U.S. patent application number 13/501404 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-09 for system for assisting medicinal liquid preparation and method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Soichiro Fujioka, Osamu Mizuno, Tohru Nakamura, Akihiro Ohta, Akinobu Okuda.
Application Number | 20120199239 13/501404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43875962 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120199239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Okuda; Akinobu ; et
al. |
August 9, 2012 |
SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING MEDICINAL LIQUID PREPARATION AND METHOD FOR
ASSISTING MEDICINAL LIQUID PREPARATION
Abstract
A medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to the
present invention includes a medicine bottle weight measurement
unit having a first weight measurement portion for measuring the
total weight of medicine bottles placed on a medicine bottle
mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measurement unit having a
second weight measurement portion for measuring the weight of an
infusion bag placed on an infusion bag mounting portion; a storage
unit; a control unit for producing auditing information based on
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit and the infusion bag weight measurement unit, and
storing the produced auditing information in the storage unit; and
an information presentation unit for displaying at least one of
information about medicinal liquids to be injected into the
infusion bag, the information being stored beforehand in the
storage unit, and the auditing information stored in the storage
unit by the control unit.
Inventors: |
Okuda; Akinobu; (Nara,
JP) ; Nakamura; Tohru; (Osaka, JP) ; Fujioka;
Soichiro; (Osaka, JP) ; Mizuno; Osamu; (Osaka,
JP) ; Ohta; Akihiro; (Osaka, JP) |
Assignee: |
PANASONIC CORPORATION
Kadoma-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
43875962 |
Appl. No.: |
13/501404 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
October 6, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2010/005979 |
371 Date: |
April 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 ;
141/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61J 2200/74 20130101;
A61J 3/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/1 ;
141/83 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/26 20060101
B65B003/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 2009 |
JP |
2009-236932 |
Claims
1. A medicinal liquid preparation assist system comprising: a
medicine bottle weight measurement unit having a medicine bottle
mounting portion on which medicine bottles are placed, and a first
weight measurement portion for measuring total weight of all the
medicine bottles placed on the medicine bottle mounting portion; an
infusion bag weight measurement unit having an infusion bag
mounting portion on which an infusion bag is placed; and a second
weight measurement portion for measuring weight of the infusion bag
placed on the infusion bag mounting portion; a storage unit; a
control unit for comparing changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit with changes in weight
measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit, producing
auditing information based on a result of the comparison, and
storing the produced auditing information in the storage unit; and
an information presentation unit for displaying at least one of
information about medicinal liquids to be injected to the infusion
bag, the information being stored beforehand in the storage unit,
and the auditing information stored in the storage unit by the
control unit.
2. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 1, wherein the control unit counts a number of the changes in
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit or a
number of the changes in weight measured by the infusion bag weight
measurement unit.
3. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 2, wherein the control unit calculates a number of the
medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting portion or a
number of the medicinal liquids injected to the infusion bag on the
infusion bag mounting portion based on the counted numbers of the
changes in weight, produces auditing information by comparing the
calculated number of the medicine bottles or of the injected
medicinal liquids with a predetermined value, and stores the
produced auditing information in the storage unit.
4. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 1, further comprising: a reader for reading prescription
identification data or an input unit through which the prescription
identification data is inputted; and a medical information database
for storing the information about the medicinal liquids, wherein
the control unit sends the prescription identification data to the
medical information database, the medical information database
sends the information about the medicinal liquids in accordance
with the received prescription identification data, and the control
unit stores the information about the medicinal liquids from the
medical information database in the storage unit.
5. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 1, further comprising a syringe weight measurement portion
having a holder for holding a syringe driving device with a syringe
attached thereto, and a third weight measurement portion for
measuring weight of the syringe driving device held by the holder,
wherein the control unit compares the changes in weight measured by
the medicine bottle weight measurement unit, the changes in weight
measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit, and changes
in weight measured by the syringe weight measurement portion,
produces auditing information based on a result of the comparison,
and stores the produced auditing information in the storage
unit.
6. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 1, further comprising a camera, wherein the control unit
displays, on the information presentation unit, actually
photographed images of the medicine bottles containing the
medicinal liquids to be injected into the infusion bag on the
infusion bag mounting portion arranged in mixing and preparing
order, and compares the actually photographed images and images of
the medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting portion
photographed by the camera.
7. The medicinal liquid preparation assist system according to
claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates weight or amounts of
the withdrawn medicinal liquids based on the changes in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit when the
medicinal liquids are withdrawn from the medicine bottles on the
medicine bottle mounting portion, compares the calculated weight or
amounts of the medicinal liquids with a predetermined value, and
produces withdrawal error information indicating at least one of
errors in the amounts of the withdrawn medicinal liquids, errors in
types of the withdrawn medicinal liquids, and spilling of the
medicinal liquids when the calculated weight or amounts of the
medicinal liquids do not coincide with the predetermined value.
8. A method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation, the method
comprising: a medicine bottle weight measuring step of measuring
total weight of medicine bottles placed on a medicine bottle
mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measuring step of
measuring weight of an infusion bag placed on an infusion bag
mounting portion; and an auditing information producing step of
comparing changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measuring step and changes in weight measured by the infusion bag
weight measuring step, producing auditing information based on a
result of the comparison, and storing the produced auditing
information in a storage unit.
9. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising a number counting step of counting a
number of the changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle
weight measuring step or a number of the changes in weight measured
by the infusion bag weight measuring step.
10. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 9, further comprising the step of calculating a number of
the medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting portion or a
number of the medicinal liquids injected into the infusion bag on
the infusion bag mounting portion based on the number counted by
the number counting step, producing auditing information by
comparing the calculated number of the medicine bottles or the
calculated number of the injected medicinal liquids with a
predetermined value, and storing the produced auditing information
in the storage unit.
11. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising a syringe weight measuring step of
measuring weight of a syringe driving device with a syringe
attached thereto, wherein in the auditing information producing
step, the changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measuring step, the changes in weight measured by the infusion bag
weight measuring step, and changes in weight measured by the
syringe weight measuring step are compared, auditing information is
produced based on a result of the comparison, and the produced
auditing information is stored in the storage unit.
12. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: reading prescription
identification data; sending the read prescription identification
data to a medical information database; and receiving, from the
medical information database, information about medicinal liquids
in accordance with the prescription identification data, and
storing the received information about the medicinal liquids in the
storage unit.
13. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: displaying actually
photographed images of medicine bottles containing medicinal
liquids to be injected into the infusion bag on the infusion bag
mounting portion arranged in mixing and preparing order; and
comparing the actually photographed images with photographed images
of the medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting
portion.
14. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising the step of displaying information
about an operation or a driving speed of a syringe driving device,
based on information about medicinal liquids to be injected into
the infusion bag stored in the storage unit, before the medicinal
liquids are withdrawn into a syringe.
15. A method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation comprising:
a display step of displaying information about medicinal liquids to
be injected into an infusion bag, the information being stored in a
storage unit; a medicine bottle weight measuring step of measuring
total weight of medicine bottles placed on a medicine bottle
mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measuring step of
measuring weight of the infusion bag placed on an infusion bag
mounting portion; a number counting step of counting a number of
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measuring
step or a number of changes in weight measured by the infusion bag
weight measuring step; and the step of calculating a number of the
medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting portion or a
number of the medicinal liquids injected into the infusion bag on
the infusion bag mounting portion based on the number counted by
the number counting step, producing auditing information by
comparing the calculated number of the medicine bottles or the
calculated number of the injected medicinal liquids with a
predetermined value, and storing the produced auditing information
in the storage unit.
16. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: calculating weight or
amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids based on the changes in
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measuring step, and
comparing the calculated weight or amounts of the withdrawn
medicinal liquids with a predetermined value; and producing
withdrawal error information indicating at least one of errors in
the amounts of the withdrawn medicinal liquids, errors in types of
the withdrawn medicinal liquids, and spilling of the medicinal
liquids when it is recognized that the calculated weight or amounts
of the withdrawn medicinal liquids do not coincide with the
predetermined value.
17. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 8, further comprising the steps of: calculating changes in
weight or amount of medicinal liquids injected into the infusion
bag based on the weight measured by the infusion bag weight
measuring step, and comparing the calculated changes in weight or
amount of the medicinal liquids with a predetermined value; and
producing injection error information indicating at least one of
errors in the amounts of the injected medicinal liquids, errors in
types of the injected medicinal liquids, remaining of the medicinal
liquids in a syringe, and spilling of the medicinal liquids, when
it is recognized that the calculated changes in weight or amount of
the injected medicinal liquids do not coincide with the
predetermined value.
18. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: determining whether
or not a medicinal liquid withdrawn into the syringe is all
injected into the infusion bag based on the weight measured by the
syringe weight measuring step; and producing residual error
information when it is recognized that the medicinal liquid remains
in the syringe.
19. The method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according
to claim 11, further comprising the steps of: calculating weight or
an amount of a medicinal liquid withdrawn into the syringe based on
the weight measured by the syringe weight measuring step, and
comparing the calculated weight or amount of the withdrawn
medicinal liquid with a predetermined value; and producing
withdrawal error information indicating at least one of errors in
the amounts of the withdrawn medicinal liquids, errors in types of
the withdrawn medicinal liquids, and spilling of the medicinal
liquids, when it is recognized that the calculated weight or amount
of the withdrawn medicinal liquid does not coincide with the
predetermined value.
20. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
assisting medicinal liquid preparation which are used for auditing
in injecting medicinal liquids such as injection drugs into an
infusion bag in the field of medicine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In many cases, medicinal liquids taken and mixed from
several types of medicinal liquid containers are administered to
hospitalized patients and so on. When several types of medicinal
liquids are to be mixed, the types of the medicinal liquids have to
be confirmed in the setting of the medicinal liquids. Especially in
the case where medicinal liquids are administered to hospitalized
patients, the types of medicinal liquids have to be sufficiently
confirmed, and errors in the setting of medicinal liquids have to
be prevented. This is because some of medicinal liquids
administered to hospitalized patients have to be handled with
sufficient attention to safety.
[0003] Further, when medicinal liquids are to be mixed, the
medicinal liquids are withdrawn from medicinal liquid containers
(medicine bottles) into a syringe and injected into an infusion
bag. During this operation, the amounts of the withdrawn medicinal
liquids have to be confirmed sufficiently. In particular, it is
necessary to sufficiently confirm the amounts of medicinal liquids
which are harmful to humans if taken in improper amounts.
[0004] Further, when medicinal liquids are to be mixed, the types
of the medicinal liquids have to be confirmed. This is because
desired effects of medicine cannot be obtained or the mixed
medicinal liquids become clouded when medicinal liquid containers
are erroneously picked up or the medicinal liquids are mixed and
prepared in the wrong order.
[0005] Generally, the types and amounts of medicinal liquids are
visually confirmed by nurses and pharmacists. Thus, prevention of
errors in the setting and amounts of medicinal liquids and errors
in the selection of medicine liquid containers puts a heavy
workload on nurses and pharmacists.
[0006] Moreover, in general, medicinal liquids are manually mixed
by nurses or pharmacists. When a medicinal liquid is taken out of a
medicinal liquid container, an injection needle is inserted into
the medicinal liquid container by a nurse or pharmacist to withdraw
the medicinal liquid. However, when a medicinal liquid having high
viscosity such as glucose is withdrawn, a large force is required
for operating a syringe. Furthermore, when a medicinal liquid is
withdrawn from a vial container requiring the adjustment of
internal pressure, a complicated procedure is necessary. Thus, the
operation of taking medicinal liquids from medicinal liquid
containers puts a heavy workload on nurses and pharmacists.
[0007] For the foregoing reasons, the development of an assist
system for reducing the workload on nurses and pharmacists has been
demanded.
[0008] FIG. 23 shows a medicine auditing apparatus of the related
art used in setting drugs (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
This medicine auditing apparatus 1 is used for assisting in
checking drugs in the setting of the drugs. The following will
describe an auditing method using the medicine auditing apparatus
1.
[0009] An operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist first inputs
preparation data to a data entry and display device 2. Based on the
inputted preparation data to the data entry and display device 2, a
storage and analysis device 3 sends image and weight data of drugs
required for the preparation to a comparison determination device
4. The storage and analysis device 3 stores image and weight data
of drugs used for hospitals and dispensing pharmacies beforehand.
The image and weight data of drugs stored in the storage and
analysis device 3 is prepared by an image data recognizing device 5
and a weight measuring device 6 beforehand.
