TIPS and Help for OnTimeRx-BlackBerry v1.1

A new software customer asked about a User Manual for OnTimeRx-BlackBerry, the latest addition to our suite of OnTimeRx software programs.

TIPS are scattered throughout the BB software to explain how to use all the features on each screen; however, posting the TIPS and Help copy on this blog might help others.

OnTimeRx-BlackBerry v1.1

Help Button:

General Instructions

When an Alarm goes off:

• Read the screen.

• Do what the screen says.

• Click on the Details button, if displayed, to view more details.
• Click YES to record the dose or event on the Log.

• Click Wait 15 or Wait 30 to silence snooze alarms.

• Click NO - if dose was intentionally not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Check the Days Supply on each drug alarm screen.to avoid running out.

• When more than one drug is scheduled at the same alarm time, each Drug Name will display in a different color on the alarm screens.

Descriptions of Features and Buttons:

Tips on Menu button – Home screen (Settings/Tips/Registration)

Preference Settings

Alarm Sounds – Select any alarm sound you prefer Check or uncheck Vibrate mode

Set a Start of Day Time – your usual first dose of the day.

Set an End of Day Time – your last dose of the day This information will be preset on New Drug records.

Change the Color Option if a 'theme' makes the OnTimeRx buttons difficult to read.

Security PIN feature protects your data and prevents it from being viewed by others. Select a PIN number you can remember. It must be entered to view details on each alarm screen.

Alarm Mute - Home screen
This feature is used to temporarily silence all audible OTRx alerts for a movie, play, or meeting. Alarm Mute is like the Mute function on a VCR Remote.
When Mute is OFF (default), you will hear audible alarm sounds.

When Mute is ON or enabled, the sounds are muted. Your alarm screens will display with a single vibrate alert.
• Tap the Main screen Alarm Mute dropdown and select 1 hr, 2hr, or 3 hr.

• The alarms will automatically restart at the end of that time period.

• Alarm Mute - ON will silence all OTRx alarms indefinitely and must be restarted manually.(not normally recommended).

• Select Alarm Mute - OFF to manually restart the alarm sequence.

• Tap the Menu button to display TIPS or Information on any screen.

MyMeds button -.TIPS

My Meds Drug List -

MyMeds is a list of all Rx and OTC drug records in OnTimeRx.

Routine Drug Names are in Bold font and have alarms set.

Drug Names in regular font are PRN and do not have alarms set. These are taken “as needed” (pain meds) or are no longer needed (antibiotics).

Drug names are arranged in alphabetical order. The cursor can be moved to any drug name instantly by typing the first letter of the drug name on the keypad. The list will auto-scroll to the first drug name that starts with that letter.

HINT –To help prevent future adverse reactions, keep the drug records that are no longer in use, but add ZZZ- to any Drug Name that has been discontinued. (ZZZ-Antimycin) These will move to the bottom of MyMeds list. It is good to add a Note with the date and the reason why it was stopped. (allergic reaction-rash).

Tips: (On Menu button from MyMeds or PillTime)

New Drug Entry Screen
This information can be found on your Rx labels & patient info leaflets for Rx (prescription) & OTC (over-the-counter) products.

1. Enter full Drug Name & Strength

2. Enter the Quantity per dose. The default quantity is “1”.
NOTE:

For fractional doses (½ or ¼ tablet), 2 separate quantity options are used.

• Click the first quantity dropdown and select 0 for less than 1

• Scroll to the second dropdown and select ½ or ¼

• For 1-1/2 teaspoonful – scroll past the 1 and select ½ to display 1-1/2

3. Select a Frequency
The default is once/day (default) Enter a number to set up to 6x/day

4. Set Dose Time/s

• Move cursor to Time box. 'Not Set' (default)

• Click Enter key or a number to access the Set Dose Time screen.

5. Set a Repeat

• Click Repeat button to set or change dosing schedule.

• Default is “Daily” Repeat with 'No End Date’ – for ongoing doses.
• Select Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly repeats when appropriate

• Select None - for one-time doses or events

• Start Date is today’s date (default).

• Click Enter on date field to change Start date.

• For a specific End Date, move to 'No End Date’ - click Enter key

• Set End Date and click Done.

6. Click Back button to Save Data on MyMeds list

To Include Additional Information (optional):

• Add descriptive terms for In: - With: - and For: data fields.

• Enter a letter to select from a dropdown list of terms or edit the list.

You can customize any Dropdown list:

• Scroll to a field and enter a letter to display a item (m = mouth).

• Click trackball to display full list

• Click the appropriate term to select.

• Click “Edit” to access Edit Window

• Click Menu button to add New or Rename items on lists.

