Systems and methods for dispensing a prescription medication

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for dispensing a prescription drug. The system includes: a user identification module configured to identify a user; a prescription retrieval module configured to retrieve a prescription associated with the identified user from a server remotely connected to the system; a tagging module configured to tag the prescribed drug based on the retrieved prescription; and a dispensing module configured to dispense the tagged prescribed drug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates broadly, but not exclusively, to systems for dispensing medications, and more particularly, to systems and methods for dispensing prescription medications. Prior Art

[0002] Typically, there are three main categories and levels of access control for pharmaceutical products, namely prescription only medicine (POM) or prescription drugs, pharmacy only medicine (P-med) and general sales list (GSL).

[0003] Prescription medications (POMs) are therapeutic products available only from a doctor or dentist, or a pharmacist with a prescription from a doctor or dentist. The condition being treated requires diagnosis and treatment by a doctor. The condition may also have serious side effects that require monitoring or follow-up by a doctor.

[0004] P-med is a therapeutic product available from a pharmacist in a retail pharmacy. The condition to be treated is self-limiting and can be assessed and treated by a pharmacist.

[0005] GSL is a therapeutic product that is freely available from any retailer. It can be used safely by the public without medical supervision and is intended for short-term self-treatment only.

[0006] Typical P-med and prescription drug dispensing processes involve significant man-hours. Conventionally, P-med and prescription drug dispensing processes used in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies involve rigorous manual review and verification. Prescription drug dispensing processes further involve manual labeling of medications by medical professionals before dispensing to patients. With the increasing demand for healthcare services in many countries, driven by various factors, such as an aging population, the demand for prescription drug dispensing services is increasing. However, the growing labor shortage in the healthcare industry poses challenges to the growing demand for prescription drug dispensing services.

[0007] Additionally, a typical patient in a remote area such as a suburban residential area or a community such as a town may have limited or no access to prescription drug dispensing services because there are few medical professionals in the remote area or community to perform manual review, manual verification, and manual labeling of medications.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a system for dispensing prescription medications that attempts to address at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from subsequent embodiments and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this prior art disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, a system for dispensing a prescription drug is provided, comprising: a user identification module configured to identify a user; a prescription retrieval module configured to retrieve a prescription associated with the identified user from a server remotely connected to the system; a marking module configured to mark the prescribed drug based on the retrieved prescription; and a dispensing module configured to dispense the marked prescribed drug.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a method for dispensing a prescription drug is provided, comprising: identifying a user; establishing a connection between a system for dispensing the prescription drug and a remote server; retrieving a prescription associated with the identified user from the remote server; marking the prescribed drug based on the retrieved prescription; and dispensing the marked prescribed drug. Simple diagram description

[0011] The specific examples and implementations are provided by way of example only and will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [FIG. 1A] is a block diagram of a system for dispensing prescription drugs according to an exemplary embodiment. [FIG. 1B] is a block diagram of the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 1A when used for general sales list drugs, pharmacy-only drugs, and prescription drugs according to an exemplary embodiment. [ FIG. 2 ] is a schematic representation of the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 1A according to an exemplary embodiment. [ FIG. [FIG. 3] is a schematic representation of a vital sign data collection chamber according to an exemplary embodiment. [FIG. 4] is a schematic representation of a combined system including the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 2 and the vital sign data collection chamber of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. [FIG. 5] shows the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 2, the vital signs data collection room of FIG. 3, and the combined system of FIG. 4 deployed for use in healthcare facilities, shopping malls, towns, and remote areas according to an exemplary embodiment. [ FIG. 6 ] shows the combined system of FIG. 4 deployed for use in a hospital according to an exemplary embodiment. [ FIG. 7 ] shows the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 2 deployed in a shopping mall and the combined system of FIG. 4 deployed in a suburban residential area and a town according to an exemplary embodiment. [ FIG8 ] is a flow chart illustrating a method for dispensing prescription drugs according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Implementation Method

[0013] The embodiments will be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals and characters refer to like elements or equivalents.