[0010] Thereafter, the operator puts the drugs required for the
preparation one by one on a medicine set stage 7. The medicine
auditing apparatus 1 performs the following processing for each
drug on the medicine set stage 7. Specifically, the image data
recognizing device 5 prepares the image data of the drug on the
medicine set stage 7, and sends the prepared image data to the
comparison determination device 4. The comparison determination
device 4 compares the image data of the drug on the medicine set
stage 7 with the image data from the storage and analysis device 3
to perform determination. The determination result (OK, NG) is sent
to the data entry and display device 2. Further, when they
determination result is OK, the weight measuring device 6 prepares
the weight data of the drug on the medicine set stage 7, and sends
the prepared weight data to the comparison determination device 4.
The comparison determination device 4 compares the weight data of
the drug on the medicine set stage 7 with the weight data from the
storage and analysis device 3 to perform determination. The
determination result (OK, NG) is sent to the data entry and display
device 2.
[0011] As described above, the medicine auditing apparatus of the
related art assists in auditing in checking whether or not the set
drugs are correct, by automatically evaluating the appearance and
weight of the set drugs. This auditing can prevent errors in the
setting of drugs.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0012] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open
Publication No. 2005-279228
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0013] As described above, the medicine auditing apparatus of the
related art can be used for auditing in setting drug containers.
However, the medicine auditing device of the related art cannot be
used for auditing in preparing medicinal liquids by mixing and so
on.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to solve the
above-described problem. Specifically, the object of the present
invention is to provide a system and method for assisting medicinal
liquid preparation which can assist in auditing the amounts of
injected medicinal liquids and so on in preparing the medicinal
liquids.
Solution to Problem
[0015] In order to attain the object, a medicinal liquid
preparation assist system according to the present invention
includes: a medicine bottle weight measurement unit having a
medicine bottle mounting portion on which medicine bottles are
placed, and a first weight measurement portion for measuring the
total weight of all the medicine bottles placed on the medicine
bottle mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measurement unit
having an infusion bag mounting portion on which an infusion bag is
placed, and a second weight measurement portion for measuring the
weight of the infusion bag placed on the infusion bag mounting
portion; a storage unit; a control unit for producing auditing
information based on changes in weight measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit and the infusion bag weight
measurement unit, and storing the produced auditing information in
the storage unit; and an information presentation unit for
displaying at least one of information about medicinal liquids to
be injected into the infusion bag, the information being stored
beforehand in the storage unit, and the auditing information stored
in the storage unit by the control unit.
[0016] A method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation
according to the present invention, the method includes: a display
step of displaying information about medicinal liquids to be
injected into an infusion bag, the information stored in a storage
unit; a medicine bottle weight measuring step of measuring the
total weight of medicine bottles placed on a medicine bottle
mounting portion; an infusion bag weight measuring step of
measuring the weight of the infusion bag placed on an infusion bag
mounting portion; a first auditing information producing step of
producing auditing information based on changes in weight measured
by the medicine bottle weight measuring step, and storing the
produced auditing information in the storage unit; and a second
auditing information producing step of producing auditing
information based on changes in weight measured by the infusion bag
weight measuring step, and storing the produced auditing
information in the storage unit.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0017] According to the present invention, auditing in the amounts
of withdrawn medicinal liquids, the mixing and preparing order of
medicinal liquids, the amounts of injected medicinal liquids, and
so on can be assisted when preparing medicinal liquids. Thus,
according to the present invention, errors in the selection of
medicine bottles and the amounts of medicinal liquids can be
prevented. Hence, according to the present invention, safe and
accurate preparation of medicinal liquids can be achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the
configuration of a medicinal liquid preparation assist system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 shows the main parts of a medicine bottle weight
measurement unit and an infusion bag weight measurement unit
according to the embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows an example of an image appearing on the display
of an information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows an example of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle measurement unit according to the embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows an example of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle measurement unit according to the embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 6 shows an example of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle measurement unit according to the embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for assisting medicinal
liquid preparation according to the embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a specific example of the method
for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according to the
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a specific example of the method
for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according to the
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 10 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 11 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 12 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 13 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 14 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 15 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 16 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 17 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 18 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 19 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 20 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 21 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 22 shows an example of an image appearing on the
display of the information presentation unit according to the
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram of a medicine auditing
apparatus according to the related art.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the following will
describe an embodiment of the present invention. The same
components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and an
explanation thereof is omitted in some cases. In the drawings, the
components are primarily and schematically shown for the sake of
simplicity.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the
configuration of a medicinal liquid preparation assist system in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 1, a medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10
according to the embodiment includes a medicinal liquid preparation
assist apparatus 11 and a medical information database 12 connected
to the medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11 via a
network.
[0043] The medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11
includes a base 13. The base 13 includes a medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, an infusion bag weight measurement unit 15, a
cradle 16, and an information presentation unit 17. In addition,
the casing of the base 13 includes a control unit 18 and a storage
unit 19 therein as indicated by the dash lines.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows the main parts of the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit and the infusion bag weight measurement unit in
accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the medicine bottle weight measurement
unit 14 has a medicine bottle mounting portion 14a on which a
plurality of medicine bottles 20 can be placed and a weight
measurement portion 14b which measures the total weight of the
medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
The weight measurement portion 14b is disposed vertically under the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates that two vial containers 20a and four
ampule containers 20b all of which are different in shape on the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. FIG. 1 shows a configuration
in which a maximum of six medicine bottles 20 can be mounted on the
medicine bottle mounting portion of the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, but as a matter of course, the number of
medicine bottles to be mounted on the medicine bottle mounting
portion of the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 is not
limited to six.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the infusion bag weight measurement unit
15 has an infusion bag mounting portion 15a on which an infusion
bag 21 to be injected with a medicinal liquid is placed and a
weight measurement portion 15b which measures the weight of the
infusion bag 21 placed on the infusion bag mounting portion 15a.
The weight measurement portion 15b is disposed vertically under the
infusion bag mounting portion 15a. The infusion bag 21 to be placed
on the infusion bag mounting portion 15a is filled with normal
saline solution beforehand.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the infusion bag mounting portion of the
infusion bag weight measurement unit 15 includes a support 15c
which supports a spout plug 21a of the infusion bag 21 and the
vicinity thereof. The infusion bag 21 is supported by the support
15c such that a spout plug face 21b is directed obliquely
upward.
[0049] The injection needle of a syringe is easily inserted into
the spout plug 21a of the infusion bag 21 with the spout plug face
21b of the infusion bag 21 directed obliquely upward, when a
medicinal liquid in the syringe is injected into the infusion bag
21.
[0050] In some cases, an injection needle is inserted into the
spout plug 21a of the infusion bag 21 beforehand, and a syringe is
fitted to the injection needle inserted into the spout plug 21a to
inject a medicinal liquid into the infusion bag 21. This eliminates
the need to repeatedly insert or remove an injection needle into or
from the spout plug 21a of the infusion bag 21, thereby preventing
coring caused by the insertion or removal of an injection needle.
Coring is a phenomenon in which a rubber plug is chipped off by an
injection needle. In such a case where a medicinal liquid is
injected from a syringe into the infusion bag with an injection
needle inserted into the spout plug 21a of the fluid bag 21, the
injection needle can be prevented from being contaminated by
contact with things other than the syringe so long as the spout
plug face 21b of the infusion bag 21 is directed obliquely
upward.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 18 is connected to the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the infusion bag
weight measurement unit 15 via signal lines 22a. Data of weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the
infusion bag weight measurement unit 15 is sent to the control unit
18 via the signal lines 22a. The control unit 18 produces auditing
information indicating the results of auditing on the preparation
of medicinal liquids in accordance with changes in weight measured
by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the infusion
bag weight measurement unit 15. The storage unit 19 is connected to
the control unit 18 via a signal line 22b, and the control unit 18
causes the auditing information to be stored in the storage unit
19. The auditing information is produced and is stored in the
storage unit 19 automatically, so that the results of auditing can
be automatically recorded and accumulated. In the related art, the
results of auditing are manually recorded and accumulated. This
automation can improve the efficiency of preparing medicinal
liquids.
[0052] In this embodiment, the total weight of the medicine bottles
20 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a is measured, but the
weight of the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a may be measured individually by using a plurality of
measurement devices. However, the number of sensors can be reduced
by measuring the total weight of the medicine bottles 20 rather
than by measuring the weight of the medicine bottles
individually.
[0053] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 having the
above-described configuration can assist in auditing counting of
medicine bottles, checking of types of medicine bottles (types of
medicinal liquids), the mixing and preparing order of medicinal
liquids, measuring of medicinal liquids, and so on, based on the
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14 and the infusion bag weight measurement unit
15. These auditing processes can prevent errors in the setting of
medicine bottles, the selection of medicine bottles and the amounts
of medicinal liquids at the time of preparing medicinal liquids,
and so forth. Thus, medicinal liquids can be safely and accurately
prepared by the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
Operations of the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 for
the auditing processes will be explained later.
[0054] The following will describe the cradle 16. As shown in FIG.
1, the cradle 16 supports a syringe driving device 23. The syringe
driving device 23 drives the piston of a syringe 23a mounted on the
syringe driving device 23. The syringe driving device 23 assists in
withdrawing a medicinal liquid into the cylinder of the syringe 23a
and injecting the medicinal liquid from the cylinder of the syringe
23a into the infusion bag 21.
[0055] Specifically, the cradle 16 includes a holder 16a holding
the syringe driving device 32, and a weight measurement portion
(not shown) which measures the weight of the syringe driving device
23 held by the holder 16a. The cradle 16 serves as a syringe weight
measurement portion in the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10.
[0056] The weight measurement portion of the cradle 16 is disposed
vertically under the holder 16a holding the syringe driving device
23, similarly to the weight measurement portion 14b of the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the weight measurement
portion 15b of the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15 shown in
FIG. 2.
[0057] The weight measurement portion of the cradle 16 is also
connected to the control unit 18 via a signal line, similarly to
the weight measurement portion 14b of the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14 and the weight measurement portion 15b of the
infusion bag weight measurement unit 15 shown in FIG. 2. Thus, data
of weight measured by the weight measurement portion of the cradle
16 is sent to the control unit 18. Hence, the control unit 18
produces auditing information indicating the results of auditing on
the preparation of medicinal liquids based on weight measured by
the cradle 16, and causes the produced auditing information to be
stored in the storage unit 19.
[0058] The holder 16a of the cradle 16 has a charger (not shown)
which charges the syringe driving device 23. Thus, the power supply
(not shown) of the syringe driving device 23 is charged while the
syringe driving device 23 is held by the cradle 16.
[0059] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 including
the cradle 16 can assist in auditing whether or not a medicinal
liquid is left in the syringe 23a and the amount of a medicinal
liquid withdrawn into the syringe 23a. The auditing processes can
prevent errors in the selection of medicine bottles, the amounts of
medicinal liquids, and so forth in preparing medicinal liquids.
Operations of the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 for
the auditing processes in accordance with the weight measured by
the cradle 16 will be explained later.
[0060] A needle removing portion (not shown) may be also provided
on the cradle 16 for removing a used injection needle from the
syringe 23a. The needle removing portion may be composed of, for
example, a flat plate with a V-groove. A needle can be removed from
the syringe 23a with the flange of the syringe 23a hooked in the
V-groove. The provision of such a needle removing portion enables
an operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist to remove a used
injection needle without touching the needle. Thus, needle-stick
accidents can be avoided in removing used injection needles.
[0061] The following will describe the information presentation
unit 17. As shown in FIG. 1, the information presentation unit 17
includes a display 17a. The control unit 18 controls images on the
display 17a in accordance with a variety of information stored in
the storage unit 19. In this embodiment, the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17 displays information about
medicinal liquids to be injected into the infusion bag 21, auditing
information, information about a patient to whom the prepared
medicinal liquids are administered, and so forth. The information
about medicinal liquids includes information needed for the
preparation of medicinal liquids such as the types of medicinal
liquids, the doses of medicinal liquids, and the preparing order of
medicinal liquids. Incidentally, the information presentation unit
17 may display any one of the information about medicinal liquids
and the auditing information.
[0062] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 including
the information presentation unit 17, can visually provide an
operator with information such as the types of medicinal liquids to
be injected into the infusion bag 21 and the mixing and preparing
order of medicinal liquids. Thus, the operator can easily and
accurately confirm information required for the preparation of
medicinal liquids. The operator can also prepare medicinal liquids
efficiently.
[0063] The following will describe the base 13. As shown in FIG.1,
the base 13 is integrated with the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15,
and the cradle 16. The base 13 further includes a work board 13a
(area for mixing and preparing) disposed adjacent to the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15. An operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist
can prepare medicinal liquids on the work board 13a. As described
above, the information presentation unit 17 is provided on the base
13, and the casing of the base 13 includes the control unit 18 and
the storage unit 19 therein. This configuration enables the size
reduction of the medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11.
Thus, an operator can bring the medicinal liquid preparation assist
apparatus 11 anywhere and prepare medicinal liquids. Incidentally,
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system may be configured
such that the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14, the
infusion bag weight measurement unit 15, the cradle 16, and the
information presentation unit 17 are separated from the base
13.
