European Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Vol 7 | Issue 5 | September 2023

ISSN 2736-5751

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT

Technology
Taharimul Islam1, * , Rakibul Hassan2 , Shahriar Raihan Romy3 , Douaa Dellal4 ,
and Tareq Rageb Ahsan Bin5

ABSTRACT
The research focuses on the design and implementation of an Internet of Submitted: July 18, 2023
Things (IoT) based Digital Medicine Box that aims to assist patients, Published: September 22, 2023
particularly elderly individuals, in taking their medications correctly in
terms of dosage and timing. The system utilizes affordable and lightweight 10.24018/ejece.2023.7.5.557
technology, including a NodeMCU ESP 8266, an OLED display, a buzzer,
and a pulse sensor. It provides reminders to users at designated times, 1 Master
reducing the burden of medication management. The research addresses of Artificial Intelligence, Nan-
jing University of Information Science and
the growing need for assistive products in homes and aims to improve Technology, China.
medication adherence, especially among senior patients who often face 2 Researcher, Orbitx India Aerospace Ltd.,
challenges in remembering their medications. India.
3 Bachelor of Computer Science and
Engineering, Bangladesh University,
Keywords: Assistive Technology, Digital Medicine Box, Health Bangladesh.
Monitoring, Internet of Things, NodeMCU ESP 8266. 4 Bachelor of Electronic Information Engi-
neering, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology, China.
5 Bachelor of International Economics and
Trade, Nanjing University of Information
Science and Technology, China.

*Corresponding Author:
e-mail: [email protected]

1. Introduction challenges such as memory loss and forgetfulness related

to medication schedules, which often render treatments
Advanced technologies have evolved to address the chal-
ineffective. By providing an automatic alert system for
lenges faced by the world, including an increasing birth
prescribed medication schedules and emergency triggers,
rate, rising demand for resources, and growing health
the MEDICINE BOX facilitates independent living while
concerns. Automation and robotics have emerged as inno-
ensuring timely and proper medication intake (Fig. 1) [1].
vations to tackle these obstacles and ensure survival of the
Furthermore, cloud storage technology has replaced paper
fittest in today’s world [1]. However, this has also led to a
records, offering secure and accessible storage of patient
decrease in human capabilities and health consciousness,
data through Host Management System (HMS) in the
resulting in shorter lifespans and reduced memory power
cloud [3].
compared to traditional days. As a result, older individuals
and those with hectic lifestyles struggle to manage their
health effectively. To address this issue, the concept of 2. Motivation and Context
Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) has been developed, with
the MEDICINE BOX project being one such solution [2]. 2.1. Background of Research
Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the health- The research proposes a smart IoT-based healthcare
care industry, with the concept of Internet of Medical system that includes an intelligent medicine box connected
Things (IoMT) connecting billions of medical devices and to sensors and a server for regular health monitoring. The
enabling remote operation. The MEDICINE BOX is a system aims to assist patients in managing their health by
NodeMCU programmed IoT connected box designed to leveraging wireless connectivity, reducing healthcare costs,
store medicines in specific compartments and measure and improving patient care [4]. By utilizing NodeMCU
BPM (Beats Per Minute) for patients. It aims to overcome software and wireless data transfer, the system offers a

Copyright: © 2023 Islam et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original source is cited.

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Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology Islam et al.

Fig. 1. Roadmap of the project.

cost-effective solution for patient monitoring and elimi- for data-driven decision-making and automation of tasks,
nates the need for paper records [5]. The project also aims leading to increased efficiency and cost savings. Real-life
to monitor vital parameters, reducing the need for frequent examples demonstrate the potential of IoT in optimizing
hospital visits and consultations with clinicians [6], [7]. processes and improving productivity.

