U.S. patent application number 17/226118 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for system and method of pharmaceutical operations for post-acute care facilities long-term care facilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC. Invention is credited to Tamir BEN DAVID, Omer EINAV, Yoav KESTEL, Eyal LIVSCHITZ, Thomas A. MCKINNEY, Doron SHABANOV, Yuval SIMAN, Anthony Joseph SPERO.
Application Number | 20210225479 17/226118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005507420 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210225479 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EINAV; Omer ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PHARMACEUTICAL OPERATIONS FOR POST-ACUTE CARE
FACILITIES LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Abstract
According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a system of pharmaceutical dispensing
for at least one first facility, comprising: a data processing and
management computer; a facility pharmacy management software; a
communications network in communication with said facility pharmacy
group management server; at least one pharmaceutical storage and
electronic dispensing machine; said system further comprises at
least one supplemental supplier of said plurality of
pharmaceuticals in case said at least one pharmaceutical storage
and electronic dispensing machine cannot dispense.
Inventors: |
EINAV; Omer; (Kfar-Monash,
IL) ; SHABANOV; Doron; (Tzur-Yigal, IL) ;
KESTEL; Yoav; (Ramat-HaSharon, IL) ; SIMAN;
Yuval; (Ramat-HaSharon, IL) ; BEN DAVID; Tamir;
(Tel-Aviv, IL) ; LIVSCHITZ; Eyal; (Givat Shmuel,
IL) ; SPERO; Anthony Joseph; (Queensbury, NY)
; MCKINNEY; Thomas A.; (Boonton, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC |
Fort Lee |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Tech Pharmacy Services, LLC
Fort Lee
NJ
|
Family ID: |
1000005507420 |
Appl. No.: |
17/226118 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16214081 |
Dec 9, 2018 |
10978193 |
|
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17226118 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 40/67 20180101;
G16H 40/20 20180101; G16H 20/13 20180101 |
International
Class: |
G16H 20/13 20060101
G16H020/13; G16H 40/67 20060101 G16H040/67; G16H 40/20 20060101
G16H040/20 |
Claims
1. A method of storage organization in a pharmaceutical dispensing
system which servers a plurality of users in need of
pharmaceuticals, comprising: a. providing a pharmaceutical
dispensing system comprising: i. a server that coordinates delivery
of pharmaceuticals from storages to facilities to provide
pharmaceuticals according to prescriptions at predetermined
schedules; ii. storage units comprising pharmaceuticals to be
distributed to facilities; iii. facilities housing said users in
need to receive pharmaceuticals according to prescriptions at
predetermined schedules; b. collecting in said facilities
information regarding quantity and time of dispensing of said
pharmaceuticals for said users and transmitting said information to
said server; c. maintaining at the server information regarding
pharmaceutical handling requirements of said needed
pharmaceuticals; d. determining an allocation of said
pharmaceuticals in said storage units according to: i. said
information regarding pharmaceutical handling requirements; ii.
said information regarding quantity and time of dispensing of said
pharmaceuticals for said users; said determining comprises
determining so as to timely delivery said pharmaceuticals according
to said predetermined schedule; e. distributing said
pharmaceuticals according to said determining.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining
said allocation of said pharmaceuticals in said storage units
according to an additional at least one parameter.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
the time required for preparing and dispensing said pharmaceuticals
to patients.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
commonly used pharmaceuticals that are not yet prescribed to
specific patients but likely to be required based on previous
pharmaceutical needs.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
predicted pharmaceuticals that are not yet prescribed to specific
tenants but likely to be required based on previous pharmaceutical
needs.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein a scale of importance is added to
a plurality of said parameters by a system supervisor to enable
prioritizing of parameters.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
common prescribed pharmaceuticals.
8. The method of claim 2 wherein said at least one parameter is
pharmaceuticals dispensed on a regular basis.
9. The method of claim 2 wherein said at least one parameter is
life expectancy of said pharmaceuticals.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is a
location of use of said pharmaceuticals.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
frequency of use of said pharmaceuticals.
12. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
type of said pharmaceuticals.
13. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
cost of said pharmaceuticals.
14. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
level of automation of a storage facility.
15. The method of claim 2, wherein said at least one parameter is
distance between said storage units and said facilities.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least one parameter is
expected time of supply from the pharmaceuticals suppliers.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein said information regarding
pharmaceutical handling requirements is a form that said
pharmaceutical is provided.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein said information regarding
pharmaceutical handling requirements is security requirements for
said pharmaceuticals.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein said facilities housing said
users comprise pharmaceutical dispensing devices located in said
facilities configured for receiving said coordinated delivery of
said pharmaceuticals from said storages.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/214,081 filed on Dec. 9, 2018, the contents
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to nursing home, retirement home, assisted living facility, and
other long-term care industries in general and, more particularly,
to pharmaceutical dispensing operations for such long-term care
facilities.
[0003] Additional background art includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,019
which discloses "a system, software and related methods of enhanced
pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are
provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care
facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility
pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care
facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological
operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality
of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each
positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term
care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication
therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the
long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a
plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each
positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with
the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility
pharmacy group management server".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method of providing a pharmaceutical
dispensing service to at least one facility, comprising: providing
at least one first pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine to
said at least one first facility; said at least one first
pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine in communication with
at least one facility pharmacy management server; providing a
pharmacy group management computer being positioned remote from
said at least one first facility to manage and control said at
least one first pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine
defining a facility pharmacy management server; providing at least
one supplemental supplier of pharmaceuticals; wherein said method
further comprises selecting said at least one supplemental supplier
of pharmaceuticals so as to ensure dispensing of pharmaceuticals to
users according to a predetermined schedule.
[0005] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method
further comprises providing at least one second pharmaceutical
storage and dispensing machine as supplemental supplier of
pharmaceuticals.
[0006] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
providing at least one second pharmaceutical storage and dispensing
machine further comprises allocating said at least one second
pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine at the same facility
as said at least one first pharmaceutical storage and dispensing
machine.
[0007] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
providing at least one second pharmaceutical storage and dispensing
machine further comprises allocating said at least one second
pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine at a second facility;
said second facility located in the vicinity of said first
facility.
[0008] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
providing at least one second pharmaceutical storage and dispensing
machine further comprises allocating said at least one second
pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine at a third facility;
said third facility located far from said first facility.
[0009] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method
further comprises providing communication with at least one
pharmacy as supplemental supplier of pharmaceuticals.
[0010] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmacy comprises a pharmaceutical storage and dispensing
machine.
[0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method
further comprises providing communication with at least one storage
unit as supplemental supplier of pharmaceuticals.
[0012] According to some embodiments of the invention, information
regarding said predetermined schedule is located in said pharmacy
group management computer.