[0064] The following will describe the medical information database
12. In the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10, medical
information such as information about medicinal liquids, auditing
information, and information about patients is sent and received
between the medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11 and
the medical information database 12. This configuration enables a
variety of information to be retrieved from the medical information
database 12 as needed and be stored in the storage unit 19.
Further, the auditing information stored in the storage unit 19 can
be accumulated as medical information in the medical information
database 12. A variety of information is sent and received between
the medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11 and the
medical information database 12 as described above, so that the
capacity of the storage unit 19 in the base 13 can be reduced.
Thus, the medicinal liquid preparation assist apparatus 11 can be
further downsized.
[0065] The following will describe information to be displayed on
the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17. The
control unit 18 displays the full-size photographic images
(actually photographed images) of the medicine bottles 20 each
containing a medicinal liquid to be injected into the infusion bag
21 on the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17 in
order of mixing and preparing processes, in accordance with
information about medicinal liquids stored in the storage unit 19.
Thus, the information about medicinal liquids contains data of the
actually photographed images.
[0066] With actually photographed images displayed in order of
mixing and preparing processes, an operator such as a nurse or a
pharmacist can arrange the medical bottles 20 in order of mixing
and preparing processes. Therefore, the operator can visually check
the types of medicinal liquids (types of medicine bottles). Hence,
errors in the setting and arrangement order of medicine bottles can
be prevented, even when medicine bottles containing medicinal
liquids with similar names have to be arranged. Furthermore, since
medicine bottles can be arranged in order of mixing and preparing
processes, errors in withdrawing order of medicinal liquids (mixing
and preparing order of medicinal liquids) can be prevented.
[0067] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 includes a
reader 24 which reads prescription identification data
(prescription ID) in order to retrieve information about medicinal
liquids from the medical information database 12. Prescription ID
read by the reader 24 is stored in the storage unit 19 by the
control unit 18. The prescription ID stored in the storage unit 19
is sent to the medical information database 12 by the control unit
18. The medical information database 12 sends information about
medicinal liquids and patients corresponding to the prescription ID
received by the medical information database 12. The control unit
18 causes the information about medicinal liquids and patients from
the medical information database 12 to be stored in the storage
unit 19. For example, one-dimensional bar-codes or two-dimensional
bar-codes can be used for prescription ID.
[0068] In the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10, the
reader 24 for reading prescription ID is disposed at the rear of
the information presentation unit 17. The reader 24 is
folder-shaped so as to hold a sheet of paper 25 with a prescription
printed thereon (hereinafter, will be referred to as "a
prescription"). Therefore, the reader 24 reads prescription ID
printed on the prescription 25 inserted into the folder.
[0069] The provision of the reader 24 for reading prescription ID
makes it easy to retrieve medical information from the medical
information database 12. Further, the provision of the folder for
the prescription 25 at the rear of the information presentation
unit 17 can reduce a risk that the prescription 25 may be blurred
with medicinal liquids and so on to make characters on the
prescription 25 unreadable in preparing the medicinal liquids.
[0070] Incidentally, a reader for reading information about
medicinal liquids and patients printed on the prescription 25 may
be provided instead of the reader 24 for reading prescription ID,
and the information read by the reader may be stored in the storage
unit 19. Alternatively, an input unit for inputting prescription
ID, information about medicinal liquids, and the like may be
provided instead of the readers for reading prescription ID,
information about medicinal liquids and the like, and the
information inputted by the input unit may be stored in the storage
unit 19.
[0071] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 further
includes a camera 26. The camera 26 is used for the authentication
of operators. Specifically, the control unit 18 conducts
authentication by comparing the image of an operator captured by
the camera 26 with the image of the operator stored in the storage
unit 19. In this way, only those who are registered in advance can
be authenticated. The camera 26 can be also used to identify the
medicine bottle 20 containing a medicinal liquid to be used.
Specifically, the control unit 18 conducts authentication by
comparing the image of the medicine bottle 20 captured by the
camera 26 with the actually photographed image contained in the
information about medicinal liquids. In this way, errors in the
setting of medicine bottles can be prevented. The camera 26 can be
also used to record images of medicinal liquid preparing
processes.
[0072] Although not shown, reflective photosensors may be embedded
into positions on the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14
where medicine bottles are placed, and signals generated by the
reflective photosensors may be transmitted to the control unit 18.
Thus, even in the case where the multiple medicine bottles 20 which
are the same in weight are placed on the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a, the control unit 18 can determine, based on the
signals from the reflective photosensors, whether or not the
medicine bottles are picked up from the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a in the order of mixing and preparing processes and
whether or not the medicine bottles 20 are returned to the original
positions on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. Thus, errors
in the selection of medicine bottles can be surely prevented.
[0073] Although not shown, the medicinal liquid preparation assist
apparatus 11 includes light emitting diode (LED) display units
provided in the vicinity of the medicine bottle weight measurement
unit 14. The LED display units correspond to the positions on the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 where medicine bottles
are placed. Light emission from the LED display units is controlled
by the control unit 18. Specifically, the control unit 18 causes
the LED display unit corresponding to the medicine bottle 20 to be
suctioned to emit light. The light emission from the LED display
unit can clearly show an operator the medicine bottle to be
suctioned.
[0074] The following will describe the principal operation of the
medicinal liquid preparation apparatus system 10.
[0075] First, an operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist inserts
the prescription 25 into the reader 24 disposed at the rear of the
information presentation unit 17. The prescription 25 is printed
with information about patients and medicinal liquids to be
administered to the patients, prescription ID, and so on. Upon
insertion of the prescription 25 into the reader 24, the reader 24
reads the prescription ID on the prescription 25. The prescription
ID read by the reader 24 is stored in the storage unit 19 by the
control unit 18. The prescription ID stored in the storage unit 19
is transmitted to the medical information database 12 by the
control unit 18. The medical information database 12 sends
information about patients, medicinal liquids, and so on
corresponding to the prescription ID received by the medical
information database 12. The information about patients, medicinal
liquids, and so on from the medical information database 12, is
stored in the storage unit 19 by the control unit 18.
[0076] Thereafter, the control unit 18 causes instructions in
accordance with steps of preparing medicinal liquids to be
displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation unit
17, based on the information about patients, medicinal liquids, and
so on stored in the storage unit 19. Therefore, an operator can
prepare medicinal liquids by following the instructions displayed
on the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17.
[0077] FIG. 3 shows an example of the instructions displayed on the
display 17a of the information presentation unit 17. FIG. 3 shows
an example of an image instructing an operator to mount the
medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a and
mount the infusion bag 21 on the infusion bag mounting portion
15a.
[0078] Specifically, a status display 17b indicating the present
status of a preparation process is shown on the uppermost portion
of the display 17a. An operator can easily confirm, from the status
display 17b, which step in the preparation process is being carried
out. Therefore, the operator can easily resume the preparation
despite interruptions.
[0079] In addition, an instruction display 17c and a done button
17d are shown below the status display 17b. Contents on the
instruction display 17c change according to steps in the
preparation process. A patient record display 17e indicating the
name and room of a patient is shown below the instruction display
17c and the done button 17d.
[0080] A medicinal liquid information display 17f indicating
information about medicinal liquids to be injected into the
infusion bag 21 is also shown below the patient record display 17e.
The medicinal liquid information display 17f, for example, as shown
in FIG. 3, indicates the names and amounts of medicinal liquids
together with actually photographed images 20c of the medicine
bottles 20 to be set, in order of mixing and preparing processes
from left to right.
[0081] As described above, the actually photographed images 20c of
the medicine bottles 20 containing medicinal liquids to be injected
into the infusion bag 21 are displayed on the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17 in order of mixing and preparing
processes. Thus, an operator can mount the medicine bottles 20 on
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a almost in such a way as to
overlap the medicine bottles on the actually photographed images
20c. Hence, the operator can arrange the medicine bottles 20
containing medicinal liquids to be injected into the infusion bag
21 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a in order of mixing
and preparing processes.
[0082] FIG. 3 shows a case in which the medicinal liquids to be
injected into the infusion bag 21 are medicinal liquids A, B, and
C. The following will describe, as an example, a case in which the
medicinal liquids A, B, and C are mixed and prepared in this
order.
[0083] When the medicine bottles 20 containing the medicinal
liquids A, B, and C, respectively, are to be set on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a, it is possible to assist in auditing
checking of types of the medicine bottles (types of the medicinal
liquids), the arrangement order of the medicinal bottles, and
counting of the medicine bottles, based on changes in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14.
[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of changes in weight measured
by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 in such a case
where the medicine bottles 20 containing the medicinal liquid A, B,
and C, respectively, are mounted on the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a.
[0085] First, the medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal
liquid A (hereinafter, will be referred to as the medicinal bottle
A) is mounted on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a by an
operator. At this initial stage, as shown in FIG. 4, weight W1 of
the medicine bottle A is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit 18 calculates
an increment .DELTA.W1 in weight from zero (.DELTA.W1=W1-0). The
control unit 18 also recognizes and stores the calculated increment
.DELTA.W1 as the weight of the medicine bottle A in the storage
unit 19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the recognized
weight .DELTA.W1 of the medicine bottle A and the initial weight of
the medicine bottle A (a predetermined value) stored beforehand in
the storage unit 19, and then stores the result of the comparison
in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight .DELTA.W1 of
the medicinal bottle A and the result of the comparison are stored
in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0086] Data on the initial weight of the medicine bottles
containing the medicinal liquids A, B, and C, respectively, are
included in the information about medicinal liquids. The initial
weight of the medicine bottles herein means the weight of the
medicine bottles before opening in the case where the medicinal
liquids have to be used up at a single time. In contrast, the
initial weight of the medicine bottles means the weight thereof
after the previous use in the case where the medicinal liquids can
be used at multiple times. The weight of the medicinal bottles
after the previous use may be registered into the medical
information database 12 in association with the identification data
assigned to the respective medicine bottles.
[0087] Next, the medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal liquid
B (hereinafter, will be referred to as the medicinal bottle B) is
mounted on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a by the
operator, and then, as shown in FIG. 4, total weight W2 of the
medicine bottles A and B is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit 18 calculates
an increment .DELTA.W2 in weight from the previous calculated
weight W1 (.DELTA.W2=W2-W1). The control unit 18 also recognizes
and stores the calculated increment .DELTA.W2 as the weight of the
medicine bottle B in the storage unit 19. Further, the control unit
18 compares the recognized weight .DELTA.W2 of the medicine bottle
B and the initial weight of the medicine bottle B (a predetermined
value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the
result of the comparison in the storage unit 19. Thus, the
calculated weight .DELTA.W2 of the medicinal bottle B and the
result of the comparison are stored in the storage unit 19 as
auditing information.
[0088] Thereafter, the medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal
liquid C (hereinafter, will be referred to as the medicinal bottle
C) is mounted on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a by the
operator, and then, as shown in FIG. 4, total weight W3 of the
medicine bottles from A to C is measured by the medicine bottle
weight measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit 18
calculates an increment .DELTA.W3 in weight from the previous
calculated weight W2 (.DELTA.W3=W3-W2). The control unit 18 also
recognizes and stores the calculated increment .DELTA.W3 as the
weight of the medicine bottle C in the storage unit 19. Further,
the control unit 18 compares the recognized weight .DELTA.W3 of the
medicine bottle C and the initial weight of the medicine bottle C
(a predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19,
and stores the result of the comparison in the storage unit 19.
Thus, the calculated weight .DELTA.W3 of the medicinal bottle C and
the result of the comparison are stored in the storage unit 19 as
auditing information.
[0089] As described above, the weight of the medicine bottles 20 on
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a is calculated based on the
increments in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, so that checking of the types of the set
medicine bottles (medicinal liquids) can be assisted.
[0090] The control unit 18 also produces setting error information
when recognizing that the calculated weight of the medicine bottle
20 does not coincide with the initial weight of the medicine bottle
(the predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19.
Such a noncoincidence means that the calculated weight does not
coincide with the initial weight within the margin of error. The
setting error information may be displayed on the display 17a of
the information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a device for
sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the setting error
information produced by the control unit 18 may be provided on the
medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0091] The above-described auditing in checking the types of
medicine bottles (medicinal liquids) is performed in the order of
mixing and preparing processes. Thus, auditing of whether or not
the arrangement order of medicine bottles coincides with the order
of mixing and preparing processes can be concurrently assisted.
[0092] The control unit 18 also counts the number of changes in
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14
when the medicine bottles 20 are to be set on the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a, and calculates, from the result of the
counting, the number of the medicine bottles 20 mounted on the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. The calculated number of the
medicine bottles 20 is stored in the storage unit 19 by the control
unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares the calculated number of
the medicine bottles 20 with the number of medicine bottles (a
predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and
stores the result of the comparison in the storage unit 19. Thus,
the calculated number of the medicine bottles 20 and the result of
the comparison are stared in the storage unit 19 as auditing
information.
