A new interactive packaging concept from Cambridge Consultants is designed as an alternative to traditional leaflets to help improve compliance and the patient experience. The smart medication packaging incorporates touch-sensitive paper that activates an audio recording of instructions on how to take the enclosed drugs.

Audio instructions are triggered by touch-sensitive paper packaging. Source: Cambridge ConsultantsWhile all drugs are issued with instructions in the packaging, long lists of contraindications and possible side-effects can be difficult to understand. Poorly understood instructions can lead to drugs being misused or patient noncompliance. This can have serious implications when a patient has been newly diagnosed with a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.

With AudioPack, instructions are delivered by an avatar named Ana, who guides the patient through step-by-step use of their new medical device – an injector, for example (see video). The intuitive design aims to simplify the treatment process for less tech-savvy users or patients with cognitive issues caused by their disease. As well as improving the patient experience, AudioPack can help cut clinical costs – reducing the time doctors and nurses need to spend instructing patients on their new medications.

Beyond disease management, smart medical packaging could be used as a training tool for healthcare staff. It also has the potential to reduce errors and anxiety when a device is required for use in an emergency situation.