To address this problem of medication bottles, graduating nursing students from Caldwell University have developed a unique pillbox with these patients in mind. The students first were introduced to the problem as a part of Professor Aneesha Jean’s Community and Public Health course during this past spring semester. During the course, those enrolled spent their time working with patients receiving a wide variety of services offered by the Broadway House for Continuing Care in Newark, New Jersey. After reviewing data gathered from a poll of the facility’s clients, they recognized the stigma that many feel is associated with the traditional medicine bottle interferes with patient adherence to medication schedules. Rather than admonishing the patients or attempting to chide them into compliance, Professor Jean’s students decided that they would redesign the pill container to combat the issue.
“[An important lesson lies] in patient empowerment. Learning how to give patients the tools to help themselves. It was a powerful experience for the students to be able to grow as nursing professionals.”
This is a lesson that was not lost on nursing student Jamie Tangredi who felt the course was a significant reminder of why they decided to invest in a nursing education in the first place:
“You may not be able to cure a patient’s situation, but you can make his or her day better and contribute to helping them look to the future with hope.”
Graduating seniors in the course included Charlotte Goyea, Jonaryis Reyna, Valentina Centeno, Corrine Dudas, Mario Lardizabal, Erica Malacas, Shannon Scariff, Jessica Scarpelli and Jamie Tangredi. Dr. Janet Chance-Hetzler was the Caldwell clinical faculty member for Broadway House, and the students worked on their design with interim director of Jennings LIbrary Ellen Johnston. Discuss further in the 3D Printed Pill Box forum over at 3DPB.com.
[Source/Images: Caldwell University]