[0013] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a system of pharmaceutical dispensing
for at least one first facility, comprising: a data processing and
management computer including a first memory to store data therein
to manage and control at least one pharmaceutical storage and
dispensing machine positioned remote therefrom and to thereby
define a facility pharmacy group management server; a facility
pharmacy management software stored in said first memory of said
facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmaceutical
operations in said at least one facility, to process distribution
of pharmaceuticals stored in said at least one pharmaceutical
storage and dispensing machine during preselected dispensing time
periods; a communications network in communication with said
facility pharmacy group management server; at least one
pharmaceutical storage and dispensing machine positioned in said at
least one facility remote from said facility pharmacy group
management server, in communication with said facility pharmacy
group management server through said communication network, to
store a plurality of pharmaceuticals therein, and to individually
retrieve at least one pharmaceutical of said plurality of
pharmaceuticals stored in said pharmaceutical storage and
dispensing machine, load said at least one pharmaceutical of the
plurality of pharmaceuticals into one of a plurality of disposable
individual patient dosing packages, package said at least one
pharmaceutical, and dispense said loaded and packaged one of said
plurality of individual patient dosing packages into a separate and
removable container associated with said machine for use by
authorized personnel located at said facility; wherein said system
further comprises at least one supplemental supplier of said
plurality of pharmaceuticals adapted to dispense said
pharmaceuticals to the users at said preselected dispensing time
periods.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one supplemental supplier is a second pharmaceutical storage
and dispensing machine located at the same facility.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one supplemental supplier is a second pharmaceutical storage
and dispensing machine located at a second facility; said second
facility located near said facility.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one supplemental supplier is a second pharmaceutical storage
and dispensing machine located at a second facility; said second
facility located far from said facility.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one supplemental supplier is a pharmacy located near said
facility.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one supplemental supplier is a storage unit.
[0019] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method of storage organization in a
pharmaceutical dispensing system, comprising: providing a plurality
of storage units in communication with a server of said
pharmaceutical dispensing system; collecting pharmaceutical
dispensing information of facilities receiving pharmaceuticals from
said pharmaceutical dispensing system; collecting information
regarding said pharmaceuticals; providing at least one parameter
for analysis; analyzing collected information using said at least
one parameter; distributing pharmaceuticals between said plurality
of storage units according to the result of said analysis.
[0020] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is commonly used pharmaceuticals that are not
yet prescribed to specific tenants but likely to be required.
[0021] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is predicted pharmaceuticals that are not yet
prescribed to specific tenants but likely to be required.
[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, a scale of
importance is added to said at least one parameter by a system
supervisor to enable prioritizing of parameters.
[0023] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is at least one selected from the group
consisting of: required pharmaceuticals for a current population in
said facilities; common prescribed pharmaceuticals; pharmaceuticals
dispensed on a regular basis; life expectancy of said
pharmaceuticals; a location of use of said pharmaceuticals;
frequency of use of said pharmaceuticals; type of said
pharmaceuticals; cost of said pharmaceuticals; any combination
thereof.
[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is required pharmaceuticals for a current
population in said facilities.
[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is common prescribed pharmaceuticals.
[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is pharmaceuticals dispensed on a regular
basis.
[0027] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is life expectancy of said pharmaceuticals.
[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is a location of use of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is frequency of use of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0030] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is type of said pharmaceuticals.
[0031] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is cost of said pharmaceuticals.
[0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is level of automation of a storage
facility.
[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention, said at
least one parameter is distance between said storage units and said
facilities.
[0034] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is life expectancy of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0035] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is cost of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0036] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is expected time of supply
from the pharmaceuticals suppliers.
[0037] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is type of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is form that said
pharmaceutical is provided.
[0039] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical dispensing information is security requirements for
said pharmaceuticals.
[0040] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is at least one selected from the group
consisting of: life expectancy of said pharmaceuticals; cost of
said pharmaceuticals; expected time of supply from the
pharmaceuticals suppliers; type of said pharmaceuticals; form that
said pharmaceutical is provided; security requirements for said
pharmaceuticals; any combination thereof.
[0041] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is life expectancy of said
pharmaceuticals.
[0042] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is cost of said pharmaceuticals.
[0043] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is expected time of supply from the
pharmaceuticals suppliers.
[0044] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is type of said pharmaceuticals.
[0045] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is form that said pharmaceutical is
provided.
[0046] According to some embodiments of the invention, said
pharmaceutical information is security requirements for said
pharmaceuticals.
[0047] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a method of tracking users to dispense
pharmaceuticals to said users in a pharmaceutical dispensing
system, comprising: providing at least one expected location of a
user in a facility at at least one time; assessing if said user is
at said at least one expected location in said facility at said at
least one time; if said user is at said at least one expected
location in said facility at said at least one time, then dispense
pharmaceuticals; if said user is not at said at least one expected
location in said facility at said at least one time, then:
assessing if said user is at a different location within said
facility at said at least one time; if said user is at a different
location within said facility at said at least one time, then
update said different location and dispense pharmaceuticals at said
different location; if said user is not at a different location
within said facility at said at least one time, then: assessing if
said user is at a different facility at said at least one time; if
said user is at a different facility at said at least one time,
then update location to said different facility location and
dispense pharmaceuticals at said different facility location; if
said user is not at a different facility at said at least one time,
then: assessing if said user is at different address but not in a
facility; if said user is at a different address not within a
facility at said at least one time, then update said different
address location and dispense pharmaceuticals at said different
address location; if said user is not at a different address
location not within a facility at said at least one time, then:
evaluating user status.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials
are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to
be necessarily limiting.
[0049] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some
embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system,
method or computer program product. Accordingly, some embodiments
of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,
resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining
software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to
herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, some
embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a
computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable
medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
Implementation of the method and/or system of some embodiments of
the invention can involve performing and/or completing selected
tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover,
according to actual instrumentation and equipment of some
embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several
selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by
firmware and/or by a combination thereof, e.g., using an operating
system.
[0050] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks
according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented
as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to
some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a
plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer
using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, one or more tasks according to some exemplary
embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are
performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for
executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data
processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions
and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic
hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or
data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A
display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are
optionally provided as well.
[0051] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s)
may be utilized for some embodiments of the invention. The computer
readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a
computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage
medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,
magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor
system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the
foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the
computer readable storage medium would include the following: an
electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer
diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only
memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or
Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage
device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the
context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be
any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by
or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus,
or device.
[0052] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated
data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein,
for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a
propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including,
but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable
combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any
computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage
medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program
for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device.
[0053] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium and/or
data used thereby may be transmitted using any appropriate medium,
including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber
cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
[0054] Computer program code for carrying out operations for some
embodiments of the present invention may be written in any
combination of one or more programming languages, including an
object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++
or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such
as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.
The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,
partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package,
partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or
entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,
the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through
any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide
area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider).
[0055] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described
below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program
products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be
understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or
block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart
illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer
program instructions. These computer program instructions may be
provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special
purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus
to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or
blocks.