[0014] As mentioned above, the typical prescription drug dispensing process involves a significant number of man-hours because it involves rigorous manual review, manual verification, and manual labeling of prescription drugs by medical professionals before they can be dispensed to patients. Furthermore, typical patients in remote areas, such as suburban residential areas, or in communities, such as towns, may have limited or no access to prescription drug dispensing services because medical professionals are seldom present in remote areas or communities to perform manual review, verification, and labeling of prescription drugs.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a system for dispensing prescription drugs with reduced work hours, thereby improving efficiency. Advantageously, the system for dispensing prescription drugs can also be deployed in remote areas and communities, thereby providing prescription drug dispensing services to patients in such locations. Personnel who may benefit from this system include medical personnel providing medical services such as telemedicine and remote dispensing of medications; users, such as patients who purchase medications and / or utilize telemedicine services; restocking personnel providing restocking services for restocked medications; and system administrators managing the system software.

[0016] FIG1A is a block diagram 100 of a system for dispensing prescription medications according to an exemplary embodiment. The system for dispensing prescription medications includes a user identification module 102 configured to identify a user. The system further includes a prescription capture module 104 configured to retrieve a prescription associated with the identified user from a server remotely connected to the system. The system also includes a marking module 106 configured to mark the prescribed medication based on the retrieved prescription. Furthermore, the system includes a dispensing module 108 configured to dispense the marked prescribed medication. The user may be a patient.

[0017] It should be understood that the system for dispensing prescription drugs can also be used for general sales list (GSL) drugs, pharmacy-only drugs (P-meds), medical devices, dental products, and traditional pharmaceutical products. GSL drugs are typically purchased by users without medical supervision. The purchase of GSL drugs can be carried out at a physical, staffed location such as a retail pharmacy. The ability to dispense GSL drugs from a system for dispensing prescription drugs (which may be an automated system) simplifies the payment and collection process, thereby increasing access to primary healthcare and enhancing the efficiency of purchasing GSL drugs.

[0018] In the event of a global pandemic, the workload of healthcare professionals may increase. The personal health risks faced by healthcare professionals and patients may also increase. Being able to dispense prescription medications from a system (which may be a remote dispensing system) reduces the risk of virus transmission from face-to-face or physical interactions. At the same time, the quality of healthcare services provided is maintained or improved. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, providing additional modules such as a vital sign collection module allows users to independently collect their own vital signs. Remote telemedicine can also be performed. These capabilities reduce the need for users, such as patients, to visit hospitals, which in turn frees up healthcare resources and saves users time.

[0019] FIG1B is a block diagram 100 of the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG1A when used for GSL drugs, P-meds, and prescription drugs according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG1B , when the system is used for GSL drugs, the dispensing module 108 may be activated. When the system is used for P-meds, the user identification module 102, prescription capture module 104, and dispensing module 108 may be activated. When the system is used for prescription drugs, the user identification module 102, prescription capture module 104, marking module 106, and dispensing module 108 may be activated.

[0020] According to one embodiment, user identification module 102 may include a data capture module configured to capture user data for identifying the user. As a non-limiting example, the data capture module may include a user biometric recognition system, such as a facial recognition system, an iris recognition system, and / or a fingerprint recognition system. Thus, the data capture module may include: a camera for capturing the user's biometrics, such as the user's facial features and / or unique patterns in their irises; and / or a fingerprint scanner for capturing unique patterns in their fingerprints. The camera may also capture user details from government records, such as from a government-linked application installed on the user's mobile device. The camera may be configured to capture still images and / or video. It should be understood that the camera may also be used for telemedicine purposes. The system for dispensing prescription medications may also include a microphone and / or speaker to facilitate two-way communication between the user and medical personnel for telemedicine purposes. The data capture module may also include a user identification card recognition system and / or a user interface that allows the user to manually enter their personal details. Thus, the data capture module may include an identification card scanner for capturing details of a user's identification card, a keypad and screen, and / or a touch screen for the user to manually enter his / her personal details. The user identification module 102 may also include a processor for processing the captured user data to identify the user.

