Using technology to support people with medications and other health needs

Page updated: 10/17/24

For anyone taking medications, the person and their support team should consider technology options that might support better health outcomes and increased independence.

Why should a person consider technology?

Technology can help people:

· Manage medication doses and timing.

· Increase independence and reduce reliance on caregivers.

· Recognize symptoms, such as an elevated heart rate.

· Call for emergency help.

· Use telehealth services for medical appointments and reduce transportation costs.

· Share and access information.

· Connect with support groups.

Technology examples

This section includes common examples of how technology can help monitor or improve a person’s health. These examples are only a small portion of the available technology.

Medication dispensers

Medication dispensers vary from simple containers to advanced machines that organize medications. Some are manual, some are automatic and others are operated remotely by nurses or other staff. Prices vary from a few dollars to over $1,000, depending on the device’s features. When purchasing a medication dispenser, the person and their support team should consider:

· Container size (e.g., large enough to hold the medication or small enough to be discrete).

· Dispensing feature that works best for the person and their caregivers (e.g., manual, programmed or caregiver authorized).

· Alarm type and frequency (e.g., visual cues, downloadable apps or recordable voice prompts).

· Alarm notifications (e.g., missed doses, tampering, damage or refill dates).

· Security.

· Durability.

· Device accessibility (e.g., the person can get the pills out without spilling).

· Travel needs (e.g., devices that don’t spill in a suitcase).

· Technology requirements (e.g., electricity or internet connection).

· Monthly fees or ongoing maintenance costs.

· Data privacy and cybersecurity for devices connected to the internet.

Smart watches

Smart watches are a great asset for monitoring health, even for people not taking medications. Smart watches can:

· Detect falls.

· Measure blood-oxygen levels.

· Measure heart rate.

· Detect irregular heartbeats.

· Measure body temperature.

· Detect excessive exposure to loud noises.

· Track sleep.

· Alert responders in emergencies, including location monitoring via GPS.

Other examples

For instructions to schedule an assessment to learn about other examples of helpful technology, refer to State of Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology – Assessment.

DHS encourages 245D service providers to ask their pharmacy provider about technology supports and patient data tracking. For example, some organizations use software managed by their pharmacy to record a person’s reaction to a PRN medication. The software summarizes patient information to share with the licensed practitioner that prescribed the PRN.

Additional resources

If you have questions (e.g., how to pay for something), use the DSD Contact Form or call 651-431-4300 or 866-267-7655 (toll free).

For more information, refer to:
State of Minnesota Guide to Assistive Technology
MN Dept. of Administration, Assistive Technology – A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR)
Psychotropic Medication Manual
Psychotropic Medication Manual – Resources