Monitoring or feedback systems and methods

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for monitoring and/or providing feedback for drugs or other pharmaceuticals taken by a subject. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to devices and methods for determining a species within the skin of a subject; and producing feedback to a subject based on the determination of the species. The feedback may be, for example, visual, audible, tactile, a change in temperature, etc. In some cases, information regarding the determination of the species may be transmitted to another entity, e.g., a health care provider, a computer, a relative, etc., which may then provide feedback to the subject in some fashion. In some cases, the feedback may be directly indicative of the species, e.g., whether the species is present, the concentration of the species, whether a by-product of a reaction involving the species is present, whether a compound affected by the species is present, etc. However, the feedback may also be indirect in some embodiments. For example, the subject may be presented with an external reward, e.g., based on the determination of the species within the skin. For instance, a reward such as cash, coupons, songs, discounts, personal items, etc., may be offered based on the level of compliance of the subject. Still other aspects of the invention are generally directed to kits involving such devices (with or without the drug to be monitored), methods of promoting such systems, or the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein presenting the indication comprises presenting the indication on a display screen. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the display screen indicates access to a web site. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein presenting the indication comprises presenting the indication using a light. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises a coupon. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises a monetary response. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises a visual display. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises music. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises a movie. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response comprises an advertisement. 
     
     
         12 - 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A method, comprising:
 receiving information in a device, the information obtained from a subject representing a property of a species withdrawn from the subject; and   presenting an indication within the device of an external response to a user based on the received information.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the user that the external response is presented to is the subject. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the user that the external response is presented to is a caregiver for the subject. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the information represents an amount and/or concentration of the species. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the received information is determined using a device fastened to the skin of the subject. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the information is received wirelessly. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the external response is presented using a web page. 
     
     
         43 - 65 . (canceled) 
     
     
         66 . A device, comprising:
 means for withdrawing a species from a subject using a device fastened to the subject;   means for determining information comprising an amount and/or a concentration of the species using at least the device; and   means for transmitting the information to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to provide, via an output device, non-number feedback to the subject based on the transmitted information.   
     
     
         67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the output device provides visual feedback. 
     
     
         69 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the output device provides auditory feedback. 
     
     
         70 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the output device provides music. 
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the species is contained in blood withdrawn from the subject. 
     
     
         72 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the means for withdrawing the species comprises a needle. 
     
     
         73 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the means for withdrawing the species comprises a microneedle. 
     
     
         74 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the means for withdrawing the species comprises a self-contained vacuum chamber. 
     
     
         75 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein the means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting the information wirelessly.