[0021] In one implementation, the server may further be connected to a pre-defined remote healthcare system. The pre-defined remote healthcare system may transmit the prescription to the server. The prescription capture module 104 may include an application programming interface (API) that connects the prescription dispensing system to the pre-defined remote healthcare system via the server. The pre-defined remote healthcare system may be a healthcare service software application system of a hospital or clinic and / or a healthcare distributed workload software application system of a hospital or clinic. Doctors and / or pharmacists authorized to use the prescription dispensing system may connect to the system to dispense prescriptions by accessing the pre-defined remote healthcare system.

[0022] A system for dispensing prescription medications may include a lifting system, such as a robotic lifting system that can move containers containing medications. The system for dispensing prescription medications may also include a robotic extension, such as a robotic arm in an axis (such as an XY axis), to retrieve medications from a specific channel and transfer the medications to a module, such as a dispensing module. The system for dispensing prescription medications may also include a back-end API or software configured to label or detect the class or type of medications, thereby identifying the medication's access control level. The back-end API or software may be configured to calculate the order in which medications are retrieved and / or dispensed. Efficiency can be achieved in this manner. The speed of dispensing medications can be adjusted based on predetermined requirements. It should be understood that the same system for dispensing prescription medications can be used to dispense medications of different classes or types.

[0023] Medications identified as GSL medications can be transferred directly to the dispensing module 108. If a medication is identified as a P-med, the user may be prompted to initiate a remote consultation with a medical professional, such as a pharmacist. After the user has identified themselves using the user identification module 102, the medical professional can remotely control the prescription medication dispensing system to retrieve a specific medication. The medical professional may be able to view the retrieval process, for example, using a video system, and inspect the medication before transferring it to the dispensing module 108.

[0024] If the medication is identified as a prescription drug, the user may be prompted to initiate a remote consultation with a doctor. The doctor may prescribe the medication and send the prescription to a server. The doctor may remotely control the prescription dispensing system to retrieve the prescription. The prescription dispensing system may retrieve the prescription and transfer it to the marking module 106. Thereafter, the prescription may be transferred to the dispensing module 108. As mentioned above, the remote healthcare system may transmit the prescription to the server. In this scenario, the user may not be prompted to initiate a remote consultation with the doctor. The user may pick up the prescribed medication at any time or at a predetermined time. The prescription dispensing system may initiate a user identification module. It may also initiate a two-factor authentication process. The two-factor authentication process may include an internal security authentication system and / or an external security authentication system to enhance the accuracy of user identification, thereby improving security.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the labeling module 106 may include a printing module configured to print a label including a user's name, a user identification number, a medication batch or lot number, an expiration date, and prescription-based medication instructions. The medication instructions may include dosage, frequency of administration, warnings, and / or physician recommendations. The labeling module 106 may also include an affixing module configured to affix the printed label to a container containing the prescribed medication. The labeling module 106 may further include a processor incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The processor may be configured to process an image of the container to identify the container's position and / or orientation. The processor may calculate an optimal area on the container for affixing the printed label. The printed label may be affixed to the container at the optimal area. The container may be a rigid container, such as a box or bottle, or a flexible package, such as a plastic package. Additionally, the labeling module 106 may include a robotic arm and / or a conveyor system for transferring the printed label to the container containing the prescribed medication. The robotic arm or another robotic arm may be used to affix the printed label to the container.

[0026] The system for dispensing prescription drugs may further include a verification module configured to verify the marked prescribed drug before the dispensing module 108 dispenses the marked prescribed drug.

[0027] The verification module may include an image capture module configured to provide medical personnel with a static image and / or a real-time video stream of the marking module and / or the medication to be dispensed. Medical personnel can connect to the system for dispensing prescription medications by logging into a healthcare system. The healthcare system can also be remotely connected to the system for dispensing prescription medications. Medical personnel may be doctors or pharmacists. The images and / or videos obtained by the image capture module can be used for troubleshooting and future verification purposes.

