On-Time Rx is an application that helps to ensure patient medication compliance. Once the patient's list of medications, dosage, and frequency are entered into the application, On-Time Rx faithfully reminds the user to take each dose at the appropriate time.
On-Time Rx keeps a log of which medications are taken and when. It also provides a 911 log that displays the patient's medical history as is entered into the 911 database. In an emergency, a medical professional can access this information by simply tapping the large 911 button in the application's main screen.
On-Time Rx Installation Installation is a snap using standard install tools. The application itself consumes only 80kb of memory.
When you install On-Time Rx, however, it overrides the setting for the Datebook hardware button, assigning it as the application launcher. Although you can easily change the button association using the Prefs utility, this is an invasive and unwelcome action on the developer's part.
Application Operation Operation is similarly easy with a simple and straightforward interface. All application functions are accessed using five large buttons.
- My Meds takes users to the list of medications from where new meds can be entered and exiting ones can be edited. Additional information can be entered via this screen, including pharmacy information and reminders for refilling medications.
- Pill Time displays a list of upcoming medication events.
- Log displays the record of past medication events.
- Menu displays the pull down menu for On-Time Rx. It has the same function as the silk-screened menu button.
- 911 displays the personal medical information that has been entered using the Edit 911 menu option. Unfortunately, the On-Time Rx forces users to enter medication information into the 911 database directly rather than using the current medication data already entered for the reminder functions. This requires unnecessary double entry and may be a serious shortcoming. Users will likely keep the reminder data up-to-date, while they may forget to update the 911 information that is intended to be used in emergencies.
Diagnosis On-Time Rx delivers on its promise but there are some, not insignificant, caveats:
On-Time Rx obviously works well only if the patient carries his/her PDA with them all the time, and can hear the alarm.
The patients who can benefit most from this application (the elderly patient on multi-drug therapy) are the least likely to use a PDA; and the data must be entered completely before the application can begin to be useful.
The 911 function assumes that an EMT or ER physician will know that the patient has personal medical information stored on the PDA, and will access that information in an emergency situation. I can tell you from personal experience that, in an emergency situation, I would never look through a patient's computer or PDA to find emergency medical information. In fact, under the most extreme circumstances (trauma team response), a patient's personal possessions and clothing are separated from the patient as quickly as possible. The medical team almost never rummages through an emergency patient's belongings. That task is left to others. That said, the 911 function is still useful for keeping medical information at hand, when otherwise it might be forgotten.
On-Time Rx fills a void that has been begging for a solution, and I believe that many will find it a very helpful application. If someone could put it into a wristwatch, it would be darned near perfect!
Pros:
- Stores medication information, reminds user when to take meds, and maintains a record of medication administration. Fills a needed function.
- Simple interface.
- Small memory footprint.
- Does everything it claims to do.
- Interfaces with other products (Handy Shopper), and provides general reminders and to-dos.
Cons:
- Takes control of the hardware Datebook button. This is reversible.
- Requires double data entry for the 911 function.
- Requires user to keep the PDA with them at all times for the application to be truly useful.
- The 911 function has questionable utility in an emergency situation.
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