[0056] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other
programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture
including instructions which implement the function/act specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0057] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other
devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on
the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to
produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in
the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0058] Some of the methods described herein are generally designed
only for use by a computer, and may not be feasible or practical
for performing purely manually, by a human expert. A human expert
who wanted to manually perform similar tasks, might be expected to
use completely different methods, e.g., making use of expert
knowledge and/or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human
brain, which would be vastly more efficient than manually going
through the steps of the methods described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0059] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0060] In the drawings:
[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary prior
art system;
[0062] FIGS. 2a-2b are schematic representations of an exemplary
basic pharmaceutical dispensing system, according to some
embodiments of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an on-site
pharmaceutical dispensing system, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0064] FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic representation of the
interaction between a long term facility and a secondary off-site
location having a second pharmaceutical dispensing system,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0065] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an off-site main
system and its interaction with a site without a dispensing
machine, according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0066] FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic representation of the
interaction between a long term facility and a secondary distant
off-site location having a second pharmaceutical dispensing system,
according to some embodiments of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic representation of the
interaction between a long term facility and a pharmacy, according
to some embodiments of the invention;
[0068] FIGS. 8a-8b are schematic representations of the possible
interactions in a pharmaceutical dispensing ecosystem, according to
some embodiments of the invention;
[0069] FIGS. 9-12 are schematic flowcharts of a method of
management and operations performed by an exemplary pharmaceutical
dispensing system, according to some embodiments of the
invention;
[0070] FIGS. 13-20 are schematic flowcharts of a method of
management and operations performed by an exemplary server of the
pharmaceutical dispensing system, according to some embodiments of
the invention;
[0071] FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a methodology of
organizing the storage of pharmaceuticals in a pharmaceutical
dispensing system;
[0072] FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart of a tracking method
performed by an exemplary pharmaceutical dispensing system,
according to some embodiments of the invention, and
[0073] FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the connection
and/or interface between the electronic medical record of the
facility and the plurality of management softwares, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0074] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to Long Term Acute Care Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, nursing home,
retirement home, assisted living facility, and other long-term care
industries in general and, more particularly, to pharmaceutical
operations within nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living
facilities, and other long-term care facilities; also to
pharmaceutical operations between nursing homes, retirement homes,
assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities, and
a pharmaceutical dispensing system.
Overview
[0075] A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates
to means and methods of operation in a pharmaceutical dispensing
system. In some embodiments, the system comprises units, personnel
and users, for example, long-term care facilities, the personnel
working at the long-term care facilities, pharmacies,
drug-dispensing units, logistic units and the users. In some
embodiments, the pharmaceutical dispensing system is global (i.e.
the whole world). In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical
dispensing system is a defined as a plurality of sub pharmaceutical
dispensing systems working in coordination. In some embodiments,
each of the sub pharmaceutical dispensing systems is responsible
for a specific zone, for example, a country and/or a state and/or a
city; and/or responsible for a specific role, for example,
distribution and/or storage and/or maintenance and/or support. In
some embodiments, a sub pharmaceutical dispensing system interacts
with at least one other sub pharmaceutical dispensing system.
[0076] A broad aspect of the present invention relates to providing
a patient with a pharmaceutical by providing a plurality of
dispensing options and selecting at least one dispensing option
from said plurality of dispensing options, in a pharmaceutical
dispensing system.
[0077] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
support for pharmaceutical dispensing units of a pharmaceutical
dispensing system located in long-term care facilities. In some
embodiments, a drug-dispensing unit receives support from another
drug-dispensing unit within the same long-term care facility. In
some embodiments, a drug-dispensing unit located in a long-term
care facility receives support from another drug-dispensing unit
located in a different long-term care facility. In some
embodiments, a drug-dispensing unit located in a long-term care
facility receives support from a pharmaceutical storage unit. In
some embodiments, a drug-dispensing unit located in a long-term
care facility receives support from a pharmacy. Optionally, the
pharmacy comprises a drug-dispensing unit. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutical dispensing system coordinates the support to and
between all long-term care facilities.
[0078] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
providing a pharmaceutical dispensing service to a location (e.g.
long-term care facility) that do not comprises a drug-dispensing
unit. In some embodiments, a location that do not comprises a
drug-dispensing units means a location that do not comprises a
physical machine related to the system. Optionally, a location that
do not comprises a drug-dispensing units means a location that
requires additional transportation from the place of packaging to
the final destination of dispensing. In some embodiments, a
pharmaceutical dispensing service means receiving pharmaceuticals
from a drug-dispensing machine. In some embodiments, said
parameters are time and/or distance from the closest drug
dispensing unit. In some embodiments, a drug-dispensing unit
located in a long-term care facility provides a pharmaceutical
dispensing service to the facility that do not comprises a
drug-dispensing unit. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical storage
unit provides a pharmaceutical dispensing service to the facility
that do not comprises a drug-dispensing unit. In some embodiments,
a pharmacy provides a pharmaceutical dispensing service to the
facility that do not comprises a drug-dispensing unit. Optionally,
the pharmacy comprises a drug-dispensing unit.
[0079] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
pharmaceutical tracking dispensing system for users in long-term
care facilities in a pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some
embodiments, the tracking system uses a personalized schedule of
each user in a long-term care facility. In some embodiments, the
personalized schedule includes information regarding
drug-dispensing schedule and type of drug. In some embodiments, the
personalized schedule includes information regarding the physical
location of the user. In some embodiments, the tracking system uses
the personal electronic devices of the user (i.e. cellphone,
tablet, smartwatch). In some embodiments, the dispensing of the
drug is coordinated with the location of the user. In some
embodiments, the dispensing of the drug comprises choosing a
facility that can provide the drug that is the closest to the
location of the user.
[0080] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to
organization of the dispensing of pharmaceuticals to pharmaceutical
dispensing units and/or users in long-term care facilities. In some
embodiments, the system collects and analyzes information regarding
the drug-dispensing behavior of long-term care facilities. In some
embodiments, drug-dispensing behavior includes types of
pharmaceuticals and/or quantity of pharmaceuticals and/or frequency
of dispensing of pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the system
organizes the geographical allocation of pharmaceuticals in
pharmaceutical storage units according to parameters recovered from
the analysis of the drug-dispensing behavior. In some embodiments,
the system allocates and/or re-allocates pharmaceuticals according
to predictive algorithms using parameters derived from
drug-dispensing behavior analysis. In the past, storage of
pharmaceuticals was directly decided by the actual location of the
users, for example, a long term facility would store the required
pharmaceuticals in-house since the users are located in the long
term facility. Therefore, it was expected that the storage of
pharmaceuticals would be, for example, on the same place as the
users. In some embodiments, the actual storage location of the
pharmaceuticals is different from the expected storage location of
the pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the storage placement of
the pharmaceuticals is not the same place as the users. In some
embodiments, the actual storage placement of the pharmaceuticals is
different from the expected storage placement. In some embodiments,
the system comprises the information regarding an expected location
for pharmaceutical storage. In some embodiments, the system may or
may not require the information regarding an expected location for
pharmaceutical storage for providing a storage placement for
pharmaceuticals.
[0081] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or units
and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or
illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is
capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out
in various ways.
PRIOR ART
[0082] Over the years, pharmacies have been a backbone in providing
prescription drugs and other medications to people and have been a
convenience as retail pharmacies have expanded to locations close
to most residential areas. Today the primary dispensing method in
Long Term Care facilities is through dispensing at a long term care
pharmacy. Packing the medication(s) in a traditional blister pack
and or otherwise known as punch card and then delivered via a
courier service to the facility where the patient resides.
Recently, pharmacies also have been placed inside of facilities
such as hospitals, physician offices, malls, nursing homes,
retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and other locations
to make it easier for people to get access to medications and to
facilitate interaction with medical personnel.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 1, showing a schematic representation
of an exemplary prior art system used, for example, in a long term
care facility. The system comprises a storage and dispensing
machine 100, which is brought to the long term care facility.