[0028] Further verification of the labeled prescription can be performed before the labeled prescription is dispensed by the dispensing module 108. For example, the prescription or printed label can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a barcode, or a quick response code (QR code), which can be scanned and verified before the dispensing module 108 dispenses the labeled prescription.

[0029] The system for dispensing prescription medications may further include a payment module configured to facilitate user payment for the prescribed medication. The payment module may include a processor configured to calculate a payment amount based on the prescribed medication. The payment module may be configured to accept payment via multiple channels, including but not limited to credit cards, debit cards, or payments using mobile devices. After successful payment, medications may be retrieved and dispensed.

[0030] The dispensing module 108 may include the robotic arm and / or conveyor system of the marking module 106 and / or another robotic arm and / or another conveyor system to transfer the marked prescribed drugs to an exit for users to pick up.

[0031] The exit may include a physical barrier that restricts access to unauthorized personnel. Advantageously, the physical barrier provides greater control and enhanced security for dispensing prescription medications and P-meds. After confirming that the correct medications and the correct quantities of each medication have been dispensed, a medical professional, such as a pharmacist or doctor, may be required to transmit a signal to the system for dispensing prescription medications to deactivate the lock that holds the physical barrier in place. Once the lock is deactivated, the user can retrieve the medication. This step serves as a checkpoint to ensure that the user only obtains the type and quantity of medications prescribed by the medical professional, thereby enhancing security. The exit may also include a security system configured to prevent the user's hand from being caught by the physical barrier while retrieving medication. The system for dispensing prescription medications may further include an audio or visual reminder system configured to remind the user to retrieve medications. If the user requires more time to retrieve medications, the physical barrier can be triggered to reopen.

[0032] A medication removal system configured to remove incorrect or uncollected medication can be installed at the exit. The medication removal system can transfer incorrect or uncollected medication to a compartment not accessible to the public. Advantageously, if an incorrect medication is transferred to the exit or a user fails to collect the medication, the incorrect or uncollected medication can be transferred to a compartment to prevent subsequent users from accessing the medication. The medication removal system can be connected to a verification module. When a pharmacist or doctor uses the verification module to discover that an incorrect medication has been dispensed or uncollected medication has been left at the exit, they can activate the medication removal system.

[0033] A system for dispensing prescription drugs may include a fault warning system configured to send a fault signal to a server if a dispensing failure occurs during the dispensing process. The fault warning system may also determine whether the system for dispensing prescription drugs can continue to serve the next user. If it is determined that the system for dispensing prescription drugs is unable to serve the next user, the system for dispensing prescription drugs may automatically enter maintenance mode. The fault warning system may also provide the user with possible remedial actions.

[0034] Users can also collect GSL or over-the-counter (OTC) medications from the system. As will be appreciated, a labeling module may not be required, as there is no need to label GSL and OTC medications. The system may include a medication identification module configured to identify whether the medication to be dispensed is a prescribed prescription medication, a GSL medication, or an OTC medication.

[0035] FIG2 is a schematic representation 200 of the system for dispensing prescription medications of FIG1A according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG2 , the system for dispensing prescription medications may include a rack 202 for placing prescription medications and a door 204 for preventing unauthorized access to the prescription medications. Door 204 may have transparent glass to allow visibility of the prescription medications placed on rack 202. Door 204 may also have an opaque finish. Metal materials may also be used for door 204. Door 204 may also be a large digital panel or equipped with a digital screen. As mentioned above, the system for dispensing prescription medications may also include a data capture module 206 and an exit 208 for users to collect the medications. As shown in FIG2 , the prescription capture module 104, the marking module 106, the verification module, and the dispensing module 108 may be housed in a housing 210, wherein the prescription capture module 104, the marking module 106, the verification module, and the dispensing module 108 may be invisible and / or inaccessible to the user. Advantageously, unauthorized individuals cannot tamper with the system, thereby strictly controlling access to medications.

