Kaleidoscope is the largest provider of support services to people who use drugs in Wales.
They have been part of an informal working group, including members of the Swansea University School of Pharmacy, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, looking at challenges around drug dispensing for therapy and rehabilitation, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dispensing these theraputic drugs in a safe way has been a big problem people who are undergoing therapy and presenting a seperate set of challenges for the prescribing pharmacists.
A need was identified for a secure take-home dispenser for multiple doses of a theraputic drug to prevent accidental or deliberate overdose or misuse, but no suitable device is currently available. Such a device needs to meet multiple complex requirements for safety, accuracy, and usability.
The Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) has helped to establish the dispenser requirement specification and developed a proof-of-concept prototype. Further support has sought stakeholder approval and manufacturer interest.
HTC is supporting Kaleidoscope’s plan for MHRA approval and assisting with two applications for further development funding.