There, a nurse 102 collects the pharmaceuticals and brings them to
the patients 104.
[0084] It is common, in these prior art systems, that the machine
stops working due to, for example, a technical malfunction,
maintenance or unscheduled refill of pharmaceuticals. In any of
these scenarios, the personnel of the long term care facility is
required again to deal directly with the pharmaceuticals until the
machine is repaired and/or resupplied.
Exemplary Basic System
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 2a, showing a schematic representation
of an exemplary basic pharmaceutical dispensing system, according
to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the
minimal requirement of a pharmaceutical dispensing system comprises
a dispensing machine 100, a server 106 and a warehouse 108. In some
embodiments, a dispensing machine is connected to a central server.
In some embodiments, there is an exchange of information between
the dispensing machine and the server, for example prescriptions,
pharmaceutical inventories and technical status of the machine. In
some embodiments, the server is also connected to a warehouse,
which, according to instructions from the server, provides
pharmaceuticals and/or technical assistance to the dispensing
machine.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 2b, showing a schematic representation
of a variety of pharmaceutical machines (devices) used by the
pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the
pharmaceutical dispensing system comprises a plurality of devices
that can be placed in the relevant locations. In some embodiments,
one or more devices are placed in the same location. In some
embodiments, a combination of devices are placed in the same
location. In some embodiments, the devices are capable of storing
and dispensing pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the devices
only storage pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the device is a
large dispensing machine 100. In some embodiments, the device is a
small dispensing machine 101. In some embodiments, the device is a
bulk storage cabinet 103. In some embodiments, the device is a
refrigerator 105. In some embodiments, the device is a nursing cart
107.
[0087] In some embodiments, the large pharmaceutical dispensing
machine 100 is adapted to store, package and dispense a large
quantity of pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the small
pharmaceutical dispensing machine 101 comprises the same
capabilities of the large machine 100 but with fewer
pharmaceuticals in it. In some embodiments, the bulk storage
cabinet 103 comprises a variety of pharmaceuticals and medical
materials (e.g. liquid drugs, IV, bandages, insulin, pill storage)
in bulk. In some embodiments, the small and/or the large
pharmaceutical dispensing machine packages pharmaceuticals as the
circumstance arises (also known as PRN--"pro re nata") and/or first
dose pharmaceuticals for a single patient. In some embodiments,
adapted and authorized personnel can access the bulk storage
cabinet 103 when necessary. In some embodiments, the refrigerator
105 comprises a variety of pharmaceuticals and/or medical materials
that require special storage temperatures. In some embodiments,
adapted and authorized personnel can access the refrigerator 105
when necessary. In some embodiments, the nursing cart 107 are
locked and opened by adapted and authorized personnel.
[0088] In some embodiments, any of the above dispensing machines
and/or storage units assists in the pharmaceutical dispensing
service. In some embodiments, different devices of the system are
used in combination to provide the pharmaceuticals in the
pharmaceutical dispensing service. In some embodiments, each of the
abovementioned devices is monitored and controlled by the
system.
[0089] In some embodiments, any of the above dispensing machines
and/or storage units comprise a plurality of pharmaceuticals
according to their physical capacities, for example, certain
dispensing machine may comprise 30 different pharmaceuticals, while
other may comprise 100 or 300 or any quantity of different
pharmaceuticals.
Exemplary Interactions in a Pharmaceutical Dispensing System
[0090] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical dispensing system
coordinates the interactions between the pharmaceutical dispensing
system and other machines and/or systems and/or facilities. In some
embodiments, a specific pharmaceutical dispensing system (e.g. a
dispensing machine) may require support (i.e. technical assistance
and/or refilling and/or emergency supply). In some embodiments,
support is provided from another pharmaceutical dispensing system
(e.g. another dispensing machine).
[0091] In some embodiments, units of the pharmaceutical dispensing
system are also defined by a relative physical distance and/or a
relative period of time between them. In some embodiments, the
relative physical distance is from about 0 kilometers to about 500
kilometers. Optionally, the relative physical distance is from
about 50 kilometers to about 300 kilometers. Optionally, the
relative physical distance is from about 100 kilometers to about
200 kilometers. In some embodiments, the relative period of time
required to move from one pharmaceutical dispensing system to
another is from about 0 minutes to about 48 hours. Optionally, the
relative period of time required to move from one pharmaceutical
dispensing system to another is from about 30 minutes to about 24
hours. Optionally, the relative period of time required to move
from one pharmaceutical dispensing system to another is from about
2 hours to about 12 hours.
[0092] In some embodiments, depending on the nature of the problem
(e.g. technical malfunction, refilling) and the level of urgency,
the system activates a unit in the pharmaceutical dispensing system
(e.g. a dispensing machine) according to the distance and/or the
time required to reach the dispensing machine in trouble. In some
embodiments, the time of preparation of the pharmaceuticals before
the dispensing and/or the time of the dispensing itself are also
taken under consideration when choosing which unit to activate. For
example, a dispensing machine stopped working and the next
scheduled round of dispensing pharmaceuticals is in 3 hours. At
this point, the system activates the closest dispensing machine
that is equipped to provide the required pharmaceuticals. Another
example, if the next scheduled round of dispensing pharmaceuticals
is in 10 hours, but the time for a technician to arrive is 3 hours,
the system will activate the technician instead of requesting
pharmaceuticals from a different dispensing machine.
[0093] In some embodiments, the parameter that guides which unit is
activated is the assurance that the patients will receive the
pharmaceuticals on time. In some embodiments, the parameter that
guides which unit is activated is the request from a single and/or
multiple dispensing machines to the potential provider of
pharmaceuticals and/or technical assistance.
[0094] Exemplary different interactions will be described in the
following paragraphs.
Exemplary On-Site Second System (On-Site Interaction Layer)
[0095] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical dispensing system
comprises at least two dispensing machines located in the same site
(e.g. long term care facility). Referring now to FIG. 3, showing a
schematic representation of an on-site pharmaceutical dispensing
system. In some embodiments, the on-site system comprises at least
two dispensing machines 100-106, in communication with each other
by conventional means (e.g. wire, wireless) and in communication
with the server 106 (not shown). In some embodiments, the personnel
102 of the long term care facility may access each dispensing
machine and provide pharmaceuticals to the patients 104.
[0096] In some embodiments, the dispensing machines located at the
same site are identical to each other in their capabilities to
store and dispense pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the
dispensing machines located at the same site are different to each
other in their capabilities to store and dispense pharmaceuticals.
In some embodiments, one of the dispensing machines is a main
dispensing machine, comprising the necessary pharmaceuticals
required for the long term facility, while the other dispensing
machine is a secondary dispensing machine comprising some of the
necessary pharmaceuticals required for the long term facility. In
some embodiments, if one of the two dispensing machines is unable
to fulfill its purpose, then the second dispensing machine "covers"
for the purpose of both dispensing machines until the first
dispensing machine is returned to normal function. This enables a
continue cover of the pharmaceutical dispensing requirements of the
long term facility almost without the necessity to involve the long
term facility personnel.