[0036] The system for dispensing prescription drugs may include a temperature control system, a humidity control system, and / or a lighting control system. The temperature control system, humidity control system, and lighting control system may be configured based on the storage requirements of GSL drugs, P-meds, and / or prescription drugs. The temperature control system, humidity control system, and lighting control system may include one or more sensors for sensing the environmental conditions at rack 202. Data on the environmental conditions at rack 202 may be collected and recorded. A data log may be generated. The recorded data and the generated data log may be used for audit purposes. Furthermore, if the collected data exceeds a predetermined range corresponding to drug storage requirements, an alert may be issued to personnel managing the system for dispensing prescription drugs.

[0037] The system for dispensing prescription drugs may further include a replenishment module configured to detect the quantity of prescription drugs. The replenishment module may also be configured to track the batch or lot number of the drugs and the expiration date of the drugs. The replenishment module may be further configured to transmit a low inventory signal and / or a drug expiration signal to the server in response to detecting that the quantity of the prescription drugs is less than a predetermined quantity and / or the drugs are approaching their expiration date, respectively. The replenishment module may also be configured to detect the quantity of P-med and GSL drugs. The replenishment module may also be configured to transmit a low inventory signal to the server in response to detecting that the quantity of P-med and GSL drugs is less than a predetermined quantity. Advantageously, the replenishment module reduces the man-hours required to perform periodic manual checks on the quantities of prescription drugs, P-meds, and GSL drugs.

[0038] The replenishment module can also be configured to reduce human error during the medication replenishment process and ensure that medications are correctly loaded into their respective channels on the rack 202. Each type of medication, or each medication, can be labeled or marked with a corresponding unique code, such as a QR code, barcode, or RFID tag. The replenishment module may include a scanner configured to scan and read the unique code. The replenishment module may also include a backend API configured to process medication-related data, such as batch number, expiration date, medication type, quantity, and / or channel number where the medication is placed. The replenishment module may further include a guidance system for guiding replenishment personnel to correctly restock medications in the correct channels on the rack 202. The guidance system may include an audio guidance system, a visual guidance system such as an LED light, and / or a control system configured to control the audio and / or visual guidance systems. For example, audio instructions may be provided to guide replenishment personnel to restock medications in the correct channels on the rack 202. A steady or flashing light can also be provided at each aisle on the rack 202 to guide the replenishment staff to replenish medications at a specific aisle. The guidance system can also include an RFID system to guide the replenishment staff to replenish the correct medications, the correct amount of medications, and to the correct aisle and rack.

[0039] The replenishment module may include a security system configured to prevent unexpected movement of parts of the system used to dispense prescription medications during the refill process. This provides enhanced safety for refill personnel. Additionally, the refill module may be configured to prevent unauthorized access to medications. For example, the identity of the refill personnel may be verified before door 204 can be opened for refilling purposes.

[0040] It should be understood that operations such as changing the shelf planogram, opening and / or closing the door 204, resetting or restarting the system for dispensing prescription medications, and updating information such as medication quantity, medication price, medication display image, and medication description can be performed locally or remotely. These operations can also be performed in real time or based on a predetermined schedule.

[0041] The system for dispensing prescription medications may further include a vital sign collection module configured to collect one or more vital sign data from a user. The vital sign collection module may be device-independent. The one or more vital sign data may include body temperature readings, blood pressure readings, heart rate readings, blood oxygen level readings, height measurement readings, and / or weight measurement readings. The height measurement readings and weight measurement readings may be used to calculate the user's body mass index (BMI). Therefore, the vital sign collection module may include a vital sign collection device, such as a thermometer for obtaining a user's body temperature reading, a sphygmomanometer for obtaining a user's blood pressure (BP) reading, a Holter monitor or heart rate monitor for obtaining a user's heart rate reading, an oximeter for obtaining a user's blood oxygen level reading, a stadiometer for obtaining a user's height measurement reading, and / or a scale for obtaining a user's weight reading. Other vital sign collection devices may also be included.