2.2. Scope of Research 3.1. Researches on IoT

Recent technological advancements in the health- The Internet of Things (IoT) architecture consists of five
care industry, particularly in the field of Internet of layers: perception, network, middleware, application, and
Things (IoT), have significantly improved healthcare ser- business. The perception layer includes physical devices
vices, making them more accessible and convenient. The and objects that collect data and transmit it to the network
integration of smart sensors, cloud computing, and com- layer through wired or wireless mediums [10]. The middle-
munication technologies has revolutionized healthcare, ware layer processes the information, while the application
providing solutions that benefit patients and healthcare layer manages device operations. At the top, the business
providers alike [8]. However, despite these advancements, layer oversees the entire IoT system, applications, and
IoT in healthcare still faces challenges and issues that services. Additionally, IoT architectures can be customized
warrant further research. The following section discusses to meet specific requirements and incorporate functional
some of these issues. blocks such as sensing mechanisms, authentication, con-
trol, and management (Fig. 2) to support various activities
within the IoT.
3. Review of Literature The IoT system comprises essential functional blocks
The Internet of Things (IoT) involves connecting devices responsible for I/O operations, connectivity, processing,
to the internet and each other, enabling data exchange and audio/video monitoring, and storage management. These
creating a vast network of interconnected objects. This blocks collaborate to achieve optimal performance in IoT
includes a wide range of devices, from smart appliances systems. While there are various reference architectures
and cars to wearable fitness devices [9]. These devices have available, there is currently no universally standardized
built-in sensors that connect to an IoT platform, which col- architecture suitable for global IoT implementation. A
lects and analyzes data to extract valuable information for well-designed architecture is needed to meet the diverse
specific purposes. For businesses, this technology allows needs of the IoT landscape (Fig. 3). IoT gateways play

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Islam et al. Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology

Fig. 2. Illustration of functional blocks within the IoT architecture.

Fig. 4. Design of the proposed medicine box.

Fig. 5. NodeMCU ESP8266 development board.

Fig. 3. The dependency of IoT on specific application parameters.

time and date information, and assists with medication
organization.
a crucial role in facilitating communication between IoT
servers and devices across different applications. 4.1. IoT based Medicine Box System Design
3.2. Research on IoT in Bangladesh Fig. 4 shows the design of the medicine box system based
on IoT.
Bangladesh is rapidly adopting the Internet of Things
(IoT) in various sectors, including smart homes, govern- 4.2. Modules of IoT based Medicine Box System Design
ment organizations, smart farming, smart metering, and 4.2.1. NodeMCU ESP8266
smart city applications. By leveraging IoT, Bangladesh can
The NodeMCU ESP8266 development board (Fig. 5)
gain a competitive advantage in sectors such as the gar-
comes with the ESP-12E module containing the ESP8266
ment industry, agriculture, the blue economy, and traffic
chip having Tensilica Xtensa 32-bit LX106 RISC micro-
management. Implementing IoT solutions can improve
processor. This microprocessor supports RTOS and
labor efficiency in garment factories, increase fish produc-
operates at 80 MHz to 160 MHz adjustable clock fre-
tion, address environmental issues in the Bay of Bengal,
quency. NodeMCU has 128 KB RAM and 4 MB of Flash
and optimize traffic management in Dhaka. It is crucial
memory to store data and programs. Its high processing
for Bangladesh to embrace IoT in sectors where it holds an
power with in-built Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and Deep Sleep Oper-
advantage to maintain its competitive edge and maximize
ating features make it ideal for IoT projects.
the benefits of IoT implementation.
NodeMCU can be powered using a Micro USB jack and
VIN pin (External Supply Pin). It supports UART, SPI,
4. Methodology and I2C interface.