[0097] For example, a facility comprises a large dispensing machine
100 and a small dispensing machine 101. In some embodiments, the
two machines work in coordination with each other to provide
pharmaceutical dispensing service to the facility. Optionally, any
combination of two machines (large dispensing machine 100, a small
dispensing machine 101, bulk storage cabinet 103, a refrigerator
105 and/or a nursing cart 107) apply to this example. In some
embodiments, if either of the machines cannot provide the
dispensing service, the second machine fulfills the required
service for both machines.
Exemplary Off-Site Second System (Off-Site Interaction
Layer--Second System)
[0098] Referring now to FIG. 4, showing an exemplary schematic
representation of the interaction between a long term facility 200
and a secondary off-site location 202 having a second
pharmaceutical dispensing system 206. In some embodiments, if the
dispensing machine 204 located at the long term facility 200
requires assistance, for example due to a malfunction and/or lack
of inventory (or any other reason) and cannot supply, either
partially or completely, the required pharmaceuticals, the
dispensing machine 204 contacts the server (not shown) and makes an
automatic request. In some embodiments, the server activates a
second dispensing machine 206 located at another site 202, which is
capable of supplying the required, either all or partially,
pharmaceuticals without affecting the performance requirements of
its own site. In some embodiments, the movement of pharmaceuticals
from one site to the other is performed by dedicated transportation
units 208 sent by the system. In some embodiments, the movement of
pharmaceuticals from one site to the other is performed by the
personnel 210 of either facility. In some embodiments, the
secondary dispensing device will provide assistance as long as is
necessary.
[0099] In some embodiments, the secondary off-site location 202 is
located in close proximity of the long term facility 200. In some
embodiments, close proximity is defined as travel time to the long
term facility from about 0 minutes to about 20 hours. Optionally
from about 2 hours from about 12 hours. Optionally from about 4
hours to about 8 hours. In some embodiments, close proximity is
defined as travel distance to the long term facility from to about
0 kilometers to about 1000 kilometers. Optionally, from about 50
kilometers to about 500 kilometers. Optionally from about 100
kilometers to about 300 kilometers.
Exemplary Off-Site Main System (Off-Site Interaction Layer--Main
System)
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 5, showing a schematic representation
of an off-site main system and its interaction with a site without
a dispensing machine. In some embodiments, a first location 212 may
not comprise a dispensing machine of their own. In some
embodiments, storage, preparation of pharmaceuticals and dispensing
is performed in an off-site location 214 having a pharmaceutical
dispensing system and dispensing machine 216 and delivered 218 to
the personnel 220 at the first location 212. In some embodiments,
the first location 212 comprises a dedicated user interface unit
(i.e. a dedicated online website view from a regular computer or a
dedicated interface unit) from which the necessary communications
with the system, through a server, are performed.
Exemplary Off-Site Distant Second System (Off-Site Interaction
Layer--Distant Second System)
[0101] Referring now to FIG. 6, showing an exemplary schematic
representation of the interaction between a long term facility 222
and a secondary distant off-site location 224 (e.g. in another
state) having a second pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some
embodiments, if the dispensing machine located at the long term
facility 222 requires assistance, for example due to a malfunction
and/or lack of inventory (or any other reason), the dispensing
machine located at the long term facility 222 contacts the server
and performs an automatic request. In some embodiments, the server
will analyze the request and activate a second dispensing machine
located at another site 224 is capable of supplying the required
pharmaceuticals without affecting the performance requirements of
its own site. In some embodiments, the movement of pharmaceuticals
from one site to the other is performed by dedicated transportation
units 226 sent by the system. In some embodiments, the movement of
pharmaceuticals from one site to the other is performed by the
personnel 210 of either facility. In some embodiments, the
secondary dispensing device will provide assistance as long as is
necessary.
[0102] In some embodiments, the secondary distant off-site location
222 is not located in close proximity of the long term facility
224. In some embodiments, assistance from distant long term
facilities and/or dispensing machines is activated only when there
is no other facility closer to the one that requires assistance,
and/or when the assistance is not urgent and a delayed arrival of
assistance will not incur a miss in the dispensing of the
pharmaceuticals to the patients. In some embodiments, not in close
proximity is defined as travel time to the long term facility of
about 24 hours or more. In some embodiments, not in close proximity
is defined as travel distance to the long term facility of about
1000 kilometers or more.
Exemplary Off-Site Outside the System (Off-Site Interaction
Layer--Outside the System)
[0103] Referring now to FIG. 7, showing an exemplary schematic
representation of the interaction between a long term facility 228
and a pharmacy 230. The pharmacy 230 is an entity outside the
pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the pharmacy
230 may include a dispensing machine 232 which belongs to the
pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the pharmacy
does not include a dispensing machine. In some embodiments, when a
dispensing machine located at the long term facility 228 requires
assistance, for example due to a malfunction and/or lack of
inventory (or any other reason), the dispensing machine located at
the long term facility 228 communicated with the server and
performs an automatic request. In some embodiments, the server
activates a pharmacy 230, which either includes a dispensing
machine 232 or not, and which is capable of supplying the required
pharmaceuticals without affecting the performance requirements of
its own site. In some embodiments, the movement of pharmaceuticals
from the pharmacy 230 to the long term facility 228 is performed by
dedicated transportation units 234 sent by the system. In some
embodiments, the movement of pharmaceuticals from one site to the
other is performed by the personnel of either facility. In some
embodiments, the pharmacy will provide assistance as long as is
necessary.
[0104] In some embodiments, the activation of a pharmacy to supply
assistance is done when no other dispensing machine is in close
proximity and when the urgency of the delivery is high (i.e.
providing pharmaceuticals to the patients on time).
Exemplary Pharmaceutical Dispensing Ecosystem
[0105] The general use of the word ecosystem means "a complex
network or interconnected system". Referring now to FIG. 8a,
showing a schematic representation of the possible interactions in
a pharmaceutical dispensing ecosystem. In some embodiments,
interactions between the dispensing machines, the facilities, the
storage units 248, the server 244, the pharmacies 246, the
different regions 240-242, are all part of the pharmaceutical
dispensing ecosystem. Also shown in FIG. 8a is the possible
activation of dedicated delivery services 250 used together with
the tracking system. Referring now to FIG. 8b showing a schematic
representation of an exemplary cascade of interactions. In some
embodiments, the interaction begins with a first degree interaction
between two dispensing machines within the same facility 241. In
some embodiments, the interaction continues with a second degree
interaction between facilities 243 in the vicinity to each other.
In some embodiments, the interaction continues with a third degree
interaction between facilities 245 that are not in the vicinity of
each other. In some embodiments, the interaction continues with a
fourth degree interaction between facilities and other units (i.e.
pharmacies, storage units) 247. In some embodiments, the order of
the degrees of interactions depends on the distance between
dispensing units. In some embodiments, the order of the degrees of
interaction depends on the quickest response time. In some
embodiments, the order of the degrees of interaction depends on the
availability of the pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the order
of the degrees of interaction depends on a combination of all of
the above.
