We DO Need Another HERO
Creating a 'medical device' is no easy task. It involves a well thought-out confluence of hardware, software, industrial design, and oodles of regulations. So seeing one come together in an excellent way is like witnessing magic.
The HERO is an automated pill dispenser that:
It has 10 different pill boxes, and you can time exactly when you want them to drop. You can setup day and night routines, and for which pills.?
Unlike a lot of 'personal' devices - there are multiple personas that need to interact with the HERO and the accompanying mobile app. There is the pill consumer, along with that person's entire network of caregivers - spouses, children, nurses, etc. They can receive alerts when someone doesn't take their pills, if pills need refilling, or if there is a problem. Now there are even connectors to EMR systems if you opt in.
The HERO helps immensely with 'adherence' - which basically means "stick with the plan, do what the doc tells you" - i.e. - take your prescriptions. Lack of adherence is a huge ongoing problem. A lot of health emergencies could be avoided if patients stuck to taking their meds.
Now I am not a fan of many practices of the drug industry. (Look up PBMs - Pharmacy Benefit Managers - it will send you down a rabbit hole and bake your noodle.) I think US society is overmedicated. But if you need to take pills on an ongoing basis that are critical to your existence - take 'em, and take 'em right!
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The HERO was a literal lifesaver for my elderly father. He lived alone, and his mental faculties were declining. As someone who also suffered from mental illness - he was used to taking medication his whole life. He was acutely aware of all his prescriptions and could tell you their exact dosage.
The problem: he OVERTOOK his meds. He was so obsessional about his pills they were always on his mind. He just didn't remember that he had already taken them for the day.
Using the HERO we had him at 100% adherence, with peace of mind that he wasn't overtaking his medications, avoiding trips across town to fill a prescription AND trips to the emergency room. We used the HERO until we decided to move him to assisted living where he continued to decline from dementia. He passed in November of last year.
The HERO served a critical need at a specific time in his life. If you find it difficult to manage your own prescription needs or those of your aging parents or loved ones - I cannot recommend it highly enough.
A recently announced partnership with AARP is only going to expand its footprint. We may see the HERO be a part of every silver household sooner than you think.
Lastly, for those of us that create technology products - it is an inspiration. It is a reminder that there are still things in this world that we can create that impact lives - for the better.
Go forth. Create wonderful things.
Senior Director of Firmware at Hero
1 年Sorry for your loss Steve Motola and thank you for the kind words about Hero. It feels so satisfying and rewarding when we hear that Hero is making a big impact in medication management.
Steve Motola I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Thank you from our team and I for sharing your experience with Hero. We greatly appreciate the support and the finer points that you call out - the member, family and provider experiences - these are the things we obsess over at Hero. It's amazing to hear that intended impact is resonating and helpful!
Solving our Clients' Technology and Resources Challenges
1 年Steve, your insights on the HERO automated pill dispenser highlight a critical intersection of technology and healthcare. It's impressive how this device not only addresses a vital need in medication management but does so with a blend of user-friendly design and smart integration. Devices like this will also generate a lot of data that can lead to discoveries and improvements in medications and their application. Thank you for the personal story and I am sorry for your loss.