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic representation of a vital sign data collection chamber 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. A vital sign data collection module may be placed in the vital sign data collection chamber 300. As shown in FIG3 , the vital sign data collection chamber 300 may be designed so that a user can physically walk into the chamber 300. The chamber 300 may also have a door 302 to ensure user privacy. The door 302 may also provide access control, such that, for example, only pre-registered users and / or users seeking medical services are permitted to enter the chamber 300.

[0043] Cabin 300 may be equipped with a disinfection system, such as a UV disinfection unit, for disinfecting the interior of cabin 300. The disinfection system may be activated according to a predetermined cycle setting. As a non-limiting example, the predetermined setting may be a fixed duration, so that cabin 300 is disinfected at a fixed frequency. The predetermined setting may also correspond to the detection of a user leaving cabin 300. For example, a detection unit, such as a motion sensor, may be installed in cabin 300 to detect the presence of a user in cabin 300. After the user leaves cabin 300, the detection unit will trigger the activation of the disinfection system. In this way, the risk of germs or viruses being transmitted from one user to the next is advantageously reduced. In addition, cabin 300 may be equipped with an air purification unit for purifying the air in cabin 300. The air purification unit may be activated according to the predetermined setting described above.

[0044] The chamber 300 may include another user identification module configured to identify the user. The user identification module may be a user identification module similar to the user identification module described above. The chamber 300 may also include a user interface, such as a screen, for example an interactive screen, and an audio system. The user interface may use visual images and / or audio instructions to guide the user in using the vital signs collection device. The user may use audio recordings, visual recordings and / or remote consultations with medical personnel for guidance. Advantageously, the user is guided to use the vital signs collection device easily. The chamber 300 may further include a real-time correction engine to provide more guidance to the user. Advantageously, if the user encounters difficulties using the vital signs collection device or collects erroneous data, the real-time correction engine can correct the user's mistakes at each step of the entire process.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the server is further connected to a vital sign collection module. The user interface of the room 300 can further instruct the user to manually upload the acquired one or more vital sign data to the server. The vital sign collection device can also be connected to the server via a wireless or cellular communication gateway. Advantageously, the acquired one or more vital sign data is thus transmitted to the server without human intervention. The vital sign collection device can also be equipped with Bluetooth functionality. Advantageously, the room 300 allows the user to request a remote consultation session with a physician authorized to use the system for dispensing prescription medications. The physician can interact with the user and diagnose the user's illness based on the one or more vital sign data transmitted to the server. In other words, the physician can provide remote consultation to the user by accessing a predetermined remote healthcare system connected to the server. Advantageously, the clinical diagnosis made by the physician is more accurate.

[0046] FIG4 is a schematic representation of a combined system 400 including the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG2 and the vital sign data collection chamber 300 of FIG3 according to an exemplary embodiment. The chamber 300 can be detachably coupled to the system for dispensing prescription drugs. The chamber 300 and the system for dispensing prescription drugs can also be located separately. It should be understood that signals and data can be transmitted between the chamber 300 and the system for dispensing prescription drugs. As mentioned above, the chamber 300 can allow a user to request a remote consultation session with a physician authorized to use the system for dispensing prescription drugs. The physician can also receive an updated medication inventory list of available medications in the system. The updated medication inventory list and / or the location of the system for dispensing prescription drugs can be made available to the public or the user. After diagnosing the user's condition through the remote consultation session, the physician can prescribe a prescription based on the condition and / or the updated medication inventory list. The prescription can then be uploaded to a server. Thereafter, the prescription capture module 104 can retrieve the prescription from the server. Advantageously, the user can pick up his / her marked prescribed medication shortly after the remote consultation session ends. This improves the quality of healthcare services provided to the user.