Exemplary Pharmaceutical Dispensing Methods
[0106] Referring now to FIG. 9, showing a schematic flowchart of
one exemplary method of management and operations performed by the
pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the
dispensing machine runs a self-diagnostic program 252 on its
software, hardware and inventory. In some embodiments, the
dispensing machine might detect an issue 254 during the
self-diagnostic program. In some embodiments, issues revealed by
the self-diagnostic program might be, for example, a technical
issue 256, an inventory issue 258 a security issue 260, a
consumable issue 262 and/or an unknown issue 264. In some
embodiments, a cascade of inquiries is activated in each of the
scenarios in order to assess the situation and proceed accordingly,
as will be explain in the following paragraph. In some embodiments,
the dispensing machine continues the diagnostic program 262 until
either it receives an "all ok" response or until an issue is
detected and identified. In some embodiments, if the issue is a
technical issue 256 and/or an inventory issue 258 and/or an unknown
issue 264, then (Flowchart continues following the letters A, B and
E to FIG. 10), the system assesses if there is a second dispensing
machine on-site 266. In some embodiments, if there is, the system
assesses if the second dispensing machine comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing in the long term
facility 268. In some embodiments, if the second dispensing machine
comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the system changes the
primary dispensing machine to the back-up dispensing machine 270,
and contacts the server to communicate the issue 272. In some
embodiments, if the second dispensing machine does not comprise the
necessary pharmaceuticals, the system contacts the server to
communicate the issue 272. In some embodiments, if there is not a
second dispensing machine on-site, the system contacts the server
to communicate the issue 272.
[0107] In some embodiments, if the issue is a security issue 260,
then (Flowchart continues following the letter C to FIG. 11), then
the system commences two independent actions. In some embodiments,
the system locks the machine 274 and assesses if there are
sensitive drugs in the dispensing machine 276. In some embodiments,
if there are sensitive drugs, then the system contact the
authorities (i.e. police) 278 and contact the server to communicate
the issue 280. In some embodiments, the second action is to assess
if there is a second dispensing machine on-site 282. In some
embodiments, there is, the system assesses if the second dispensing
machine comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals for the correct
dispensing in the long term facility 284. In some embodiments, if
the second dispensing machine comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals, the system changes the primary dispensing machine
to the back-up dispensing machine 286, and contacts the server to
communicate the issue 288. In some embodiments, if the second
dispensing machine does not comprise the necessary pharmaceuticals,
the system contacts the server to communicate the issue 288. In
some embodiments, if there is not a second dispensing machine
on-site, the system contacts the server to communicate the issue
288.
[0108] In some embodiments, if the issue is a consumable issue 262,
then (Flowchart continues following the letter D to FIG. 12), then
the system assesses if the consumable is replaceable by the
personnel in-site (i.e. nurse) 290. In some embodiments, if the
answer is yes, the system notifies the personnel 292 that a
consumable needs to be replaced and/or refilled, and then system
contacts the server to communicate the issue 294. In some
embodiments, if the consumable is not replaceable by the personnel,
then the system assesses if there is a second dispensing machine
on-site 296. In some embodiments, there is, the system assesses if
the second dispensing machine comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing in the long term
facility 298. In some embodiments, if the second dispensing machine
comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the system changes the
primary dispensing machine to the back-up dispensing machine 300,
and contacts the server to communicate the issue 302. In some
embodiments, if the second dispensing machine does not comprise the
necessary pharmaceuticals, the system contacts the server to
communicate the issue 302. In some embodiments, if there is not a
second dispensing machine on-site, the system contacts the server
to communicate the issue 302.
[0109] In some embodiments, issues may be detected by the personnel
of the long term facility. In some embodiments, the personnel of
the long term facility may communicate the issues directly to the
server by entering the relevant information, either through the
control panel of the dispensing machine or through a dedicated
website using a regular computer and/or smartphone and/or
tablet.
[0110] Referring now to FIG. 13, showing a schematic flowchart of a
method performed by an exemplary server of the pharmaceutical
dispensing system. In some embodiments, the server is contacted by
a dispensing machine reporting an issue 304. In some embodiments,
the server assesses what kind of issue is reported by the
dispensing machine, for example, a technical issue 306, an
inventory issue 308, a security issue 310, a consumable issue 312
and/or an unknown issue 314. In some embodiments, a cascade of
inquiries is activated in each of the scenarios in order to assess
the situation and proceed accordingly, as will be explain in the
following paragraph. In some embodiments, if the issues are related
to technical issues 306, inventory issues 308 and/or an unknown
issue 310, then (Flowchart continues following the letters F, G and
J to FIG. 14) the servers first assesses if there is a second
dispensing machine on-site 316. In some embodiments, if the answer
is yes, then the server assesses if the second dispensing machine
comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing
in the long term facility 318. In some embodiments, if the second
dispensing machine comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the
system changes the primary dispensing machine to the second
dispensing machine as the primary dispensing machine of the long
term facility 320, and dispatches a technician and/or dispatches
pharmaceuticals supplies to the long term facility to assess and
repair the issue and/or to resupply the missing pharmaceuticals
322. In some embodiments, if there is not a second on-site
dispensing machine, then (Flowchart continues following the letter
K to FIG. 15) the server assesses if there is a second dispensing
machine off-site 324 in the vicinity of the long term facility. In
some embodiments, if the answer is yes, then the server assesses if
the second off-site dispensing machine comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing in the long term
facility 326. In some embodiments, if the second off-site
dispensing machine comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the
system changes the primary dispensing machine to the second
off-site dispensing machine as the primary dispensing machine of
the long term facility 328, and dispatches a technician and/or
dispatches pharmaceuticals supplies to the long term facility to
assess and repair the issue and/or to resupply the missing
pharmaceuticals 330. In some embodiments, if there is not a second
dispensing machine off-site in the vicinity of the long term
facility or the second dispensing machine off-site in the vicinity
of the long term facility does not comprise the required
pharmaceuticals (Flowchart continues following the letter L to FIG.
16), the server assesses if there is a pharmacy (or other relevant
HMO) in the vicinity of the long term facility 332. In some
embodiments, if the answer is yes and there is a pharmacy nearby,
the server assesses if the pharmacy has a dispensing machine from
the pharmaceutical dispensing system 334. In some embodiments, if
the answer is yes and the pharmacy has a dispensing machine, then
the server changes the primary dispensing machine to the machine as
the primary dispensing machine of the long term facility 336, and
dispatches a technician and/or dispatches pharmaceuticals supplies
to the long term facility to assess and repair the issue and/or to
resupply the missing pharmaceuticals 338. In some embodiments, if
the answer is no and the pharmacy does not have a dispensing
machine, then the server activates the pharmacy by requesting the
necessary pharmaceuticals, which will be provided as soon as
possible to the long term facility 340, and dispatches a technician
to the long term facility to assess and repair the issue 338.
[0111] In some embodiments, the answer to the inquiry regarding the
availability of a pharmacy nearby is no. In some embodiments, at
this point (Flowchart continues following the letter M to FIG. 17),
the server assesses if there is a second dispensing machine in an
off-site 342 location distant from the long term facility. In some
embodiments, if the answer is yes, then the server assesses if the
second dispensing machine in the off-site, which is far from the
long term facility, comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals for the
correct dispensing in the long term facility 344. In some
embodiments, if the second dispensing machine in the off-site far
from the long term facility comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals, the system changes the primary dispensing machine
to the second dispensing machine in the far off-site as the primary
dispensing machine of the long term facility 346, and dispatches a
technician and/or dispatches pharmaceuticals supplies to the long
term facility to assess and repair the issue and/or to resupply the
missing pharmaceuticals 348. In some embodiments, if there is not a
second dispensing machine in an off-site location distant from the
long term facility or the second dispensing machine in the off-site
far from the long term facility does not comprise the required
pharmaceuticals (Flowchart continues following the letter N to FIG.
