An Introduction to the Med-Side (Smart Bedside Cabinet)
Kinetic-ID recently launched the Med-Side which support patient Self-Administration of Medication, has garnered a lot of attention in the press, not least the BBC which referenced Kirsty Mair, the mother of a son, Jacob, who has spent the last 16 months in hospital.
“A mother whose son has been in hospital for more than a year has praised trials of a new technology which dispenses medication and has helped her "feel like a mum again.”
Source BBC
So, what is the "Med-Side” and why has there been so much interest in it?
In this short article, we sat down with Wayne Miller, a Solutions Consultant at Kinetic-ID, to hear first-hand what it is and why it has been gaining such attention in the UK.
The Med-Side
The Med-Side is a self-contained solution, which supports patients to self-administer prescribed medications.
A patient in a hospital or at home can have a prescription loaded into the bedside cabinet, reminding them to take medication when necessary.
The Med-Side captures the patient actions:
- When they take that medication i.e. did the patient take the medication in the right dose, on time?
- Did the patient miss the medication time?
- Did the patient change the dose?
- Did the patient delay the time or dose?
It also records this data for clinicians to review later. Med-Side can be integration with healthcare software systems such as a drug database, EPMA and EPR systems.
What are the benefits?
For the Patient, Self-Administration of Medicines (SAM) means continuing to take their own medication while in hospital, a care setting, or at home. Being involved in their medication brings many benefits:
- Stay in control: Feel more involved in your care and improve satisfaction, independence and confidence
- Learn about your medicines: Understand what you’re taking, including new prescriptions, to stick to your treatment and avoid problems later
- Prepare for going home: Get ready for discharge and plan any support you’ll need
- Avoid losing skills: Stay confident about managing medicines after leaving care
Bringing Smart Data to Light
Of course, what is underpinning all of this is that the consequences of forgetting to take medicines can be serious.
Take the example of a patient who has been prescribed an antibiotic or painkiller and is scheduled to take one every four hours. If they miss a dose at the right time, they may then be thinking about what to do.
Similarly, if you take your medication late, you probably may need to push the next dose back four hours to stay on schedule.
If you try to take them early, it might be dangerous to take painkillers early.
Providing active data back to healthcare dashboards and systems allows clinicians and systems to stay informed and make the right choice for the patient.
“We're all familiar with pressing a button at the bedside to get the attention of the nurse to come over to tell them that you need some more painkillers. Nurses are very busy people working in a stressful environment. Having the medication at bedside readily available to that patient when they want it, also frees up nursing time.”
— Wayne Miller, Kinetic-ID
In short, there can be significant downstream ramifications resulting from poor patient adherence.
Part of the benefit of the Med-Side and SAM is that the data footprint can help monitor patient activity, so a clinician at any time can go and look at the behaviour of the patient.
- Are they exhibiting good behaviour i.e. taking the right dose at the right time?
- Are they taking them late?
- Are they taking them in the wrong dose?
- Does the behaviour indicate a need for intervention i.e. are they making poor decisions regularly like trying to access drugs early?
This data gives indication to the clinicians about patient behaviour and any need for further education of the patient, and ultimately, the data from Med-Side assists clinicians to judge whether they are likely to be able to self-medicate safely when they leave the hospital.
Additional Benefits
Improved Patient Engagement
- Patients who manage their own medicines are more involved in their care, which strengthens trust and communication with the pharmacy team.
- This engagement often leads to better adherence and fewer medication errors.
Enhanced Education Opportunities
- Pharmacists can focus on teaching patients about their medicines, side effects, and safe administration.
- This educational role positions the pharmacy as a key partner in patient empowerment.
Improved Discharge Planning: SAM helps patients prepare for managing medicines at home, reducing post-discharge complications.
- Pharmacies can support this transition by ensuring patients understand their medication regimen before leaving care.
Fewer Medication-Related Readmissions
- Improved adherence and confidence in medication management reduce the risk of errors and hospital readmissions.
- This aligns with pharmacy goals for patient safety and cost-effective care.
Strengthened Role in Multidisciplinary Care
- Pharmacists play a central role in assessing suitability for SAM and providing ongoing support.
- This enhances the pharmacy’s reputation as a clinical partner, not just a dispensing service.
Summary
In effect the Med-Side SAM solution assists with medication administration for patients in a safe environment before discharge, helping them to learn about their medication (dosages, times, etc.) creating good habits that once formed increase the odds of them sticking to the process at home.