Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB), Bridgend County Borough Council and Life Sciences Hub Wales are collaborating on a digital medication management system.
This technology can support medication users in taking the correct medication at the right time supporting users to independently manage their health and wellbeing. It can also support social care staff and services with resource management by, reducing reliance on home calls and telecare prompts.
Value-Based HealthCare under Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are providing the funding.
Life Sciences Hub Wales have supported with horizon scanning current technology available and proposing a solution based on key priorities identified. Life Sciences Hub Wales are acting as a project lead, overseeing project co-ordination and giving expertise on timescales and cost measurement, supporting with writing funding proposals, and offering objective advice.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Bridgend County Borough Council are working together to roll out the project to individuals across the area who use medication daily.
Next steps:
Future efforts will look at addressing signal limitations due to poor device connectivity and explore broader applications for other patient groups. Extending similar technologies to other service areas could further improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens.
For more information about the YourMeds project, please get in touch by emailing hello@lshubwales.com
- Bridgend
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Value Based Health Care (Under CTMUHB)
- Life Sciences Hub Wales
Funding Acquisition
£20,600 funding provided for the project by Value Based Health Care
Sign Off
Procurement sign off
Recipients Receive Technology
First recipients receive their YourMeds medication management technology.
Halfway point for data gathering
SBRI Domiciliary Care Challenge submission was completed
Formal confirmation was provided in December 2023 of success.
Pilot project closed
Scale, spread and development commenced with SBRI
See outcomes within the project outcomes section.
Digital medication management technology can improve independence for those who rely on regular medications, as well as peace of mind for relatives and carers using a cloud-based app which indicates when medication has been accessed.
With an anticipated reduction in daily in-person care calls and telecare prompts, this could save time and money. Both resources can then be re-allocated, streamlining workflows and understanding key areas of need.
As hospital admissions are common with medication mismanagement, there is a view to see a reduction in these numbers as the horizon for error is reduced and medication users can access their medications at the right time and of the correct quantity.
Project outcomes:
Overall, the YOURmeds device has enhanced medication adherence, supported families, and reduced healthcare risks.
User feedback reported improvements in quality-of-life measures. Some Users with a cognitive impairment were unable to recoginse any improvements in their wellbeing which was expected due to their increased frailty, anxiety and depression. However, Caregivers reported an improvement in Users general wellbeing in some cases where the Users was unable to.
Caregivers reported a reduction in their anxiety and carers strain, an increase in their capacity (due to reduced need to manage medication) and better integration of the device into daily life. These benefits were felt to support their caring role and provide reassurance.
The device enabled 43 interventions by the pharmacy team, reducing patient harm. Although initial visits were higher due to a learning curve, efficiency improved over time. A new version of the device (in 2024) also decreased technical issues and reduced the number of community home visits. The device significantly reduced family and caregiver strain, enhancing quality of life and support dynamics. The use of the digital medication device gave people the option of managing their medicines independently and also supported one individual to move back to their own home from a care placement.
The project also highlighted the high costs and inequalities of traditional care models. The YOURmeds device provided a cost-effective alternative, reducing unnecessary care calls and supporting individuals with complex medication regimes.
YourMeds is a smart medication management technology that acts as a digital pill box, with pill pods pre-filled by pharmacists and delivered directly to the medication user. The technology also synchronises with an app which can be downloaded to a smartphone, alerting linked devices as to when medication is accessed by the user.
The technology will be rolled out to 40 individuals living within the areas of Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board and Bridgend County Borough Council.