18), the server assesses if there is a storage unit in the vicinity
of the long term facility 350. In some embodiments, if the answer
is yes and there is a storage unit nearby, the server assesses if
the storage unit has a dispensing machine from the pharmaceutical
dispensing system 352. In some embodiments, if the answer is yes
and the storage unit has a dispensing machine, then the server
changes the primary dispensing machine to the dispensing machine of
the storage unit as the primary dispensing machine of the long term
facility 354, dispatches a technician and/or dispatches
pharmaceuticals supplies to the long term facility to assess and
repair the issue and/or to resupply the missing pharmaceuticals
356. In some embodiments, if the answer is no and the storage unit
does not have a dispensing machine, then the server activates the
storage unit by requesting the necessary pharmaceuticals, which
will be provided as soon as possible to the long term facility 358,
and dispatches a technician and/or dispatches pharmaceuticals
supplies to the long term facility to assess and repair the issue
and/or to resupply the missing pharmaceuticals 356. In some
embodiments, if there is no storage unit in the near vicinity of
the long term facility, the server contacts a human supervisor 360
to notify him of the issue.
[0112] Returning to FIG. 13, if the issue is a consumable issue
312, then (Flowchart continues following the letter I to FIG. 19),
then the system assesses if the consumable is replaceable by the
personnel in-site (i.e. nurse) 362. In some embodiments, if the
answer is yes, the system notifies the personnel 364 that a
consumable needs to be replaced and/or refilled, and then system
dispatches consumables and/or a technician 366. In some
embodiments, if the consumable is not replaceable by the personnel,
then the system assesses if there is a second dispensing machine
on-site 368. In some embodiments, if there is, the system assesses
if the second dispensing machine comprises the necessary
pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing in the long term
facility 370. In some embodiments, if the second dispensing machine
comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the system changes the
primary dispensing machine to the back-up dispensing machine 372,
and dispatches consumables and/or a technician 374. In some
embodiments, if the second dispensing machine does not comprise the
necessary pharmaceuticals and/or if there is not a second
dispensing machine on-site, then (Flowchart continues following the
letter K back to FIG. 15) the server assesses if there is a second
dispensing machine off-site 324 in the vicinity of the long term
facility. The next actions following this assessment are the same
as disclosed above, with the difference that consumables are
dispatched instead of pharmaceuticals.
[0113] Returning to FIG. 13, if the issue is a security issue 310,
then (Flowchart continues following the letter H to FIG. 20), then
the system commences two independent actions. In some embodiments,
the system activates the locking mechanism of the dispensing
machine 376 and assesses if there are sensitive drugs in the
dispensing machine 378. In some embodiments, if there are sensitive
drugs, then the system contacts the authorities (i.e. police) 380
and dispatches relevant personnel (i.e. technician, supervisor)
382. In some embodiments, the second action is to assess if there
is a second dispensing machine on-site 384. In some embodiments,
there is, the system assesses if the second dispensing machine
comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals for the correct dispensing
in the long term facility 386. In some embodiments, if the second
dispensing machine comprises the necessary pharmaceuticals, the
system changes the primary dispensing machine to the back-up
dispensing machine 388. In some embodiments, if the second
dispensing machine does not comprise the necessary pharmaceuticals
and/or if there is not a second dispensing machine on-site, then
(Flowchart continues following the letter K back to FIG. 15) the
server assesses if there is a second dispensing machine off-site
324 in the vicinity of the long term facility. The next actions
following this assessment are the same as disclosed above.
Exemplary Pharmaceutical Dispensing Storage System
[0114] In some embodiments, a plurality of storage units are part
of the pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the
storage units comprise a plurality of pharmaceuticals according to
the requirements of the long term facilities having pharmaceutical
dispensing machines, which are located in the vicinity of the
storage unit. In some embodiments, the server monitors the
requirements of the different long term facilities and distributes
accordingly the pharmaceuticals in the storage units.
[0115] In some embodiments, the server comprises a dedicated
software that monitors the requirements of a specific area,
collects the information in dedicated databases and performs
analysis on the information. In some embodiments, based on the
information, the server is capable to anticipate the needs of
different zones and activate the timely delivery of supplies
according to their expected needs. In some embodiments, the
information includes, for example, the pharmaceuticals shelf life,
the pharmaceuticals costs (for example, ordering pharmaceuticals
having similar active ingredients but cost less), the expected time
of supply from the pharmaceuticals suppliers, the type of
pharmaceuticals needed in the region, the time of year (for
example, expecting more cases of flu during the winter),
pharmaceuticals that need special handling requirements (e.g.
refrigeration, exposure to light), pharmaceuticals that need to be
under lock, the form that the pharmaceutical is provided (i.e.
liquid, powder, pill, IV).
[0116] In some embodiments, a single storage unit can supply
pharmaceuticals to a variety of long term facilities in the same
region. In some embodiments, a single storage unit can supply
pharmaceuticals to adjacent regions, each region comprising a
variety of long term facilities.
[0117] In some embodiments, the software is adapted to monitor and
match the National Drug Code (NDC) of the pharmaceuticals. In some
embodiments, monitoring and matching of the pharmaceuticals by
their NDC is performed at any time that any pharmaceutical is
moved, for example, when being loaded into envelopes and/or when
being loaded into dispensing machines. In some embodiments,
monitoring and matching of the pharmaceuticals by their NDC may
reduce incidents where an incorrect pharmaceutical is being loaded
and/or dispensed.
[0118] In some embodiments, the system comprises a dedicated
algorithm responsible for the storage organization of the
pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the storage organization is
dictated by a plurality of parameters. Exemplary parameters
are:
[0119] Required pharmaceuticals for the current population in the
facilities, and between them: common prescribed pharmaceuticals,
pharmaceuticals that need to be dispensed on a regular basis,
predicted and commonly used pharmaceuticals that are not yet
prescribed to specific tenants but likely to be required.
[0120] Life expectancy of the pharmaceuticals, for example, not to
keep pharmaceuticals that are likely to expire unless consumed
regularly by the current tenants.
[0121] Storage pharmaceuticals between the different storage
devices (in case more than one dispensing machine is in the site)
based on, for example, location of use, frequency of use, type of
drug (i.e. bulk, liquid, powder),
[0122] Storage pharmaceuticals based on multiple facilities, for
example, for rare drugs use facility to store rare drugs for
another facility in close proximity.
[0123] Consolidate and storage same drug from different makers.
[0124] Storage pharmaceuticals based on costs, for example, batch
production vs one at a time, expiration time, special storage
requirements (e.g. refrigeration), consistency of drugs (e.g.
liquid, powder, pills).
[0125] Storage pharmaceuticals based on costs of buying the
pharmaceuticals from the providers (e.g. same drug can be bought at
different prices at different locations).
[0126] Storage pharmaceuticals based on the level of automation of
the storage facility, for example, manual storage lockers, fully
computerized storage facility.