[0047] FIG5 500 shows the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG2 , the vital signs data collection room of FIG3 , and the combined system of FIG4 deployed in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and polyclinics, shopping malls, towns, and remote areas such as suburban residential areas according to an exemplary embodiment. The system for dispensing prescription drugs, the vital signs data collection room, and the combined system can be deployed in various areas based on the needs of users in the area.

[0048] The system for dispensing prescription medications, the vital sign data collection booth 300, and / or the combined system 400 can be deployed within a healthcare facility to provide users with an additional means of obtaining their medications. Advantageously, this can reduce the workload in the healthcare facility's pharmacy. Consequently, waiting times for users or patients can also be reduced. Furthermore, because users or patients can collect their own vital sign data, the workload of medical staff within the healthcare facility can be reduced. FIG. 600 shows the combined system 400 of FIG. 4 deployed in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] FIG7 700 shows the system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG2 deployed in a shopping mall and the combined system 400 of FIG4 deployed in a suburban residential area and a town according to an exemplary embodiment. This allows healthcare organizations to expand their services beyond the boundaries of their physical facilities and bring quality care to relatively remote areas.

[0050] FIG8 is a flowchart 800 illustrating a method for dispensing prescription drugs according to an exemplary embodiment. At step 802, a user is identified using a user identification module. At step 804, a connection is established between the system for dispensing prescription drugs and a remote server. At step 806, a prescription associated with the identified user is retrieved from the remote server using a prescription retrieval module. At step 808, a marking module is used to mark the prescribed drug based on the retrieved prescription. At step 810, the marked prescribed drug is dispensed using a dispensing module.

[0051] According to one embodiment, identifying a user may include capturing user information for identifying the user. Labeling the prescribed prescription may include printing a label that includes the user's name and medication instructions based on the prescription. Labeling the prescribed prescription may also include affixing the printed label to a container containing the prescribed prescription.

[0052] The method for dispensing prescription drugs may further include verifying the labeled prescription drugs using a verification module before dispensing the labeled prescription drugs. According to one embodiment, verifying the labeled prescription drugs may include using an image capture module to provide a real-time video stream of the labeling module to medical personnel. The method for dispensing prescription drugs may further include using a vital sign collection module to collect one or more vital sign data of the user. The one or more vital sign data may include body temperature readings, blood pressure readings, blood oxygen level readings, height measurement readings, and / or weight measurement readings.

[0053] The method for dispensing prescription drugs may further include establishing a connection between a remote server and a predetermined remote healthcare system. The predetermined remote healthcare system may transmit the prescription to the remote server. According to one embodiment, the method for dispensing prescription drugs may further include detecting the quantity of the prescription drug using a replenishment module. Additionally, the method for dispensing prescription drugs may include transmitting a low-stock signal to the remote server using the replenishment module in response to detecting that the quantity of the prescription drug is less than a predetermined quantity.

[0054] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0055] 100: Block diagram of a system for dispensing prescription drugs 102: User identification module 104: Prescription Capture Module 106:Marking module 108: Adjustment module 200: Schematic representation of a system for dispensing prescription drugs 202: Bracket 204: Door 206:Data Capture Module 208:Exit 210: Shell 300: Vital signs data collection room 302: Door 400:Combination System 500: The system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG2, the vital signs data collection room of FIG3 and the combined system of FIG4 are deployed in healthcare institutions such as hospitals and polyclinics, shopping malls, towns and remote areas such as suburban residential areas 600: The combined system 400 of FIG. 4 deployed in a healthcare facility such as a hospital 700: The system for dispensing prescription drugs of FIG. 2 deployed in a shopping mall, and the combined system 400 of FIG. 4 deployed in a suburban residential area and a town 800: Flowchart 802: Step 804: Steps 806: Steps 808: Steps 810: Steps