• Select Rx (default) or OTC box to specify the category of medication.

• Select Routine (default) or PRN (as needed) to specify the type of dose.
• Click the Back button to Save - when finished.

To add Pill Count or More Detailed Information (optional):

• Click 'Supply' button to enter current Pill Count. Your Remaining Days supply will display on each Alarm screen.

• Click 'More' to enter other details on each drug.

• If Directions field has text, a Details button displays on Alarm Screens.

• Click 'Details' button to access the Details before taking a dose.
• Tap 'Notes' button to add other information - such as: color, shape and markings on generic med, reason for discontinuing a drug, etc.

• Click Back button to Save Data on MyMeds list

To Edit Drug information

• Select a Drug from MyMeds list or PillTime -click Menu button –Edit.

To Take a Dose Early

• Use Take Now feature to log doses up to 1 hour early.

• Highlight a Drug Name in PillTime – click Menu button – ‘Take Now’.

• Highlight the Drug Name – click Menu – Edit to view drug record

• Click 'Take Now' button to take a Routine dose up to 1 hour early.

• Click 'Take Now' button to take PRN or As Needed meds.

To Delete a Drug from MyMeds List

• Select Drug Name to be Deleted

• Click Menu button and select 'Delete'. Click Yes to Verify. It’s GONE!

For Best Results: Enter complete information for each new drug when adding it to MyMeds list. Additional information can always be added later, if preferred.

PillTime Button:

Bold Items on the PillTime schedule are the next doses to be taken.

More than one drug may be scheduled at the same time.

The Drug Names will display on different color bars on alarm screens to differentiate each drug as it is logged.

If it is not convenient to log the doses when the alarm sounds, scroll to the Wait 15 or Wait 30 buttons to delay the alarms for 15 or 30 min.

Snooze alarms will sound every 10 minutes for 30 minutes if the doses are ignored or not logged.

Standard dosing rules consider a dose is “on time” if taken 1 hour before or 1 hour after the scheduled dose time. Dosing schedules can always be changed to meet the user’s needs.

ToDo Button:

ToDo List –

ToDo List is a complete list of your OnTimeRx scheduled ToDo events. These ToDo events may or may not be health-related. You can Log these events if you choose to.

Items in Bold have alarms set for one time or recurring event reminders.

Items in regular font display [DateTime Not set] or [DateTime Exp]. These have no alarms currently set or the event has expired.

Highlight any item and click Menu button to Edit or Delete it.

Scroll to any field and click Enter key to access and change the data.

You can reactivate an expired or not set ToDo. Simply highlight the ToDo and click Menu to Edit. Be sure to update both the start/end dates and time. Save your changes.

• To enter a New ToDo event - Click Menu – New

• Enter a Brief description of ToDo event.

• Scroll to 'Not Set' (time box) – Click Enter key or a number to enter date/time.
• Set alarm time
• Scroll up to change Start Date if other than today.

• Tap Repeat - to select interval for recurring event

• Select end date, if needed. [OK] then [Done].

• Add Notes for more details (e.g. Insulin sliding scale, etc.) [Done].

• The 'Do Now' button allows the event to be logged up to 1 hour early.

NOTE: To Delete a ToDo Entry:

• Highlight the ToDo to be deleted. Click Menu - Delete

• Confirm 'Delete ToDo' - it's GONE!

911 Info Button:

IN CASE of EMERGENCY: Include “See OnTimeRx 911 Data” in your I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) Contact Record. Your 911 information can save precious time in case you cannot speak or think clearly to answer questions.

• Contact Support@ontimerx.com for a work-around to enter your 911 data as blocks of text.

• Click the 911 Info button and scroll to review or display your personal medical data

• Click Menu – Edit 911 to enter or change any of your data.

• List only the most important data, such as: Allergies, Next of Kin, Doctors names and phone numbers, etc.

• Keep this 911 data current with dates of previous hospital stays, procedures and other health-related activities.

• Sensitive information may be kept from view by checking the Private box. • Protected data can be accessed at the owner's discretion through the Edit 911 function.

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Log Button:

The Log displays a Y, N, M, or C for each event.

Y = Yes - drug taken or task completed.

N = No - event cancelled or purposely not done.

M = Missed - no response to the alarm.

C = Changed – to correct a 'missed' or a No response.

Making Log Corrections:
If a dose or event was not logged properly, limited changes can be made to correct the Log. The Compliance rate and Days Supply are automatically adjusted.

Select the incorrect Log entry and click Menu button to edit the Log Detail. Missed Log events displaying 'M' can be changed to 'C'. If doses or events were logged as 'No' in error but were taken or done, the 'N' can be changed to 'C'. Do NOT change the 'M' or 'N', if a dose or event was actually missed.

