts advised that further research focusing on adherence, health outcomes and the value of the support network is needed to address the uncertainty in the evidence base.

The cost of YOURmeds per person is £628 in year 1 and £468 in year 2 (excluding VAT). This is offset by provision from the company of free packaging and a payment of £10 per patient per month. The cost of standard care varies depending on geographical location and NHS services (£2,200 to £6,400 per person per year, based on 1 visit lasting 10 to 15 minutes per day).