[0127] In the past, storage of pharmaceuticals was directly decided
by the actual location of the users, for example, a long term
facility would store the required pharmaceuticals in-house since
the users are located in the long term facility. Therefore, it was
expected that the storage of pharmaceuticals would be, for example,
on the same place as the users. Different cases might provide
different expected storage locations. In some embodiments, the
actual storage location of the pharmaceuticals is different from
the expected storage location of the pharmaceuticals. In some
embodiments, the storage placement of the pharmaceuticals is not
the same place as the users. Referring now to FIG. 21, showing a
schematic representation of a methodology of organizing the storage
of pharmaceuticals in a pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some
embodiments, the system comprises the information regarding an
expected location for pharmaceutical storage 390. In some
embodiments, the system analyzes the data regarding each
pharmaceutical according to defined parameters 392. In some
embodiments, the actual storage placement of the pharmaceuticals is
different from the expected storage placement 394. In some
embodiments, the system does not require the information regarding
an expected location for pharmaceutical storage 390 for providing a
storage placement for pharmaceuticals.
Exemplary Pharmaceutical Dispensing System--User Tracking
System
[0128] One of the downsides of the prior art system is that the
system is not updated with the location of the patients in
real-time. For example, a patient in a hospital is required to take
a medicine at a certain time. So it happens, that at that same time
the patient was transferred to another department inside the
hospital, for example physiotherapy. The nurse, or any other
personnel responsible for giving the medicine to the patient, is
now required to look for the patient, find him and ensure that the
patient will get the medicine on time. This causes a waste of time
and resources. A worse scenario, is the possibility that the
patient might get a double dose, one at the physiotherapy
department and another once he is back. This might endanger the
health of the patient. Another example, a patient in a long term
facility decides to spend the holidays with his family. If the
system is not updated with the location of the patient, the
dispensing machine will keep dispensing his medicine even if he is
not located in the long term facility. This, again, causes a waste
of resources.
[0129] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical dispensing system
comprises a personalized tracking system, adapted to include
real-time information on the location of each patient.
[0130] In some embodiments, the tracking system comprises a daily
schedule for each patient. In some embodiments, the schedule is
updated by the user and/or the medical personnel of the facility.
In some embodiments, the schedule comprises all the information
regarding all the hours of the day, all the days of the year, and
more.
[0131] In some embodiments, the server activates dedicated delivery
services (e.g. special delivery services like UPS.RTM. or
FEDEX.RTM., a nurse, a pharmacy) using the information from the
tracking system in order to dispense pharmaceuticals at the
real-time location of the patient. In some embodiments, the patient
can access a local pharmacy where the pharmaceuticals will be
waiting for him.
[0132] In some embodiments, the location of the patient is updated
manually by the long term facility personnel. In some embodiments,
the location of the patient is tracked using an electronic tag,
which is in communication with the system and provides real-time
updates on the location of the patient. In some embodiments, the
location of the patient is tracked using the personal electronic
devices of the patient, for example, cellphone, tablet, smartwatch.
In some embodiments, the location of the patient is tracked using a
dedicated device provided to the patient.
[0133] Referring now to FIG. 22, showing a schematic flowchart of a
tracking method performed by an exemplary server of the
pharmaceutical dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system
inquiries if the patient will be at his regular location 396.
Optionally, the system inquiries if the patient is currently at his
regular location. If the answer is yes, then the system continues
with the dispensing regularly 398. If the answer is no, them the
system inquiries if the patient is at other location inside the
facility 400. If the answer is yes, then the system updates the
location, as a temporary location of the patient in the facility
402. If the answer is no, then the system inquiries if the patient
is at other facility 404. If the answer is yes, then the system
updates the address of the other facility as temporary location,
and transfers the drug prescriptions to the other facility 406. If
the answer is no, then the system inquiries if the patient is at
other address but not in a facility 408. If the answer is yes, then
a personal drug package is prepared and sent to the new temporary
address 410. If the answer is no, then the system evaluates the
patient status 412, for example, deceased, not sick anymore,
permanently moved to another facility.
[0134] Exemplary Connection and or Interface Between the Electronic
Medical Record of the Facility and Management Software
[0135] Referring now to FIG. 23 showing a schematic representation
of the connection and/or interface between the electronic medical
record of the facility and the plurality of management softwares,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0136] In some embodiments, each region (or facility, or plurality
of facilities in a specified area) comprises a regional server 500
(also called regional environment) adapted to hold the relevant
database functionalities and relevant services from the management
system software 502 (DxAgent). In some embodiments, this server is
connected to the outside real live residents 504 data coming from
the framework 506 (electronic medical record) of the facilities. In
some embodiments, there can be a finite number N of region
servers/environments 508.
[0137] In some embodiments, the plurality of region
servers/environments are connected to a root server/environment
510, which contains major data and management services for all the
APS 512 (Advances Pharmaceutical Solutions--e.g. large dispensing
machine 100, small dispensing machine 101, bulk storage cabinet
103, a refrigerator 105, a nursing cart 107) units located in the
same area. In some embodiments, where there is a server-client
infrastructure the live data is kept on the server with duplication
on the local unit in order to allow continuous activity in case of
disconnection between the single machines and the servers. In some
embodiments, the APS units comprise several APS-mini 514, which can
be secondary machines that are directly connected (master-slave
mode) in order to provide dispensing services to the same
population. In some embodiments, the root server/environment 510 is
connected and updates the warehouse systems with the necessary data
516.
Optional Components of an Exemplary System
[0138] It should be understood that the devices (e.g. dispensing
machines) and methods disclosed thereof, include the use of known
and disclosed methods performed by the server, said server having a
dedicated database including the necessary information required for
the correct functioning of the pharmaceutical dispensing system;
and performed by the warehouse, said warehouse comprising the
necessary pharmaceuticals required by the dispensing machines.
While not explicitly mentioned in each embodiment, it should be
understood that they optionally include the servers and the
warehouses as integral parts of the pharmaceutical dispensing
system, unless mentioned otherwise.
[0139] As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term
"about" means "within .+-.20% of".
[0140] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "has", "having" and their conjugates mean "including
but not limited to".
[0141] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0142] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition, method or structure may include additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or
structure.
[0143] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a unit" or "at least one unit"
may include a plurality of units, including sub-units thereof.
[0144] Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention
may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as "from 1 to 6" should be considered
to have specifically disclosed subranges such as "from 1 to 3",
"from 1 to 4", "from 1 to 5", "from 2 to 4", "from 2 to 6", "from 3
to 6", etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for
example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the
breadth of the range.
[0145] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example
"10-15", "10 to 15", or any pair of numbers linked by these another
such range indication), it is meant to include any number
(fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits,
including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. The phrases "range/ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and
"range/ranging/ranges from" a first indicate number "to", "up to",
"until" or "through" (or another such range-indicating term) a
second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are
meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the
fractional and integral numbers therebetween.
[0146] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any
number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy
of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by
persons skilled in the art.
[0147] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0148] It is the intent of the Applicant(s) that all publications,
patents and patent applications referred to in this specification
are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the
specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent
application was specifically and individually noted when referenced
that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition,
citation or identification of any reference in this application
shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is
available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that
section headings are used, they should not be construed as
necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this
application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its/their entirety.
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