Transfer button:

BlackBerry Data Transfer function is not currently available.

The following “copy and paste” work-around will facilitate loading extensive 911 Information into OnTimeRx on your Blackberry device. For additional assistance, contact: Support@OnTimeRx.com

A 30-day free trial version of OnTimeRx-Windows software is available for download from: www.OnTimeRx.com All of the suggested 911 categories are listed in the OnTimeRx-Windows desktop program. Data can be entered on a Windows XP or Vista computer utilizing this program. Copy the data into an email message and send it to yourself. Open the email on your BlackBerry device. Simply copy each section from the email message and select 911 Info – click the Menu button - Edit 911 to paste the compiled data into your OnTimeRx 911 Info.

To utilize the OTRx-Win desktop program for data entry beyond the 30-day trial period, a registration must be purchased separately from the Developer. See purchase details on the developer website or call or email support@OnTimeRx.com for further assistance.

About Us button:

Welcome to OnTimeRx®, your reminder system for all health-related activities. OnTimeRx® was designed by a pharmacist to remind each user to take all medications as prescribed - on time - every time. Medications will only work properly if they are taken properly. This reminder system can be invaluable, if it is used routinely. For best results, it is recommended that users respond to all reminders promptly.

DISCLAIMER: AmeliaPlex, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of information entered in OnTimeRx reminder software by the end user. Since the information is owned and maintained by the User or his/her agent or health care professional, OnTimeRx software is not subject to HIPAA rules. No claims are made that the information and/or reminders entered by the user will be 100% accurate, reliable, or effective. No guarantee is made that the user’s data will not be lost due to unforeseen conditions that may disable the device or devices on which the software is being utilized. Every effort has been made to assure that OnTimeRx software will perform properly, but software is always sold “as is” and may not work on all devices or on any device that is damaged or has batteries that are not charged properly.

BASIC USER INSTRUCTIONS:

When an Alarm sounds and the Alarm screen displays:
• Read the screen.
• Do what the screen says.
• Tap YES to record the dose or event on the Log.
• Tap NO - if dose was not taken.
• Repeat above steps for all drugs or events scheduled at this time.
• Always check the Days Supply to avoid running out of pills.

It Still Works - Why Change?

As we get older, certain changes are inevitable; but if you're like a lot of people, change doesn't come easily.

How many people do you know who "proudly or defiantly" announce that they:
1. don't use a computer! -(How sad. They are missing out on sooo much!)
2. never learned how to set up a VCR or TV remote -(OK, Hubby controls the controls.)
3. haven't changed their hairstyle in over 20 years -(my hair does it's own thing!)
4. haven't moved or bought any new furniture in 10 years -(make that 30+ years!)
5. are still driving the same car that they got back in the '80s -(why not? ... if it still runs.)
6. still watch TV reruns from the '80s -(it IS like visiting with "old friends".)

There's really nothing wrong with resisting some change, I guess - but I'm always impressed with people who are at least willing to try new things. It is pretty amazing how many older people are actually using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, GrowingBolder and other social networking sites. But even those who are not afraid of new technology, may not want to leave their "comfort zone"! As a self-proclaimed "Techno-Geezer", I love new gadgets up to a point, but even I have my limits.

I was really happy with my Treo 650 smart phone, until the folks at Sprint stopped supporting it, and I was more or less forced to switch phones AND carriers!

Wish I could have asked my doctor " which phone is right for me... ?"

Why must we have so many different models to choose from? Why do they all have an overwhelming number of bells and whistles I'll never use? Why are new ones being launched every millisecond - or so it seems? If the old phone still works, why change it?

In a recent piece on networkworld.com, Carolyn Duffy Marsan listed 12 terms that should never be used in the workplace. This inspired over 300 comments, and I agree with Toni Bowers that they can be used in the right situation, as long as it doesn’t mean your learning stopped with these terms:

1. Intranet
2. Extranet
3. Web surfing
4. Push technology
5. Application Service Provider (ASP)
6. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
7. Internet Telephony
8. Weblog
9. Thin Client
10. Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs)
11. Long-Distance Call
12. World Wide Web

Hmm... "If it ain't broke..." I still use my trusty Palm PDA along with my BlackBerry, which uses "push technology". I make VOIP calls and surf the Web daily, and I run a web-based ASP business. Obviously I like to "Weblog"... so it looks like I'm still very comfortable with this list of terms. What's wrong with that?

... I'm still willing to learn about new things. How about you?

WES 2009 in Orlando

The weather is perfect for WES, Wireless Enterprise Symposium 2009, which is currently on in Orlando.

