MedThings, a Norwegian developer and manufacturer of welfare technology, has selected the Quectel BG95-M3 multi-band LTE Cat M1, NB2 and EGPRS module, for use in its Mobili e-dosett smart medicine dispenser. Based on many years of experience in the Norwegian healthcare system, the Mobili e-dosett facilitates safe and efficient medicine logistics for patients, their relatives as well as the healthcare provider. The Mobili e-dosett device is the first and only medicine dispenser that has been developed, manufactured and tested in Norway.

The Mobili e-dosett is an intelligent and simple smart dispenser designed to take patient safety to a new level by giving the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time, to the right patient. The unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system ensures that patients receive the correct cassette of medication every time. Each cassette on the device is a closed system that prevents unintended use and cross-contamination of medicines. The Mobili e-dosett can be pre-filled and handled by healthcare personnel in pharmacies, nursing homes or hospitals, as well as by relatives who are in contact with the healthcare service.

“Mobili is intuitive and designed for complex and demanding logistics operations and has integrations with the public healthcare system,” explains Bjørn Toreid, the Founder and CEO of MedThings. “The Mobili e-dosett dispenses medicines based on a medicine plan determined by the doctor’s last prescription and the entire solution is controlled from MedThings’ cloud solution, managed from a PC or a mobile phone. All dispensers are connected to the 4G network so that plans can be changed and updates pushed.”

MedThings turned to Quectel and selected the BG95-M3 module following a recommendation from a development partner. The Quectel BG95-M3 is a multi-band LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2 and EGPRS module which achieves maximum downlink rates of 588Kbps and uplink rates of 1119Kbps using LTE Cat M1. It is available in a highly integrated and cost-effective standard PCI Express Mini Card form factor measuring 51.0mm × 30.0mm × 4.9mm, which allows for significant flexibility in the design of wearables such as medical devices.

“We’re delighted that MedThings has selected the Quectel BG95-M3 LTE Cat 1 module to ensure that patients’ medication is dispensed accurately and precisely,” says Dominikus Hierl, Senior Sales Vice President for EMEA at Quectel Wireless Solutions. “This type of smart medicine dispenser really helps healthcare professionals and patients’ families and carers ensure they are receiving the correct amount of medication at the right times and being able to integrate the device with MedThings’s cloud solution enables changes and updates to be communicated without delay. We’re proud to be working with MedThings on this innovative and smart healthcare solution.”

In addition to the BG95-M3, MedThings has also selected Quectel for the device’s custom 4G and NFC FLEXPCB antenna. Selection of modules and antennas from Quectel helps eliminate common integration issues and accelerate time to market.

“Mobilie e-dosett ensures that workflow and safety are quality assured in the medicine [dispensing] room,” adds Toreid. “Different levels of double control and PRN – ‘as required’ – medication are also taken care of by the system and, if the patient forgets to take the medication, a message is sent to the care giver. We now have a stable solution with good coverage to support the needs of our customers.”