[0093] In the case where data on the number of medicine bottles is
contained in the information about medicinal liquids, the contained
data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may analyze
the number of medicine bottles from the information about medicinal
liquids and store the analyzed number in the storage unit 19. For
example, the control unit 18 can analyze the number of medicine
bottles from the number of the actually photographed images
contained in the information about medicinal liquids.
[0094] Thus, the number of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 is counted, so that the
auditing in counting the number of medicine bottles can be
assisted. [0073)
[0095] The control unit 18 also produces counting error information
indicating a shortage of medicine bottles when recognizing that the
calculated number of the medicine bottles 20 does not coincide with
the number of medicine bottles (the predetermined value) stored
beforehand in the storage unit 19. The counting error information
may be displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation
unit 17. Alternatively, a device for sounding an alarm (not shown)
corresponding to the counting error information produced by the
control unit 18 may be provided on the medicinal liquid preparation
assist system 10.
[0096] As described above, the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10 can assist in auditing whether or not an error occurs in
the setting of medicine bottles (medicinal liquids).
[0097] In the present embodiment, the weight of the medicinal
bottles 20 is measured. However, in the case where the weight of
medicine bottle bodies can be confirmed from the information about
medicinal liquids, the weight of medicinal liquids may be measured.
Specifically, the control unit 18 calculates the weight of
medicinal liquids, by recognizing the weight of the medicine
bottles 20 based on the increments in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and subtracting the
weight of the medicine bottle bodies from the recognized weight.
The calculated weight of medicinal liquids is stored in the storage
unit 19 by the control unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares
the calculated weight of medicinal liquids with the initial weight
of medicinal liquids stored beforehand in the storage unit 19 and
stores the comparison result in the storage unit 19. Also in this
case, the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 can assist
in auditing whether or not an error occurs in the setting of
medicine bottles (medicinal liquids).
[0098] In the case where data on the initial weight of medicinal
liquids is contained in the information about medicinal liquids,
the contained data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18
may analyze the initial weight of medicinal liquids from the
information about medicinal liquids and store the analyzed initial
weight in the storage unit 19. Specifically, the control unit 18
may obtain differences between the initial weight of medicine
bottles and the weight of medicine bottle bodies to calculate the
initial weight of medicinal liquids. The initial weight of
medicinal liquids herein means the weight of medicinal liquids
contained in medicine bottles before opening in the case where the
medicinal liquids have to be used up at a single time. In contrast,
the initial weight of medicinal liquids means the weight of
medicinal liquids contained in medicine bottles after the previous
use in the case where the medicinal liquids can be used at multiple
times.
[0099] After setting the medicine bottles 20 containing medicinal
liquids to be injected into the infusion bag 21 on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a, an operator firstly picks up the
medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal liquid A and withdraws
a predetermined amount of the medicinal liquid A from the medicine
bottle 20 in the operator's hand into the syringe 23a. The operator
then returns the medicine bottle 20, from which the medicinal
liquid A has been withdrawn, to the original position of the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. Next, the operator picks up
the medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal liquid B and
withdraws a predetermined amount of the medicinal liquid B from the
medicine bottle 20 in the operator's hand into the syringe 23a. The
operator then returns the medicine bottle 20, from which the
medicinal liquid B has been withdrawn, to the original position of
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. Lastly, the operator
picks up the medicine bottle 20 containing the medicinal liquid C
and withdraws a predetermined amount of the medicinal liquid C from
the medicine bottle 20 in the operator's hand into the syringe 23a.
Further, the operator returns the medicine bottle 20, from which
the medicinal liquid C has been withdrawn, to the original position
of the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. Incidentally,
injection of medicinal liquids from the syringe 23a into the
infusion bag 21 may be performed either after withdrawing a
medicinal liquid from a single medicine bottle 20 into the syringe
23a or after withdrawing medicinal liquids from multiple medicine
bottles 20 into the syringe 23a.
[0100] Thus, auditing in checking the types of medicine bottles
(types of medicinal liquids) picked up, the order in which medicine
bottles are picked up, and the number of times medicine bottles are
picked up can be assisted based on weight measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14 when the medicine bottles 20 are
picked up from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. Auditing
in measuring the amounts of medicinal liquids withdrawn into the
syringe 23a, checking the types of the withdrawn medicinal liquids,
the mixing and preparing order of the medicinal liquids, and the
number of times the medicine bottles are returned can also be
assisted based on weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14 when the medicine bottles 20 are returned onto
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0101] First, auditing at the time of picking up medicine bottles
from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a will be described.
FIG. 5 shows an example of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 when the medicine
bottles 20 containing the medicinal liquid A, B, and C,
respectively, are picked up from the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a.
[0102] The total weight W3 of the medicine bottles from A to C is
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 as shown
in FIG. 5 at the initial stage where the medicine bottles 20
containing the medicinal liquid A, B, and C, respectively, are set.
First, an operator picks up the medicine bottle A from the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a to withdraw the medicinal liquid A. As
a result, as shown in FIG. 5, total weight W4 of the medicine
bottles A and B is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit 18 calculates
a decrement .DELTA.W4 in weight from the weight W3 at the initial
stage (.DELTA.W4=W3-W4). Further, the control unit 18 recognizes
and stores the calculated decrement .DELTA.WA as the weight of the
medicine bottle A in the storage unit 19. The control unit 18 then
compares the recognized weight .DELTA.W4 of the medicine bottle A
with the initial weight of the medicine bottle A (the predetermined
value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the
comparison result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated
weight .DELTA.W4 of the medicine bottle A and the comparison result
are stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0103] Data on the initial weight of the medicine bottles
containing the medicinal liquids A, B, and C may be data on the
initial weight contained in the information about medicinal liquids
or the initial weight calculated when the medicine bottles 20 are
set on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0104] Next, after withdrawing the medicinal liquid A, the operator
returns the medicine bottle 20, from which the medicinal liquid A
has been withdrawn, to the original position of the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, weight W5 is
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14. The
operator then picks up the medicine bottle B from the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a to withdraw the medicinal liquid B. As
a result, as shown in FIG. 5, weight W6 is measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit
18 calculates a decrement .DELTA.W5 in weight from the weight W5
measured when the medicine bottle A is returned (.DELTA.W5=W5-W6).
The control unit 18 then recognizes and stores the calculated
decrement .DELTA.W5 as the weight of the medicine bottle B in the
storage unit 19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the
recognized weight .DELTA.W5 of the medicine bottle B with the
initial weight of the medicine bottle B (the predetermined value)
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the comparison
result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight
.DELTA.W5 of the medicine bottle B and the comparison result are
stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0105] Next, after withdrawing the medicinal liquid B, the operator
returns the medicine bottle 20, from which the medicinal liquid B
has been withdrawn, to the original position of the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, weight W7 is
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14. The
operator then picks up the medicine bottle C from the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a to withdraw the medicinal liquid C. As
a result, as shown in FIG. 5, weight W8 is measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit
18 calculates a decrement .DELTA.W6 in weight from the weight W7
measured when the medicine bottle B is returned (.DELTA.W6=W7-W8).
The control unit 18 then recognizes and stores the calculated
decrement .DELTA.W6 as the weight of the medicine bottle C in the
storage unit 19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the
recognized weight .DELTA.W6 of the medicine bottle C with the
initial weight of the medicine bottle C (the predetermined value)
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the comparison
result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight
.DELTA.W6 of the medicine bottle C and the comparison result are
stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0106] As described above, based on the decrements in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14,
auditing in checking the types of medicine bottles (medicinal
liquids) picked up from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a
can be assisted by calculating the weight of the medicine bottles
20 picked up from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0107] The control unit 18 also produces pickup error information
when recognizing that the calculated weight of the medicine bottle
20 does not coincide with the initial weight of the medicine bottle
(the predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19.
Such a noncoincidence means that the calculated weight does not
coincide with the initial weight within the margin of error. The
pickup error information may be displayed on the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a device for
sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the pickup error
information produced by the control unit 18 may also be provided on
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0108] Since auditing in checking the types of medicine bottles
(medicinal liquids), as described above, is performed in accordance
with the mixing and preparing order of medicinal liquids, auditing
of whether or not the pickup order of medicine bottles coincides
with the mixing and preparing order of medicinal liquids can be
concurrently assisted.
[0109] The control unit 18 also counts the number of changes in
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14
when the medicinal liquids are withdrawn from the medicine bottles
20 containing the medicinal liquids A, B, and C, respectively, and
based on the counting result, calculates the number of the medicine
bottles 20 picked up from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
The calculated number of the medicine bottles 20 is stored in the
storage unit 19 by the control unit 18. The control unit 18 then
compares the calculated number of the medicine bottles 20 with the
number of medicine bottles (the predetermined value) stored
beforehand in the storage unit 19, and determines whether or not
the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a
have been all picked up.
[0110] Data on the number of medicine bottles may be the number of
medicine bottles contained in the information about medicinal
liquids, the number of medicine bottles analyzed by the control
unit 18 from the information about medicinal liquids, or the number
of medicine bottles calculated when the medicine bottles 20 are set
on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0111] As described above, the number, of changes in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 is
counted, so that auditing of whether or not the medicinal liquids
were withdrawn from all the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a can be assisted.
[0112] Thus, the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 can
assist in auditing whether or not an error occurs in the picking up
of medicine bottles (medicinal liquids).
[0113] In the above description, the weight of the medicine bottles
is measured. However, the weight of medicinal liquids may be
calculated when data on the weight of medicine bottle bodies can be
confirmed from the information about medicinal liquids.
Specifically, the control unit 18 calculates the weight of
medicinal liquids, by recognizing the weight of the medicine
bottles 20 based on the decrements in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and subtracting the
weight of the medicine bottle bodies from the recognized weight.
The calculated weight of medicinal liquids is stored in the storage
unit 19 by the control unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares
the calculated weight of medicinal liquids with the initial weight
of medicinal liquids stored beforehand in the storage unit 19 and
stores the comparison result in the storage unit 19. Also in this
case, the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 can assist
in auditing whether or not an error occurs in the picking up of
medicine bottles (medicinal liquids).
[0114] The following swill describe auditing when the medicine
bottles 20 are returned to the medicine bottle mounting portion
14a. FIG. 6 shows an example of changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 when the medicine
bottles 20, from which the medicinal liquids A, B, and C have been
withdrawn, are returned to the medicine bottle mounting portion
14a.
[0115] At the initial stage in which the medicine bottles, 20
containing the medicinal liquids A, B, and C, respectively, are
set, as shown in FIG. 6, the total weight W3 of the medicine
bottles A to C is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. First, an operator picks up the medicine
bottle A from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a to withdraw
the medicinal liquid A. Next, after withdrawing the medicinal
liquid A, the operator returns the medicine bottle 20, from which
the medicinal liquid A has been withdrawn, to the original position
of the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. As a result, as shown
in FIG. 6, the weight W5 is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit 18 calculates
a decrement .DELTA.W7 in weight from the weight W3 at the initial
stage (.DELTA.W7=W3-W5). The control unit 18 then recognizes and
stores the calculated decrement .DELTA.W7 as the weight of the
withdrawn medicinal liquid A in the storage unit 19. Further, the
control unit 18 compares the recognized weight .DELTA.W7 of the
withdrawn medicinal liquid A with the weight of the withdrawn
medicinal liquid A (a predetermined value) stored beforehand in the
storage unit 19, and stores the comparison result in the storage
unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight .DELTA.W7 of the withdrawn
medicinal liquid A and the comparison result are stored in the
storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0116] In the case where data on the weight of withdrawn medicinal
liquids is contained in the information about medicinal liquids,
the contained data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18
may calculate the weight of withdrawn medicinal liquids from the
amounts of medicinal liquids contained in the information about
medicinal liquids, and store the calculated weight of withdrawn
medicinal liquids in the storage unit 19. The control unit 18 may
calculate the amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids from the
calculated weight of withdrawn medicinal liquids and compare the
calculated amounts with data on the amounts of medicinal liquids
contained in the information about medicinal liquids.
[0117] Next, the operator picks up the medicine bottle B to
withdraw the medicinal liquid B from the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a. Further, after withdrawing the medicinal liquid B, the
operator returns the suctioned medicine bottle 20 to the original
position of the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. As a result,
as shown in FIG. 6, the weight W7 is measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14. At this point, the control unit
18 calculates a decrement .DELTA.W8 in weight from the weight W5
measured when the medicine bottle A is returned (.DELTA.W8=W5-W7).
