For many years’ scientists have suggested that the future of major health advances would involve digital microchips scanning the body. Ten years ago, predictions suggested that we might see such technologies as early as 2020; however, they didn’t predict they would be available in 2012.
The British Lloyds Pharmacy made an announcement last week that a digestible digital smart pill would likely be available for sale in September, this year. Lloyds Pharmacy claims the service will cost approximately £50 ($77) per month.
This technology is set to advance dramatically in coming years. The digital pill age starts here in 2012! But what does this pill do? This digital smart pill will allow doctors to determine if their patient’s medication is being taken properly. Interestingly, up-to 50% of patents don’t take their medication properly, making this advance important, and hopefully effective. In the near future, similar technology might be able to detect many diseases and cancers well before they become destructive.
The sensor is smaller than a grain of rice, and the data the chip collects will be sent to the patient’s smart-phone device, or internet enabled device.
Whilst many previous trials have taken place, it is believed that this is one of the first ever smart-pills to enter a consumer market.
Steve Gray (Lloydspharmacy, Director): âAnyone taking several medications knows how easy it can be to lose track of whether or not you’ve taken the correct tablets that day’.
âAdd to that complex health issues and families caring for loved ones who may not live with them and you can appreciate the benefits of an information service that helps patients get the most from their treatments and for families to help them remain well.’