Our project’s objective is to create a specialized medicine 4.2.2. Pulse Sensor

box that provides various functionalities. First and fore- The Pulse Sensor Amped is a user-friendly heart-rate
most, it serves as a reminder system to ensure that patients sensor designed for Arduino/NodeMCU, offering accu-
take their medication at the designated times. With an inte- rate and real-time heart-rate data integration into various
grated alert system, it alerts patients when it’s time to take projects. It features an optical sensor, amplification, and
their medicines, promoting adherence to the prescribed noise cancellation circuitry for reliable pulse readings, con-
medication schedule. Our medicine box incorporates a suming low power for mobile applications. Simply attach
heart rate monitor capable of measuring the patient’s heart it to your earlobe or fingertip and connect it to your
rate, commonly known as beats per minute (BPM). This Arduino/NodeMCU for easy integration (Fig. 6), with
feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who need example code and visualization options provided [12], [13].
to monitor their heart health or have specific medical
conditions that require heart rate tracking [11], [12]. 4.2.3. OLED Display
Our project focuses on developing a versatile medicine OLED displays utilize organic light-emitting diodes as
box that serves as a comprehensive tool for patients. It their primary light source, emitting light when electric cur-
aids in medication adherence, monitors heart rate, provides rent excites the molecules within the diode (Fig. 7). They

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Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology Islam et al.

Fig. 9. Visible LED.

Fig. 6. Pulse sensor.

Fig. 7. OLED display.

Fig. 10. Circuit diagram.

4.2.5. LEDs
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are semiconductor devices
that emit light when an electric current is applied (Fig. 9).
They are commonly used as indicator lamps in electronic
devices and in applications such as automotive lighting,
billboards, and fiber-optic systems. LEDs operate through
electroluminescence, emitting photons due to electronic
excitation. The composition of the semiconductor material
determines the wavelength and color of the emitted light.
LEDs typically emit light in the visible spectrum or near
infrared. The brightness depends on power and the eye’s
sensitivity. LEDs operate at low voltages, around 2.0 volts,
with currents ranging from milliamperes to hundreds of
Fig. 8. Buzzer—An audio signaling device.
milliamperes.

4.2.6. Google Firebase

are widely used for showcasing images, text, and videos
Firebase is a platform developed by Google for creating
due to their power efficiency and performance advantages.
mobile and web applications [16]. It was originally an
Unlike standard LEDs, OLEDs generate light through the
independent company founded in 2011. In 2014, Google
interaction of organic molecules under an electric current
acquired the platform and it is now their flagship offering
[21], resulting in bright and clear light without significant
for app development.
heat or excessive power consumption [14], [15].
4.2.7. Android App
4.2.4. Buzzer
Android is a mobile operating system based on the
An audio signaling device, such as a beeper or buzzer Linux kernel and open-source software. It is designed for
(Fig. 8), converts an audio signal into sound and can be touchscreen devices and developed by the Open Handset
electromechanical, piezoelectric, or mechanical. It oper- Alliance, supported by Google. While it incorporates pro-
ates on DC voltage and is used in timers, alarms, printers, prietary components, its core elements are derived from the
and other devices. The buzzer typically has two pins: a pos- Android Open Source Project. Android devices often come
itive terminal powered by 6 Volts and a negative terminal pre-installed with proprietary software, including Google
connected to the GND terminal. Mobile Services (Fig. 12). While alternative ecosystems

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Islam et al. Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology

Fig. 11. Complete device.

Fig. 13. Device with certain medicines.

Fig. 14. Testing the prototype.