The control unit 18 then recognizes and stores the calculated
decrement .DELTA.W8 as the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid
B in the storage unit 19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the
recognized weight .DELTA.W8 of the withdrawn medicinal liquid B
with the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid B (a
predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and
stores the comparison result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the
calculated weight .DELTA.W8 of the withdrawn medicinal liquid B and
the comparison result are stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing
information.
[0118] Next, the operator picks up the medicine bottle C from the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a to withdraw the medicinal
liquid C. Further, after withdrawing the medicinal liquid C, the
operator returns the medicine bottle 20 to the original position of
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. As a result, as shown in
FIG. 6, weight W9 is measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14. At this time, the control unit 18 calculates a
decrement .DELTA.W9 in weight from the weight W7 measured when the
medicine bottle B is returned (.DELTA.W9=W7-W9). The control unit
18 then recognizes and stores the calculated decrement .DELTA.W9 as
the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid C in the storage unit
19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the recognized weight
.DELTA.W9 of the withdrawn medicinal liquid C with the weight of
the withdrawn medicinal liquid C (a predetermined value) stored
beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the comparison result
in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight .DELTA.W9 of
the withdrawn medicinal liquid C and the comparison result are
stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0119] As described above, the weight or amounts of the withdrawn
medicinal liquids are calculated based on the decrements in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14, so that
auditing in measuring the amounts of medicinal liquids withdrawn
into the syringe 23a and checking the types of the withdrawn
medicinal liquids can be assisted.
[0120] The control unit 18 also produces withdrawal error
information when recognizing that the calculated weight or amounts
of withdrawn medicinal liquids do not coincide with data on the
weight or amounts of the withdrawn medicinal liquids (the
predetermined values) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19.
Such a noncoincidence means that the calculated weight or amounts
do not coincide with the weight or amounts stored beforehand within
the margin of error. The withdrawal error information indicates at
least one of; errors in the amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids;
errors in the types of withdrawn medicinal liquids; and spilling of
medicinal liquids. The withdrawal error information may be
displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation unit
17. Alternatively, a device for sounding an alarm (not shown)
corresponding to the withdrawal error information produced by the
control unit 18 may also be provided on the medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10.
[0121] The following will describe another method for assisting in
auditing checking of the types of withdrawn medicinal liquids using
the medicinal liquid A as an example with reference to FIG. 5. The
auditing in checking the medicinal liquid A, which will be
described below, can be applied to the medicinal liquids B and C,
and an explanation thereof is omitted.
[0122] As described above, the weight W4 is measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 when the medicine bottle
20 containing the medicinal liquid A is picked up from the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a, and the weight W5 is measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 when the medicine bottle
20, from which the medicinal liquid A has been withdrawn, is
returned to the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. At this time,
the control unit 18 calculates an increment A W10 in weight from
the weight W4 (.DELTA.W10=W5-W4). The control unit 18 then
recognizes the calculated increment .DELTA.W10 in weight as the
weight of the medicine bottle 20 from which the medicinal liquid A
has been withdrawn and stores the recognized weight .DELTA.W10 in
the storage unit 19. Further, the control unit 18 compares the
recognized weight .DELTA.W10 of the medicine bottle 20 after
withdrawal with data on weight (a predetermined value) of the
medicine bottle, from which a predetermined amount of the medicinal
liquid A has been withdrawn, stored beforehand in the storage unit
19, and stores the comparison result in the storage unit 19. Thus
the calculated weight .DELTA.W10 of the medicine bottle A after
withdrawal and the comparison result are stored in the storage unit
19 as auditing information.
[0123] In the case where data on the weight of medicine bottle,
from which the predetermined amount of medicinal liquid has been
withdrawn, is contained in the information about medicinal liquids,
the contained data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18
may analyze the weight of medicine bottle, from which the
predetermined amount of the medicinal liquid has been withdrawn,
from the information about medicinal liquids and store the analyzed
weight in the storage unit 19. The weight of the medicine bottle,
from which the predetermined amount of the medicinal liquid has
been withdrawn, can be obtained by, for example, calculating a
difference between the initial weight of the medicine bottle and
the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid.
[0124] As described above, auditing in checking the types of
withdrawn medicinal liquids can be assisted by calculating the
weight of the medicine bottles 20, from which the medicinal liquids
have been withdrawn, based on the increments in weight measured by
the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14.
[0125] The control unit 18 also produces withdrawal error
information when recognizing that the calculated weight of the
medicine bottle 20 after withdrawal does not coincide with the
weight of the medicine bottle after withdrawal stored beforehand in
the storage unit 19. Such a noncoincidence means that the
calculated weight does not coincide with the weight stored
beforehand within the margin of error. The withdrawal error
information indicates at least one of; errors in the amounts of
withdrawn medicinal liquids; errors in the types of withdrawn
medicinal liquids; and spilling of medicinal liquids. The
withdrawal error information may be displayed on the display 17a of
the information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a device for
sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the withdrawal error
information produced by the control unit 18 may also be provided on
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0126] Since auditing in checking the types of medicine bottles
(medicinal liquids), as described above, is performed in accordance
with the mixing and preparing order of medicinal liquids, auditing
of whether or not the mixing and preparing order of medicinal
liquids is correct can be concurrently assisted.
[0127] Incidentally, the control unit 18 counts the number of
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14 when the medicinal liquids are withdrawn from
the medicine bottles containing the medicinal liquids A, B, and C,
respectively, and based on the counting result, calculates the
number of the medicine bottles 20 returned onto the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a. The control unit 18 stores the calculated
number of the medicine bottles 20 in the storage unit 19. The
control unit 18 then determines whether or not the medicine bottles
are all returned onto the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a by
comparing the calculated number of the medicine bottles 20 and data
on the number of the medicine bottles (the predetermined value)
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19.
[0128] Thus, auditing of whether or not the medicinal liquids are
withdrawn from all the medicine bottles mounted on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a can be assisted by counting the number
of changes in the weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14.
[0129] As described above, the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10 can assist in auditing of whether or not an error occurs
in the amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids and so on.
[0130] The following will describe auditing methods in accordance
with changes in weight measured by the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15, using, as an example, the case where, every
time the medicinal liquid is withdrawn from the medicine bottle 20,
the withdrawn medicinal liquid is injected into the infusion bag
21.
[0131] When the medicinal liquid is injected from the syringe 23a
into the infusion bag 21 on the infusion bag mounting unit 15a,
weight measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15
increases in proportion to the injected amount. The control unit 18
calculates the weight of the medicinal liquid injected into the
infusion bag 21 based on an increment in weight measured by the
infusion bag weight measurement unit 15. The calculated weight of
the injected medicinal liquid is stored in the storage unit 19 by
the control unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares the
calculated weight of the injected medicinal liquid with data on the
weight of the injected medicinal liquid is predetermined value)
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the comparison
result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated weight of the
injected medicinal liquid and the comparison result are stored in
the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0132] In the case where data on the weight of the injected
medicinal liquid is contained in the information about medicinal
liquids, the contained data may be used. Alternatively, the control
unit 18 may calculate the weight of the injected medicinal liquid
from the amount of the medicinal liquid contained in the
information about medicinal liquids, and store the calculated
weight of the injected medicinal liquid in the storage unit 19. The
control unit 18 may calculate the amount of the injected medicinal
liquid from the calculated weight of the injected medicinal liquid
and compare the calculated amount with data on the amount of the
medicinal liquid contained in the information about medicinal
liquids. Alternatively, the amounts or weight of the withdrawn
medicinal liquids calculated when the medicinal liquids are
withdrawn from the medicine bottles 20 into the syringe 23a may be
used as data on the amounts or weight of injected medicinal
liquids.
[0133] As described above, auditing in measuring the amounts of
medicinal liquids injected into the infusion bag 21 and checking
the types of the medicinal liquids can be assisted by calculating
the weight or the amounts of the injected medicinal liquids based
on increments in weight measured by the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15.
[0134] The control unit 18 also produces injection error
information when recognizing that the calculated weight or amount
of the injected medicinal liquid does not coincide with data on the
weight or amount of the injected medicinal liquid (a predetermined
value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19. Such a
noncoincidence means that the calculated weight or amount does not
coincide with the weight or amount stored beforehand within the
margin of error. The injection error information indicates at least
one of; errors in the amounts of injected medicinal liquids; errors
in the types of injected medicinal liquids; remaining of medicinal
liquids in the syringe 23a; and spilling of medicinal liquids. The
injection error information may be displayed on the display 17a of
the information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a device for
sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the injection error
information produced by the control unit 18 may also be provided on
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0135] Since auditing in measuring the weight of medicinal liquids
injected into the infusion bag, as described above, is performed in
accordance with the mixing and preparing order of medicinal
liquids, auditing of whether or not the mixing and preparing order
of medicinal liquids is correct can be concurrently assisted.
[0136] The control unit 18 also counts the number of changes in
weight measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15, and
based on the counting result, calculates the number of times the
medicinal liquid is injected into the infusion bag 21. The
calculated number of times is stored in the storage unit 19 by the
control unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares the calculated
number of times the medicinal liquid is injected with data on the
number of medicine bottles (the predetermined value) stored
beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the comparison result
in the storage unit 19. Thus the calculated number of times the
medicinal liquid is injected and the comparison result are stored
in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0137] The data on the number of medicine bottles may be data on
the number of medicinal liquids contained in the information about
medicinal liquids. Alternatively, the data on the number of
medicinal liquids analyzed from the information about medicinal
liquids by the control unit 18 may be used. Alternatively, the data
on the number of medicinal liquids counted when the medicine
bottles 20 are set on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a may
be used. Alternatively, the data on the number of medicinal liquids
counted when the medicinal liquids are withdrawn from the medicine
bottles 20 on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a may be
used.
[0138] As described above, auditing of the number of times the
medicinal liquid is injected (auditing in counting the number of
medicinal liquids) can be assisted by counting the number of
changes in weight measured by the infusion bag weight measurement
unit 15.
[0139] The control unit 18 also produces counting error
information'indicating a shortage in the number of times the
medicinal liquid is injected when recognizing that the calculated
number of times the medicinal liquid is injected does not coincide
with the data on the number of medicine bottles (the predetermined
value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19. The counting error
information may be displayed on the display 17a of the information
presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a device for sounding an alarm
(not shown) corresponding to the counting error information
produced by the control unit 18 may be provided on the medicinal
liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0140] As described above; the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10 can assist in auditing of whether or not an error occurs
in the amount of the injected medicinal liquid and so on.
[0141] In the above description, every time the medicinal liquid is
withdrawn from the medicine bottle 20, the withdrawn medicinal
liquid is injected into the infusion bag 21. Even in the case where
after the medicinal liquids are withdrawn from the multiple
medicine bottles into the syringe 23a, the medicinal liquids
withdrawn multiple times are injected from the syringe 23a into the
infusion bag 21 at a time, auditing in measuring the amounts of the
injected medicinal liquids, checking the types of the injected
medicinal liquids, and the mixing and preparing order of the
medicinal liquids can be assisted. In the auditing processes, the
total amounts or total weight of all the medicinal liquids
withdrawn into the syringe 23a multiple times is used. Further,
since the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected does not
coincide with the number of the medicine bottles in this case, data
on the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected has to be
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19 to assist in auditing of
the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected. In the case
where the data on the number of times the medicinal liquid is
injected is contained in the information about medicinal liquids,
the contained data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18
may analyze the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected
from the information about medicinal liquids, and store the
analyzed data on the number of times the medicinal liquid is
injected in the storage unit 19. For example, the control unit 18
can analyze the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected
from the data on the mixing and preparing processes of medicinal
liquids contained in the information about medicinal liquids.
[0142] The following will describe auditing processes in accordance
with weight measured by the cradle 16, using, as an example, the
case where every time the medicinal liquid is withdrawn from the
medicine bottle 20, the withdrawn medicinal liquid is injected into
the infusion bag 21.
[0143] While the medicinal liquid is withdrawn from the medicine
bottle 20 or injected into the infusion bag 21, the syringe driving
device 23 is not held by the cradle 16 but is held in an operator's
hand.
[0144] When an operator places the syringe driving device 23 on the
cradle 16 after withdrawing the medicinal liquid into the syringe
23a but prior to injecting the medicinal liquid into the infusion
bag 21, the weight of the syringe driving device 23 increases from
the initial weight in accordance with the amount of the medicinal
liquid withdrawn into the syringe 23a. The initial weight of the
syringe driving device 23 is weight in a state that the syringe 23a
is empty. The control unit 18 calculates the weight of the
medicinal liquid withdrawn into the syringe 23a based on the weight
measured by the cradle 16. The calculated withdrawn weight is
stored in the storage unit 19 by the control unit 18. The control
unit 18 then compares the calculated weight of the withdrawn
medicinal liquid with data on the weight of the withdrawn medicinal
liquid stored beforehand in the storage unit 19, and stores the
comparison result in the storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated
weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid and the comparison result
are stored in the storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0145] When data on the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid is
contained in the information about medicinal liquids, the contained
data may be used. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may calculate
the weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid from data on the
amount of the medicinal liquid contained in the information about
medicinal liquids and store the data on the calculated weight of
the medicinal liquid in the storage unit 19. Incidentally, the
control unit 18 may calculate the amount of the withdrawn medicinal
liquid from the calculated weight of the withdrawn medicinal liquid
and may compare the calculated withdrawn amount with data on the
amount of the medicinal liquid contained in the information about
medicinal liquids. Alternatively, the amount or weight of the
withdrawn medicinal liquid calculated based on changes in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 may be
used as data on the amount or weight of the withdrawn medicinal
liquid.