It's the world's largest meeting of its kind for BlackBerry users of all "makes and models" - from major enterprises to the individual BB device owner. They've all come to Orlando to compare notes, learn new techniques, and check out the latest developments from RIM.

As a developer of OnTimeRx for BlackBerry, I was very excited about attending at least a part of this symposium, to connect with lots of other health care vendors in the wireless world and scores of pill-taking BB users... especially since it's being held right in my backyard. Unfortunately, plans changed at the last minute and I was not able to attend the first day. However, I did get out to the Orlando World Center Marriott & Convention Center on Wednesday, May 6th, and met with a couple of representatives from BlackBerryChicks, a relatively new website devoted to women who use BlackBerry devices. I really enjoyed meeting them and sharing ideas for marketing my medication reminder for the BB - especially since I just happen to be a woman developer and a BB-user myself. Guess that officially makes me a "BlackBerryChick", too.

I left a stack of my cards and am hoping that lots of people will go to my website and sign up to be notified when we launch OnTimeRx for BlackBerry. Hopefully, that will happen by the end of the month!!!

...or at least soon, very soon!

Why Doctors Don't Give Patients Credit

We are not talking about a patient getting a "Credit" for unsatisfactory services rendered. I'm talking about patients not receiving credit for being capable of using technology in any of its many forms.

Au Contrare! There are thousands of "ordinary people" with extraordinary medical conditions and physical barriers who use OnTimeRx every day, and tell me they could not live without it.

Ron, a VA patient and long-time user of OnTimeRx software, called me recently to find out the latest news from OnTimeRx HQ. During our conversation, we were bemoaning the fact that most doctors move at a glacial pace when it comes to adopting new technology. He was especially frustrated because the VA has spent a lot of time and money developing the "My HealtheVet" website, but there are many other inexpensive and practical technology tools that could be used by veterans to ease their burdens and simplify their lives even more.

Ron said, " OnTimeRx works really well for me, and I've told all of my VA doctors about OnTimeRx repeatedly." He also wanted to know, "So why don't these doctors order a PDA with OnTimeRx for Traumatic Brain Injury patients - and others - to help them manage their medications and other treatments?"

Here's my theory:
Doctors in general consider themselves to be pretty smart people; and rightly so. IF they are using a PDA, smart phone, or BlackBerry, it's my guess that they probably had a lot of trouble getting it set up and working properly. So, that being the case, they just naturally assume that patients who have less education and compromised mental skills would probably never be able to handle it. This is absolutely not true, but it's probably why the doctors don't even consider an inexpensive laptop, netbook or hand held computer (PDA) as an Assistive Device or Prosthesis for their patients.

Maybe it's time for VA patients with any kind of memory problems to start requesting this OnTimeRx software/hardware adherence solution and save everyone a lot of time, money and heartburn. For $23-$30 worth of software and $100 -$400 (depending on the hardware selected), any patient could improve his or her adherence rate and live better, with less stress, by using the technology that is readily available everywhere.

That's not a theory - that's a fact!

Don't Remind Me!

"When I forget something, don't remind me. It just proves that you think I'm getting old!"

A lot of people will flatly deny they need reminders. For some reason they think that's the same as admitting they're too old and forgetful to manage anything on their own. But that's far from the truth...

This is NOT - I repeat - NOT an age-related problem. Everyone needs help remembering to do things... I'm no exception, and neither are most of the people who may read this blog. I'm on a mission to help folks stop worrying and learn to "Fuggedaboutit!!!"

By learning to use some of the many reminder tools that are available, you can consider yourself "older, bud-wiser" for doing so. No more clock-watching, no more missed appointments, no more missed medications. It's actually quite easy to get your act together - at last!

I find that I'm much less stressed when I've assigned the task of remembering everything to a reliable computer. Those reminders are timely and non-judgemental, so I never mind being told what to do and when. (I've never lied to you before, why would I start now?)


I'm actually very proud of our products and services, so here's the shameless self-promotion part:

Please take a look at the simple software programs and reminder services available from OnTimeRx. These programs are patient-focused and user-friendly and were specifically designed to be simple to set up and a pleasure to use. With over 12 years of responding to user suggestions and requests for enhancements, OnTimeRx now addresses every possible scheduling need and reminder option.

We started out in 2000 with the Palm version, and quickly heard from numerous PocketPC users, who wanted the same program for their PDAs. The PocketPC version was launched in 2005, and then a desktop version for Windows XP and Vista PCs later that year. Now we're developing a version for the ubiquitous BlackBerry, and who knows... maybe even one for the iPhone some day.

Don't just take my word for it. Read the Testimonials and then test it for yourself. Try it - you'll like it!