(Fig. 11). The compartments can be accessed through a

secure servo motor, with the coordination of hardware
and software achieved through Arduino programming
(Fig. 10) [17].
To track the patient’s medication intake, switches are
provided along with separate partitions to record the tablet
information. An IoT module enables the system to mon-
itor whether the patient has taken the tablets according
Fig. 12. First interface of the mobile app. to the schedule throughout the day. The data is then
sent to a cloud software accessible anytime and anywhere,
which provides updates to the designated guardian and
and forks exist, the use of the “Android” name and logo is
clinician. Furthermore, the patient’s body parameters, such
regulated by Google [16].
as heartbeat, spo2, and body temperature, are continu-
NodeMCU ESP-8266, Pulse sensor, OLED display,
ously uploaded to the cloud through a Wi-Fi module. This
Buzzer, and some LEDs. Those devices will be connected
occurs as the calibrating sensors detect changes in the
with Google firebase and will take data from the Android
patient’s parameters.
app to work accordingly. The mobile app also can give
To ensure the security of the drugs, the medicine box can
notifications and voice messages about medicine doses
only be accessed through the user’s biometrics, preventing
[19], [20].
misuse (Fig. 13). A reminder alarm is incorporated into
the system to fulfill the primary objective of the project.
Additionally, an LED display guides the patient on the
5. Implementation and Analysis
steps required to access the box whenever the tablets need
The design of the medicine box is specifically created to to be taken. All these modules are operated through the
facilitate the organized storage of medications according to Arduino mega module, and the power supply, supported
the prescribed medical schedule. It includes compartments by a buck converter, is distributed to the various modules
with labels to store optional drugs that are taken before inside the box, enhancing user-friendliness and functional-
and after each of the three daily meals [18]. These compart- ity (Fig. 14).
ments are partitioned to ensure appropriate temperature
conditions for drug storage. By utilizing the Peltier effect, 5.1. Development of IoT based Medicine Box System
the partitions are securely maintained at optimum tem- In this part, a circuit diagram has been designed that
peratures, including normal temperature and cold storage showcases the integration of multiple components such as

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Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology Islam et al.

Fig. 16. Visual description in the OLED display.

Fig. 15. Alert from app.

Fig. 17. Alert from the buzzer.

NodeMCU ESP8266, a pulse sensor, an OLED display, a
buzzer, and three LED lights. The NodeMCU ESP8266
serves as the main microcontroller unit and is responsible Now we can keep the medicine box close and keep this
for controlling the other components (Fig. 15). The pulse connected with 5 volts+ adapter.
sensor is used to measure the heartbeat rate of the user and The app will alert the patient with a text and voice
display it on the OLED screen. The buzzer and LED lights message “take your medicine” when the given time and
are used to provide feedback to the user in the form of phone’s time is same (Fig. 17).
an audible alarm and visual cues respectively. The circuit Also, within the OLED display the time-date medicine
diagram presented in this paper can also be used as a basis name, medicine doses and time will be shown. And the
for developing various health monitoring systems. buzzer will also make a sound to draw attention.
After opening the box this will indicate with the LED, in
which compartment the medicine is.
6. Results & Discussion Starting with a NodeMCU ESP-8266, Pulse sensor,
Hence, a smart medicines box designed with an embed- OLED display, Buzzer, and some LEDs. Those devices will
ded system based on IoT technology to overcome the be connected with Google Firebase and will take data from
disadvantage of patients Ambient Assisted Living (AAL). the Android app to work accordingly. The mobile app also
The daily activities of the respective patient’s health details can give notifications and voice messages about medicine
and their medication details transfer with the benefit of doses.
GSM node alert SMS with the help of Wi-Fi connected The compartmentalized box design for thrice in a day
smart medicine box (Fig. 16). The cloud system acts as helps the patient to store drugs and consume the drugs eas-
the bridge for doctor-patient relations in order to over- ily i.e., user friendly. There is no complication in the usage
come the inconvenience of handling the record. The doctor of smart medicine boxes such that people do not need any
suggested treatments become more effective and beneficial training to handle medicine boxes. Thus the aim of Ambi-
when the patients are reminded to take the right drugs at ent Assisted Living (AAL) for a patient is successfully
the right time through alarm as per the doctor prescribed achieved by less complicated design and sensors to monitor
schedule and tablets taken by patients. vital parameters of patients along with the fingerprint
After Installing the mobile app, we have putted the sensor for high security of the medicine box. The updating
medicine name and doses within the app. of patient details in the cloud like their vital parameters
Now we have placed medicine to the classified compart- assists both doctors and patients in acknowledging the
ment of the box as per prescription. health condition whether abnormal or critical readings are

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Islam et al. Enhancing Medication Adherence with IoT Technology

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