[0146] As described above, auditing in measuring the amount of the
withdrawn medicinal liquid and checking the type of the medicinal
liquid withdrawn into the syringe 23a may be assisted by
calculating the weight or amount of the withdrawn medicinal liquid
based on the weight measured by the cradle 16.
[0147] The control unit 18 also produces withdrawal error
information when recognizing that the calculated weight or amount
of the withdrawn medicinal liquid does not coincide with data on
the weight or amount of the withdrawn medicinal liquid (a
predetermined value) stored beforehand in the storage unit 19. Such
a noncoincidence means that the calculated weight or amount does
not coincide with the weight or amount stored beforehand within the
margin of error. The withdrawal error information indicates at
least one of; errors in the amount of the withdrawn medicinal
liquid; an error in the type of the withdrawn medicinal liquid; and
spilling of the medicinal liquid. The withdrawal error information
may be displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation
unit 17. Alternatively, a device for sounding an alarm (not shown)
corresponding to the withdrawal error information produced by the
control unit 18 may also be provided on the medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10.
[0148] Since auditing in measuring the amounts of the medicinal
liquids withdrawn into the syringe 23a, as described above, is
performed in accordance with the mixing and preparing order of
medicinal liquids, auditing of whether or not the withdrawing order
of medicinal liquids is correct can be concurrently assisted.
[0149] The control unit 18 also counts the number of times the
weight is measured by the cradle 16, and based on the counting
result, calculates the number of times the medicinal liquid is
injected into the infusion bag from the syringe 23a. The calculated
number of times is stored in the storage unit 19 by the control
unit 18. The control unit 18 then compares the calculated number of
times the medicinal liquid is injected with data on the number of
the medicine bottles (the predetermined value) stored in the
storage unit 19 beforehand, and stores the comparison result in the
storage unit 19. Thus, the calculated number of times the medicinal
liquid is injected and the comparison result are stored in the
storage unit 19 as auditing information.
[0150] As described above, auditing of the number of times the
medicinal liquid is injected (auditing in counting the number of
medicinal liquids) can be assisted by counting the number of times
the weight is measured by the cradle 16.
[0151] The control unit 18 also produces counting error information
indicating a shortage in the number of times the medicinal liquid
is injected when recognizing that the calculated number of times
the medicinal liquid is injected does not coincide with data on the
number of medicine bottles stored beforehand in the storage unit
19. The counting error information may be displayed on the display
17a of the information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a
device for sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the
counting error information produced by the control unit 18 may be
provided on the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0152] As describe above, the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10 can assist in auditing whether or not errors occur in the
amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids and so forth.
[0153] In the above description, every time the medicinal liquid is
withdrawn from the medicine bottle 20, the withdrawn medicinal
liquid is injected into the infusion bag 21. Even in the case where
after the medicinal liquids are withdrawn from the multiple
medicinal bottles into the syringe 23a, the weight of the syringe
driving device 23 is measured, auditing in measuring the amounts of
the withdrawn medicinal liquids, checking the types of the
withdrawn medicinal liquids, and the mixing and preparing order of
the medicinal liquids can be assisted. In the auditing processes,
the total amounts or total weight of all the medicinal liquids
withdrawn into the syringe 23a multiple times is used. In auditing
the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected, the data on
the number of times the medicinal liquid is injected which is
stored in the storage unit is used.
[0154] The following will describe auditing of whether or not the
medicinal liquid remains in the syringe 23a after the medicinal
liquid is injected into the infusion bag 21. When an operator
places the syringe driving device 23 on the cradle 16 after
injecting the medicinal liquid into the infusion bag 21, the
control unit 18 determines whether or not the weight measured by
the cradle 16 coincides with the initial weight of the syringe
driving device 23. The control unit 18 generates the determination
result as auditing information.
[0155] Hence, auditing of whether or not all the medicinal liquids
withdrawn into the syringe 23a are injected into the infusion bag
21 can be assisted based on the weight measured by the cradle
16.
[0156] The control unit 18 also produces residual error information
when recognizing that the medicinal liquid remains in the syringe
23a. The residual error information may be displayed on the display
17a of the information presentation unit 17. Alternatively, a
device for sounding an alarm (not shown) corresponding to the
residual error information produced by the control unit 18 may be
provided on the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10.
[0157] As described above, according to the medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10 of the embodiment, errors in the
selection of medicine bottles and the amounts of withdrawn
medicinal liquids, and so forth can be surely prevented. Therefore,
according to the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10,
operation errors (preparation errors) in the mixing and preparing
order of medicinal liquids and measuring the amounts of medicinal
liquids, and so forth can be effectively prevented, and safe and
accurate preparation of medicinal liquids can be accomplished.
[0158] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 also
produces auditing information automatically and reliably.
Therefore, the efficiency of preparing medicinal liquids can be
increased, according to the medicinal liquid preparation assist
system 10.
[0159] Further, according to the medicinal liquid preparation
assist system 10, an operator can be immediately notified of the
occurrence of operation errors in selecting medicine bottles and
measuring the amounts of medicinal liquids. Therefore, according to
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10, medicinal
liquids (medicine bottles) and infusion bags can be prevented from
being wasted, and the cost of preparing medicinal liquids can be
reduced. For example, when an error in measuring the amount of the
medicinal liquid first withdrawn into the syringe is detected
before the medicinal liquid is injected into the infusion bag, the
medicine bottles, from which the medicinal liquids are to be
subsequently withdrawn, and the infusion bag can be prevented from
being wasted.
[0160] The auditing processes are performed by the medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10, based on not only the weight measured
by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 but also the
weight measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15 and
the weight measured by cradle 16. This configuration makes it
possible to doubly or triply prevent operation errors in the
selection of medicine bottles, the amounts of medicinal liquids,
and so forth. Hence, according to the medicinal liquid preparation
assist system 10, safer and more accurate preparation of medicinal
liquids can be achieved.
[0161] The medicinal liquid preparation assist system 10 can
quantitatively grasp from which of the medicine bottles the
medicinal liquid is being withdrawn at the moment, since the
increment in weight is calculated when the medicine bottle 20, from
which the medicinal liquid has been withdrawn, is returned onto the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a, in addition to the decrement
in weight when the medicine bottle 20 is picked up from the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. In other words, the medicinal
liquid preparation assist system 10 can automatically determine
which step of the preparing process of medicinal liquids is being
presently carried out. Thus, the control unit 18 can display
information about the present step on the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17. Accordingly, an operator can
easily resume preparing medicinal liquids by referring to the
display 17a despite interruptions. That is, errors in preparing
medicinal liquids due to interruptions can be effectively
prevented.
[0162] The following will describe a method for assisting medicinal
liquid preparation using the above-described medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10. FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the
method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according to the
present embodiment.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 7, the method for assisting medicinal
liquid preparation includes: step S1 of reading prescription ID;
step. S2 of first display; step 3 of selecting medicine bottles;
step S4 of withdrawing medicinal liquids; step S5 of injecting
medicinal liquids; and step S6 of second display.
[0164] In step S1, the reader 24 reads prescription ID printed on
the prescription 25, the control unit 18 sends the prescription ID
to the medical information database 12, the medical information
database 12 sends information about a patient and medicinal liquids
in accordance with the received prescription ID, the control unit
18 stores the received information about a patient and medicinal
liquids in the storage unit 19.
[0165] In step S2, the control unit 18 reads out data such as the
types and amounts of medicinal liquids, actually photographed
images of medicine bottles, and so forth included in the
information about medicinal liquids from the storage unit 19, and
display the data on the display 17a of the information presentation
unit 17.
[0166] In step S3, an operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist sets
the medicine bottles 20 containing medicinal liquids to be injected
into the infusion bag 21 on the medicine bottle mounting portion
14a. At this point, the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14
measures the total weight of all the medicine bottles on the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a (a medicine bottle weight
measurement step). Then, the control unit 18 produces auditing
information which indicates the auditing result of setting the
medicine bottles based on changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14, and stores the produced
auditing information in the storage unit 19 (a first auditing
information producing step).
[0167] In step S4, the operator picks up the medicine bottle 20
from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. The operator then
withdraws the medicinal liquid from the picked up medicine bottle
into the syringe 23a fitted to the syringe driving device 23 by
operating the syringe driving device 23, and returns the medicine
bottle 20, from which the medicinal liquid has been withdrawn, to
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a. At this point, the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 measures the weight of
all the medicine bottles on the medicine bottle mounting portion
14a (the medicine bottle weight measurement step). Further, the
control unit 18 produces auditing information which indicates the
auditing results of picking up the medicine bottles and withdrawing
the medicinal liquids based on the changes in weight measured by
the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14, and stores the
produced auditing information in the storage unit 19 (the first
auditing information producing step).
[0168] Specifically, in step S4, whether or not the medicine
bottles are correctly picked up in the predetermined mixing and
preparing order of medicinal liquids is audited based on the
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, the changes being caused by picking up the
medicine bottles 20 from the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
Further, whether or not the predetermined amounts of medicinal
liquids are withdrawn from the picked up medicine bottles is
audited based on the changes in weight measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14, the changes being caused by
returning the medicine bottles 20 to the medicine bottle mounting
portion 14a.
[0169] In step S5, the operator injects the medicinal liquid from
the syringe 23a into the infusion bag 21 by operating the syringe
driving device 23. At this point, the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15 measures the weight of the infusion bag 21
placed on the infusion bag mounting portion 15a (a infusion bag
weight measurement step). Further, the control unit 18 produces
auditing information which indicates the auditing results of
injecting the medicinal liquids based on the changes in weight
measured by the infusion bag weight measurement unit 15, and stores
the produced auditing information in the storage unit 19 (a second
auditing information producing step).
[0170] In step S6, the control unit 18 reads out the auditing
information from the storage unit 19 and displays the auditing
information on the display 17a of the information presentation unit
17.
[0171] An input unit capable of inputting the prescription ID may
be provided instead of the reader 24 on the medicinal liquid
preparation assist apparatus 11 so as to send the prescription ID
inputted in step S1 to the medical information database 12.
[0172] According to the above-described method, auditing in
counting medicine bottles, checking the types of medicine bottles
(the types of medicinal liquids), the mixing and preparing order of
medicinal liquids, measuring the amounts of medicinal liquids, and
so on can be assisted based on the changes in weight measured by
the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 and the infusion bag
weight measurement unit 15. The auditing processes can prevent
errors in setting medicine bottles, selecting medicine bottles at
the time of preparing medicinal liquids, the amounts of medicinal
liquids, and so forth. Hence, safe and accurate preparation of
medicinal liquids can be achieved.
[0173] The following will describe a specific example of the method
for assisting medicinal liquid preparation according to the present
embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the former half of a flowchart of the
specific example of the method for assisting medicinal liquid
preparation according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows
the latter half of the flowchart. FIGS. 10 to 22 each show an
example of images displayed on the display 17a of the information
presentation unit 17 in accordance with the flowcharts shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9. As described before, the images displayed on the
display 17a of the information presentation unit 17 are controlled
by the control unit 18. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the medicinal liquids to
be injected into the infusion bag 21 are all injected into the
infusion bag 21 at a time. Further, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the medicinal
liquids to be injected into the infusion bag 21 are the medicinal
liquids A, B, and C which will be mixed and prepared in this
order.
[0174] First, in step S10, as shown in FIG. 10, an image
instructing an operator to insert the prescription 25 into the
reader 24 is displayed on the display 17a of the information
presentation unit 17.
[0175] An operator such as a nurse or a pharmacist inserts the
prescription 25 into the reader 24 according to the instruction
displayed on the display 17a, and the reader 24 reads the
prescription ID printed on the prescription 25 (step S11), followed
by step S12.
[0176] In step S12, the control unit 18 sends the prescription ID
read by the reader 24 to the medical information database 12. The
medical information database 12 sends the information about
medicinal liquids and a patient corresponding to the received
prescription ID. The control unit 18 stores the information from
the medical information database 12 in the storage unit 19. In the
meantime, as shown in FIG. 11, an image indicating that the
information about medicinal liquids and a patient are being
retrieved from the medical information database 12 is displayed on
the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17. The
information about medicinal liquids and a patient is stored in the
storage unit 19, followed by step S13.
