Only a few chronically ill people in Europe have so far been receiving their medicines individually in pouch packs. In addition to medication safety, patient convenience is an important argument for individual medication packaging. In a patient survey conducted by the University of Basel, patients who receive their medicines in pouches were asked about their experiences, with the criteria that they must take different medicines at different times every day and follow a strict medication schedule. The interviewees spoke of significant benefits of having their medication in pouches.

“With the pouches you can hand over the responsibility,” reports a patient who has to take eight different medications. “Previously, preparing the medication was very time-consuming and made me nervous. It is a luxury to have the pouches. No mix-ups, no mistakes.” The patient reports that he was initially suspicious and checked the bags but never found a fault. In this respect, he now trusts in the technology and is happy about the additional freedom and safety – also with regard to his grandchildren.

Another patient who lives in a nursing home reports that it is only possible for him to take his medication regularly at the right time with pouches. “With pouches you’re freer than before. I am pampered. It is much safer and more efficient.”

The advantages of pouch packaging significantly outweigh the disadvantages from the patient’s point of view – higher safety, lower risk of errors and greater comfort reduce the feeling of being ill. Taking medication becomes a simple part of their daily routine.

The survey was conducted by PD Dr. Isabelle Arnet, University of Basel. Two patients were interviewed in November 2019.