Monitor device for real time compliance instructions and user feedback and clinician communication

A medication monitoring system comprising

• a medication inhaler;
• a spacer coupled to the medication inhaler, the spacer comprising at least one magnet, radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip, a nearfield communication (NFC) device, or means to engage the spacer;
• a plurality of sensors configured to detect the spacer when the inhaler is in use;
• at least one accelerometer;
• at least one microphone;
• at least one sensor;
• at least one memory unit;
• at least one speaker;
• at least one transmitter;
• and
• at least one processor configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors.

A method to determine correct use of an inhaler by a user, the method comprising

• providing a user with an inhaler comprising a medication monitoring device, the device comprising a plurality of sensors configured to transmit data to at least one processor,
• programming the at least one processor with user-specific instructions;
• determining whether the data concurs with the user-specific instructions,
• storing the data and alerting the user and/or clinician with nonconcurrance;
• and
• transmitting the data comparison, using a transmitter, to the user and clinician, where the data comparison indicates instruction compliance or non-compliance and provides suggestions for achieving compliance or affirmations of compliance.

A monitor unit configured to be coupled to a medication delivery device, the monitor unit comprising:

• a monitor unit body and a monitor unit central opening;
• a material capable of stretching to widen the monitor unit central opening to facilitate attachment of the monitor unit to the medication delivery device through the monitor unit central opening;
• at least one light source that performs a function selected from the group consisting of power indication or visual feedback to a user;
• a USB port to receive a USB cable;
• a port to receive a memory card;
• a sensor to detect if a mouth of a user has formed a seal around a mouthpiece;
• a reflector to facilitate communication between an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver;
• at least one of a magnet, an infrared transmitter-emitter, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip or a mechanical button to detect a presence of a spacer;
• a speaker to provide auditory feedback to a user;
• and,
• at least one microphone to determine if a user is inhaling with proper force and/or to detect dose release.

A medication delivery device comprising:

• at least one light source that performs a function selected from the group consisting of power indication or visual feedback to a user;
• a USB port to receive a USB cable;
• a port to receive a memory card;
• a sensor to detect if a mouth of a user has formed a seal around a mouthpiece;
• a reflector to facilitate communication between an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver;
• at least one of a magnet, an infrared transmitter-emitter, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip a mechanical button or a capacitive sensor to detect a presence of a spacer;
• a speaker to provide auditory feedback to a user;
• and,
• at least one microphone to determine if a user is inhaling with proper force and/or to detect dose release.

A method to determine correct use of an inhaler by a user, the method comprising

• providing a user with an inhaler, the inhaler comprising a plurality of sensors configured to transmit data to at least one processor,
• programming the at least one processor with user-specific instructions;
• determining whether the data concurs with the user-specific instructions,
• storing the data and alerting the user and/or clinician with nonconcurrance;
• and
• transmitting the data comparison, using a transmitter, to the user and clinician, where the data comparison indicates instruction compliance or non-compliance and provides suggestions for achieving compliance or affirmations of compliance.

A method to determine proper dose received and proper technique by a user, the method comprising

• providing a user with a spacer to use with the inhaler, the spacer comprising a plurality of sensors configured to transmit data to at least one processor,
• programming the at least one processor with user-specific instructions;
• determining whether the data concurs with the user-specific instructions,
• storing the data and alerting the user and/or clinician with nonconcurrance;
• and
• transmitting the data comparison, using a transmitter, to the user and clinician, where the data comparison indicates instruction compliance or non-compliance and provides suggestions for achieving compliance or affirmations of compliance.