[0177] In step S13, as shown in FIG. 12, an image instructing the
operator to mount the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a and the infusion bag 21 on the infusion bag
mounting portion 15a is displayed on the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17, based on the information about
medicinal liquids and a patient stored in the storage unit 19.
[0178] In this embodiment, 1 V (1 vial) of the medicinal liquid A,
1 A (1 ampule) of the medicinal liquid B, and 1 V (1 vial) of the
medicinal liquid C are mixed and prepared. The medicinal liquid
information display 17f indicates the names and amounts of the
medicinal liquids A, B, and C together with the actually
photographed images 20c of the medicine bottles containing the
medicinal liquids, in order of mixing and preparing processes from
left to right.
[0179] The operator mounts the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a and the infusion bag 21 on the infusion
bag mounting portion 15a according to the instruction on the
display 17a.
[0180] At this point, as described above, it is determined whether
or not errors occur in the types of the set medicine bottles
(medicinal liquids) and the arrangement order of the medicine
bottles, according to the changes in weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14. As described above, an
image indicating the occurrence of an error may be displayed on the
display 17a when errors are recognized through auditing in checking
the types of the medicine bottles (medicinal liquids) and so on (an
error information producing step). Alternatively, a buzzer sound
(warning sound) may be made to alarm the occurrence of an
error.
[0181] At this point, as described above, the control unit 18 may
count the number of changes in weight measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14, and based on the counting
result, calculate the number of the set medicine bottles 20.
[0182] Further, the control unit 18 recognizes, as the initial
weight of the infusion bag 21, the weight measured by the infusion
bag weight measurement unit 15 when the infusion bag 21 is placed
on the infusion bag mounting portion 15a, and stores the initial
weight in the storage unit 19.
[0183] The operator sets all the medicine bottles 20 on the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a, places the infusion bag 21 on
the infusion bag mounting portion 15a, and operates the done button
17d on the display 17a (step S14), followed by step S15.
[0184] Incidentally, the control unit 18 automatically recognizes
that all the medicine bottles 20 are set on the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a and the infusion bag 21 is placed on the
infusion bag mounting portion 15a, and then the process may move to
step S15. The completion of setting of the medicine bottles 20 can
be determined from, for example, the auditing result of checking
the types of the set medicine bottles 20 (the types of the
medicinal liquids). Incidentally, for example, the completion of
setting of the medicine bottles 20 can be determined according to
whether or not the weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14 coincides with data on the total value of the
initial weight of all the medicine bottles 20 stored beforehand in
the storage unit 19. Such a coincidence means that the measured
weight coincides with the data on the total value within the margin
of error. In the case where the data on the total value of the
initial weight of all the medicine bottles is contained in the
information about medicinal liquids, the contained data may be
used. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may calculate the total
value of the initial weight of all the medicine bottles by using
the data on the initial weight of all the medicine bottles
contained in the information about medicinal liquids, and store the
calculation result in the storage unit 19.
[0185] Incidentally, the control unit 18, as described above, may
audit in counting of the set medicine bottles before moving to step
S15. Further, as described above, an image indicating the
occurrence of an error may be displayed on the display 17a when
errors are recognized through auditing in counting the medicine
bottles (medicinal liquids) (the error information producing step).
Alternatively, a buzzer sound (warning sound) may be made to alarm
the occurrence of an error.
[0186] In step S15, as shown in FIG. 13, an image instructing the
operator to remove the syringe driving device 23 from the cradle
16, to fit the syringe 23a to the removed syringe driving device
23, and to attach an injection needle 23b to the syringe 23a fitted
to the syringe driving device 23 is displayed on the display 17a of
the information presentation unit 17.
[0187] The operator, following the instruction displayed on the
display 17a, removes the syringe driving device 23 from the cradle
16, fits the syringe 23a to the removed syringe driving device 23,
attaches the injection needle 23b to the syringe 23a fitted to the
syringe driving device 23, and then returns the syringe driving
device 23 to the cradle 16.
[0188] At this point, the control unit 18 recognizes, as the
initial weight of the syringe driving device 23, weight measured by
the cradle 16 when the syringe driving device 23 is returned to the
cradle 16, and stores the initial weight in the storage unit
19.
[0189] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after returning the syringe driving device 23 to the cradle 16. By
this operation, the process moves to step S16. Incidentally, the
control unit 18 automatically recognizes that the syringe driving
device 23 is returned to the cradle 16, and then the process may
move to step S16. Whether or not the syringe driving device 23 is
returned can be determined according to, for example, whether or
not the weight measured by the cradle 16 changes from zero.
[0190] In step S16, as shown in FIG. 14, an image indicating the
medicine bottle to be suctioned for the operator is displayed on
the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17, based on
the information about medicinal liquids stored in the storage unit
19. FIG. 14 shows a case where the medicine bottle to be suctioned
is the medicine bottle A. In this embodiment, the actually
photographed images 20c of the medicine bottles to be suctioned as
well as the names and amounts of the medicinal liquids therein are
enlargedly shown on the medicinal liquid information display 17f
showing the actually photographed images 20c of the medicine
bottles. Thus, errors in the selection of the medicine bottles can
be prevented since the operator can visually confirm the medicine
bottle to be picked up.
[0191] Furthermore, in the case where the information about
medicinal liquids includes the information of cautions at the time
of withdrawing medicinal liquids, such as a driving speed of the
syringe driving device 23, a caution 17g contained in the
information about medicinal liquids is displayed on the display 17a
in step S16. Safer and more accurate preparation of medicinal
liquids can be achieved by indicating such cautions for the
operator. FIG. 14 shows, as an example, the caution 17g indicating
that the syringe driving device 23 has to be operated at a low
speed, since the medicinal liquid A easily bubbles. The operator
operates the syringe driving device 23 according to the caution
17g, so that bubbles can be prevented and the medicinal liquid can
be efficiently withdrawn.
[0192] In this embodiment, in step S16, the LED display unit starts
emitting light corresponding to the medicine bottle 20 to be
suctioned. The instruction display 17c displays an instruction to
withdraw the medicinal liquid from the medicine bottle 20
corresponding to the position where the LED display unit emits
light (an LED display position). The LED display unit continues
emitting light until the picked up medicine bottle 20 is returned
onto the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0193] The operator picks up the medicine bottle 20 according to
the instruction displayed on the display 17a. At this point, as
described above, the control unit 18 calculates the weight of the
picked up medicine bottle 20 based on the changes in weight
measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14. Thus,
auditing in checking the types of the picked up medicine bottles 20
(the types of the medicinal liquids) and the pickup order of the
medicine bottles 20 is performed (step S16A). At this point, as
described above, the control unit 18 may also count the number of
changes in weight measured by the medicine bottle weight
measurement unit 14, and based on the counting result, calculate
the number of times the medicine bottles 20 are picked up from the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a the number of the picked up
medicine bottles 20).
[0194] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after picking up the medicine bottles 20, unless the medicinal
liquid preparation assist system 10 issues an error warning. By
this operation, the process moves to step S17. Incidentally, the
process may automatically move to step S17 when the correct state
is recognized from the auditing result in step S16A. Alternatively,
the control unit 18 automatically recognizes that the medicine
bottles 20 are picked up from the medicine bottle mounting portion
14a, and then, the process may move to step S17. Whether or not the
medicine bottles are picked up can be determined according to, for
example, whether or not the weight measured by the medicine bottle
weight measurement unit 14 decreases.
[0195] When the operator picks up the wrong medicine bottle 20, as
described above, an image indicating the occurrence of an error is
displayed on the display 17a (the error information producing
step). Alternatively, a buzzer sound (warning sound) may be made to
alarm the occurrence of an error.
[0196] When the error is fixed, in other words, the medicine bottle
erroneously picked up by the operator is returned onto the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a, the process returns to step S16. It is
automatically determined whether or not the error is fixed; for
example, according to whether or not the weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 increases.
[0197] In step S17, it is determined whether or not the picked up
medicine bottle 20 is a vial container. The determination is made
by the control unit 18 based on the information about medicinal
liquids stored in the storage unit 19. When the medicine bottle 20
is a vial container, the process moves to step S18. Meanwhile, when
the medicine bottle 20 is not a vial container, the process moves
to step S19.
[0198] In step S18, an image indicating the amount of air to be
withdrawn into the syringe and the instruction to pump suction the
medicinal liquid for the operator is displayed on the display 17a
of the information presentation unit 17, according to the
information about medicinal liquids stored in the storage unit 19.
FIG. 15 illustrates the instruction display 17c which instructs to
pump suction the medicinal liquids after withdrawing 10 ml of air
into the syringe 23a. The information about the operation order of
the syringe driving device 23 is contained in the information about
medicinal liquids.
[0199] In the case where the medicine bottle 20 is a vial
container, an amount of replacement air corresponding to the amount
of the medicinal liquid to be withdrawn has to be withdrawn into
the syringe 23a beforehand, in order to keep the internal pressure
of the vial container as constant as possible at the time of
withdrawing the medicinal liquid. Pumping suctioning has to be
performed. Therefore, when the medicine bottle 20 is a vial
container, the operation order of the syringe driving device 23 is
shown to the operator, so that the operator can operate the syringe
driving device 23 in accordance with the instruction displayed on
the display 17a and withdraw the medicinal liquid efficiently.
[0200] As described above, the operation order of the syringe
driving device 23 is shown to the operator, so that the operator
can withdraw the medicinal liquid efficiently. Incidentally, as a
matter of course, the information about the operation order of the
syringe driving device 23 is not limited to the instruction on the
instruction display 17c in FIG. 15.
[0201] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after withdrawing the medicinal liquids from the picked up medicine
bottles 20. By this operation, the process moves to step S19.
[0202] Incidentally, the amount of air to be withdrawn to the
syringe is set slightly smaller than the amount of the medicinal
liquid. By this setting, the inside of the vial container can be
always at a negative pressure while the predetermined amount of the
medicinal liquid is withdrawn. Hence, a so-called aerosol
phenomenon is prevented in which the residual medicinal liquid
comes out of the vial container when the injection needle 23b is
removed from the vial container.
[0203] In step S19, as shown in FIG. 16, an image which instructs
the operator to return the medicine bottle is displayed on the
display 17a of the information presentation unit 17 based on the
information about medicinal liquids stored in the storage unit 19.
FIG. 16 illustrates that the medicine bottle to be returned is the
medicine bottle A. In this embodiment, the actually photographed
image 20c and so forth of the medicine bottle to be returned are
enlargedly shown. Further in this embodiment, the LED display unit
corresponding to the medicine bottle to be returned emits light,
and an instruction to return the medicine bottle to the position
where the LED unit emits light (the LED display position) is shown
on the instruction display 17c. With this configuration, the
operator can return the medicine bottle 20 to the original position
more reliably.
[0204] The operator returns the medicine bottle 20 according to the
instruction on the display 17a after withdrawing the medicinal
liquid from the picked up medicine bottle 20. At this point, as
described above, the control unit 18 calculates the weight or
amount of the withdrawn medicinal liquid based on the changes in
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14.
Based on this calculation, auditing in measuring the amounts of
withdrawn medicinal liquids, checking the types of withdrawn
medicinal liquids, and the mixing and preparing order of medicinal
liquids is performed (step S19A).
[0205] At this point, as described above, the control unit 18 may
also count the number of changes in weight measured by the medicine
bottle weight measurement unit 14, and based on the counting
result, calculate the number of times the medicine bottle 20 is
returned to the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a (the number of
returned medicine bottles 20).
[0206] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after returning the medicine bottles 20 to the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a, unless the medicinal liquid preparation
assist system 10 issues an error warning (step S20). By this
operation, the process moves to step S21. Incidentally, the process
may automatically move to step S21 when the correct state is
recognized from the auditing result in step S19A. Alternatively,
the control unit 18 automatically recognizes that the medicine
bottle 20 is returned, and then the process may move to step S21.
Whether or not the medicine bottle is returned can be determined
according to, for example, whether or not the weight measured by
the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14 increases.
[0207] In step S21, whether or not the medicinal liquids have been
withdrawn from all the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a is determined by comparing the number of the
medicine bottles calculated in step S16A or step S19A and the data
on the number of the medicine bottles (the predetermined value)
stored beforehand in the storage unit 19. When the number of the
medicine bottles, from which the medicinal liquids have been
withdrawn, coincides with the number of all the medicine bottles 20
on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a, the process moves to
step S22. When the number of the medicine bottles, from which the
medicinal liquids have been withdrawn, does not coincide with the
number of all the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine bottle
mounting portion 14a, the process returns to step S16. The steps
S16 to S21 are repeated until the number of the medicine bottles,
from which the medicinal liquids have been withdrawn, coincides
with the number of all the medicine bottles 20 on the medicine
bottle mounting portion 14a.
[0208] When errors such as in the amount of withdrawn medicinal
liquids are found by auditing in step S19A, an image which
indicates the occurrence of an error is displayed, as described
above, on the display 17a (the error information producing step).
Alternatively, a buzzer sound (warning sound) may be made to alarm
the occurrence of an error. At this point, prescription ID and
auditing information indicating errors such as in the amounts of
the withdrawn medicinal liquids are retrieved from the storage unit
19 and sent to the medical information database 12 by the control
unit 18. The medical information database 12 registers the received
auditing information in association with prescription ID. The
control unit 18 also displays an image instructing the operator to
remove the prescription 25 from the reader 24 on the display
17a.
[0209] Thus, when errors such as in the amount of the withdrawn
medicinal liquids are found by auditing in step S19A, the present
process of preparing medicinal liquids is stopped. The operator
starts preparing medicinal liquids again from the beginning (the
start of FIG. 8).
[0210] In step S22, as shown in FIG. 17, an image which instructs
the operator to insert the injection needle 23b into the spout plug
21a of the infusion bag 21 and inject the medicinal liquid in the
syringe 23a into the infusion bag 21 is displayed on the display
17a of the information presentation unit 17. Incidentally, FIG. 17
illustrates the infusion bag 21 filled with 500 ml of a normal
saline solution beforehand.
[0211] The operator injects the medicinal liquid into the infusion
bag 21 according to the instruction on the display 17a.
Incidentally, in step S22, the information about the operation and
driving speed of the syringe driving device 23 may also be
displayed on the display 17a based on the information about
medicinal liquids stored in the storage unit 19.
[0212] At this point, as described above, auditing in measuring the
amounts of the injected medicinal liquids is performed based on the
changes in weight measured by the infusion bag weight measurement
unit 15. Further, as described above, an image which indicates the
occurrence of an error is displayed on the display 17a when an
error occurs in the amounts or weight of the injected medicinal
liquids (the error information producing step). Alternatively, a
buzzer sound (warning sound) may be made to alarm the occurrence of
an error. With this configuration, the operator can confirm that
the medicinal liquid remains in the syringe 23a. In such case, the
operator injects the medicinal liquid remaining in the syringe 23a
into the infusion bag 21. By this auditing, the operator can easily
confirm whether or not the medicinal liquid withdrawn into the
syringe 23a is completely injected into the infusion bag 21.
[0213] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after injecting the medicinal liquids into the infusion bag 21. By
this operation, the process moves to step S23. Incidentally, the
control unit 18 automatically recognizes that the medicinal liquids
are injected into the infusion bag 21, and then the process may
move to step S23. Whether or not the medicinal liquids are injected
into the infusion bag 21 can be determined according to, for
example, whether or not weight measured by the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15 increases.
[0214] In step S23, as shown in FIG.18, an image which instructs
the operator to remove the injection needle 23b from the syringe
23a fitted to the syringe driving device 23 and return the syringe
driving device 23 to the cradle 16 is displayed on the display 17a
of the information presentation unit 17.
[0215] The operator returns the syringe driving device 23 to the
cradle 16 according to the instruction on the display 17a. At this
point, as described above, the cradle 16 measures the weight of the
syringe driving device 23 (a syringe driving device weight
measuring step), and the control unit 18 determines whether or not
the medicinal liquid remains in the syringe 23a based on the weight
measured by the cradle 16 and stores the determination result in
the storage unit 19 as auditing information (a third auditing
information producing step). This auditing is performed since
spilling of medicinal liquids at the time of injecting medicinal
liquids into the infusion bag 21 cannot be determined only by
auditing in measuring the amount of medicinal liquids injected into
the infusion bag 21. Whether or not the medicinal liquid remains in
the syringe 23a can be reliably determined by auditing of whether
or not the medicinal liquid remains in the syringe 23a based on the
weight measured by the cradle 16. An image which indicates the
occurrence of an error is shown on the display 17a, as described
above, when the medicinal liquid is found remaining in the syringe
23a (the error information producing step). Alternatively, a buzzer
sound (warning sound) may be made to alarm the occurrence of an
error. In this case, the operator injects the remaining medicinal
liquid in the syringe 23a into the infusion bag 21.
[0216] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after returning the syringe driving device 23 to the cradle 16. By
this operation, the process moves to step S24. Incidentally, the
control unit 18 automatically recognizes that the syringe driving
device 23 is returned to the cradle 16, and then the process may
move to step S24. Whether or not the syringe driving device 23 is
returned to the cradle 16 can be determined according to, for
example, whether or not the weight measured by the cradle 16
increases.
[0217] In step S24, information about a patient and auditing
information are displayed on the display 17a of the information
presentation unit 17, as shown in FIG. 19, based on the information
about a patient and auditing information stored in the storage unit
19.
[0218] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after confirming the information about a patient and auditing
information. By this operation of the done button 17d, a geometric
pattern having a high contrast ratio, as shown in FIG. 20, appears
on the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17.
Therefore, the operator can visually and easily confirm extraneous
substances contained in the medicinal liquids in the infusion bag
21 and cloudiness of the medicinal liquids in the infusion bag 21
by using the display 17a as the background of the infusion bag
21.
[0219] A nurse or a pharmacist, as an auditor, confirms the
auditing information and the information about a patient shown on
the display 17a, visually confirms the mixed state of the medicinal
liquids in the infusion bag 21, and then operates the done button
on the display 17a. By this operation, the process moves to step
S25.
[0220] In step S25, an image (not shown) which inquires of the
operator about whether or not the auditing result is normal is
displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation unit
17. The operator selects whether the auditing result is OK or NG
according to the instruction on the display 17a. The operator may
achieve this selection, for example, by operating an OK button or
an NG button on the display 17a.
[0221] When the auditing result is OK, the process moves to step
S26. In step S26, the prescription ID and auditing information
stored in the storage unit 19 are sent to the medical information
database 12 by the control unit 18. The medical information
database 12 registers the received auditing information in
association with the prescription ID. In the meantime, as shown in
FIG. 21, an image indicating that the auditing information is being
registered into the medical information database 12 is displayed on
the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17.
[0222] When the transmission of the auditing information to the
medical information database 12 is completed, the process moves to
step S27. In step S27, as shown in FIG. 22, an image which
instructs the operator to stamp the prescription 25 is displayed on
the display 17a of the information presentation unit 17.
[0223] The operator removes the prescription 25 from the reader 24
and stamps the removed prescription 25 according to the instruction
shown on the display 17a. The operator operates the done button 17d
on the display 17a after removing the prescription 25 from the
reader 24 (step S28). By this operation, the process moves to step
S29. Incidentally, the control unit 18 may be configured to
automatically determine whether or not the operator has removed the
prescription 25 from the reader 24 including a sensor which
produces signals at different levels according to whether or not
the prescription 25 is inserted into the reader 24.
[0224] In step S29, an image (not shown) which instructs the
operator to dispose of the syringe 23a and the medicine bottles 20
is displayed on the display 17a of the information presentation
unit 17. The operator disposes of the used medicine bottles 20 on
the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a according to the
instruction displayed on the display 17a. The operator also removes
the syringe 23a from the syringe driving device 23 held on the
cradle 16 and disposes of the syringe.
[0225] The operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a
after disposing of the syringe 23a and the medicine bottles 20
(step S30). By this operation, the process of preparing medicinal
liquids ends. Alternatively, the control unit 18 automatically
recognizes that all the medicine bottles 20 are picked up from the
medicine bottle mounting portion 14a and that the syringe driving
device 23 is removed from the cradle 16, and then the process may
be completed. Whether or not all the medicine bottles are removed
can be determined according to, for example, whether or not the
weight measured by the medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14
becomes zero. Whether or not the syringe driving device 23 is
picked up from the cradle 16 can be also determined according to,
for example, whether or not the weight measured by the cradle 16
becomes zero.
[0226] In contrast, when the auditing result is NG, the process
moves to step S31. In step S31, an image (not shown) to input the
contents of an error is displayed on the display 17a of the
information presentation unit 17.
[0227] The operator inputs the contents of an error according to
the instruction displayed on the display 17a. The error information
is stored in the storage unit 19 by the control unit 18. The
operator operates the done button 17d after inputting the contents
of an error (step S32). By this operation, the process moves to
step S33.
[0228] In step S33, the prescription ID and the error information
stored in the storage unit 19 are sent to the medical information
database 12 by the control unit 18. The medical information
database 12 records the received error information in association
with the prescription ID. In the meantime, an image (not shown)
indicating that the error information is being registered into the
medical information database 12 is displayed on the display 17a of
the information presentation unit 17.
[0229] After the transmission of the error information to the
medical information database 12 is completed, the process moves to
step S34. In step S34, an image (not shown) which instructs the
operator to remove the prescription 25 is displayed on the display
17a of the information presentation unit 17.
[0230] The operator removes the prescription 25 from the reader 24
according to the instruction displayed on the display 17a. The
operator operates the done button 17d on the display 17a after
removing the prescription 25 from the reader 24 (step S35). By this
operation, the process moves to step S29. Incidentally, the control
unit 18 may be configured to automatically determine whether or not
the operator has removed the prescription 25 from the reader 24
including a sensor which produces signals at different levels
according to whether or not the prescription 25 is inserted in the
reader 24.
[0231] Thereafter, having passed through the above-described steps
S29 and S30, the process of preparing medicinal liquids ends. In
the case where the auditing result is NG, the operator starts
preparing medicinal liquids again from the beginning (the start of
FIG. 8).
[0232] According to the method described above, the auditing
processes such as counting of medicine bottles, checking of types
of medicine bottles (types of medicinal liquids), the mixing and
preparing order of medicinal liquids, measuring of medicinal
liquids, and so on can be assisted based on weight measured by the
medicine bottle weight measurement unit 14, the infusion bag weight
measurement unit 15, and the cradle 16 respectively. Further, by
these auditing processes, errors in the setting of medicine
bottles, the selection of medicine bottles and the amounts of
medicinal liquids at the time of preparing medicinal liquids, and
so forth can be prevented. Thus, medicinal liquids can be safely
and accurately prepared.
[0233] As described above, auditing in measuring the amount of
medicinal liquids withdrawn into the syringe 23a and checking the
types of medicinal liquids withdrawn into the syringe 23a may be
performed (the third auditing information producing step), through
the processes in which the cradle 16 measures the weight of the
syringe driving device 23 (the syringe driving device weight
measuring step) and the control unit 18 calculates the weight or
amounts of withdrawn medicinal liquids based on the weight measured
by the cradle 16.
[0234] In FIGS. 8 and 9, all the medicinal liquids to be mixed and
prepared are injected into the infusion bag 21 at a time. Even in
the case where the medicinal liquids are injected into the infusion
bag 21 at multiple times, the method for assisting medicinal liquid
preparation can be achieved by the same method as in the specific
example of FIGS. 8 and 9. In this case, as described above, the
number of times the medicinal liquid is injected may be audited by
counting the number of changes in weight measured by the infusion
bag weight measurement unit 15. Alternatively, the number of times
the medicinal liquid is injected may be audited by counting the
number of times weight is measured by the cradle 16.
[0235] Even in the case where the number of types of medicinal
liquids to be mixed exceeds the number of medicine bottles can be
placed on the medicine bottle mounting portion 14a, a variety of
auditing processes can be assisted as in the above-described
embodiment, by separating the medicinal liquids to be mixed into a
plurality of groups in the mixing and preparing order.
[0236] In the above description, a plurality of types of medicinal
liquids are mixed and prepared. However, the medicinal liquid
preparation assist system 10 and the method for assisting medicinal
liquid preparation according to this embodiment can be applied to a
case where a single type of medicinal liquid is injected into the
infusion bag.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0237] According to the medicinal liquid preparation assist system
and the method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation of the
present invention, the auditing processes such as counting of
medicine bottles, checking of types of medicine bottles (types of
medicinal liquids), the mixing and preparing order of medicinal
liquids, measuring of medicinal liquids, and so on can be assisted.
Thus, according to the medicinal liquid preparation assist system
and the method for assisting medicinal liquid preparation of the
present invention, errors in the setting of medicine bottles, the
selection of medicine bottles and the amounts of medicinal liquids
at the time of preparing medicinal liquids, and so forth can be
prevented, so that medicinal liquids can be safely and accurately
prepared. Further, according to the medicinal liquid preparation
assist system and the method for assisting medicinal liquid
preparation of the present invention, nurses, pharmacists and so
forth can handle medicinal liquid more safely and accurately. Thus,
the medicinal liquid preparation assist system and the method for
assisting medicinal liquid preparation of the present invention can
drastically reduce workloads on nurses, pharmacists and so forth,
and are useful for preparing medicinal liquid in the field of
medicine and so forth.
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