Claims

1. A system for dispensing a prescription drug, comprising: a user identification module configured to identify a user; a prescription retrieval module configured to retrieve a prescription associated with the identified user from a server remotely connected to the system; a tagging module configured to tag the prescribed drug based on the retrieved prescription; and a verification module configured to facilitate verification of the tagged prescribed drug, wherein the verification module includes an image capture module configured to provide a healthcare professional with a real-time video stream of the tagging module and / or the drug to be dispensed. A dispensing module configured to dispense verified, prescribed medication and transfer it to an exit for user collection, wherein the exit includes a physical barrier restricting unauthorized access, and wherein, after confirming that the correct medication and quantity have been dispensed, the medical staff transmits a signal to the system for dispensing the prescription medication to deactivate a lock holding the physical barrier in place, allowing the user to collect the medication after the lock is deactivated; and a medication removal module configured to transfer an uncollected, verified, prescribed medication from the exit to a compartment not accessible to the public, wherein the medication removal module is installed at the user collection exit and connected to the verification module, wherein when the medical staff uses the verification module to discover an uncollected, verified, prescribed medication left at the exit, the medical staff activates the medication removal module via the verification module.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user identification module includes a data capture module configured to capture user data used to identify the user.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the labeling module comprises: a printing module configured to print a label containing the name of one of the users and the instructions for a drug based on the prescription; and an affixing module configured to affix the printed label to a container containing the prescribed drug.

4. The system of request item 1 or 2 further includes a vital signs collection module configured to collect vital signs data of one or more of the users.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the vital signs collection module includes a vital signs collection device, and wherein the user is instructed to use such vital signs collection device via remote consultation with one of the medical personnel.

6. The system as requested in item 4, wherein the one or more vital signs data include a body temperature reading, a blood pressure reading, a blood oxygen saturation reading, a height measurement reading and / or a weight measurement reading.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the server is further connected to the vital signs collection module, and wherein during the remote consultation, the medical personnel receive an updated drug inventory list of available drugs in the system for dispensing the prescription drug, diagnose the user’s illness based on the one or more vital signs data transmitted to the server, and prescribe the prescription based at least on the illness and / or the updated drug inventory list.

8. The system as requested in item 1 or 2, wherein the server is further connected to a predetermined remote healthcare system, wherein the predetermined remote healthcare system transmits the prescription to the server.

9. The system of request item 1 or 2 further includes a replenishment module configured to: detect a quantity of the prescription drug; and in response to detecting that the quantity of the prescription drug is less than a predetermined quantity, transmit a low inventory signal to the server.

10. A method for dispensing a prescription drug by a dispensing system, comprising: identifying a user using a user identification module; establishing a connection between a system for dispensing the prescription drug and a remote server; retrieving a prescription associated with the identified user from the remote server using a prescription retrieval module; tagging the prescribed prescription drug based on the retrieved prescription using a tagging module; and verifying the tagged prescribed prescription drug using a verification module, wherein verifying the tagged prescribed prescription drug includes providing a real-time video stream of the tagging module and / or the drug to be dispensed to a medical professional using an image capture module; The system uses a dispensing module to dispense a verified prescription drug and transfer it to an exit for the user to collect. The exit includes a physical barrier that restricts unauthorized access. After confirming that the correct medication and quantity have been dispensed, the healthcare professional signals the system to deactivate a lock holding the physical barrier in place, allowing the user to collect the medication. A drug removal module is also used to transfer an uncollected verified prescription drug from the exit to a compartment inaccessible to the public. This drug removal module is installed at the user collection exit and connected to the verification module. When the healthcare professional discovers an uncollected verified prescription drug left at the exit using the verification module, the healthcare professional activates the drug removal module via the verification module.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein identifying the user includes capturing user information used to identify the user.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein marking the prescribed drug comprises: printing a label containing the name of one of the users and the instructions for use of one of the drugs based on the prescription; and affixing the printed label to a container containing the prescribed drug.

13. The method of claim 10 or 11 further includes using a vital signs collection module to collect vital signs data of one or more of the user.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the vital signs collection module includes a vital signs collection device, and wherein collecting the one or more vital signs data of the user includes instructing the user to use the vital signs collection device via remote consultation with one of the medical personnel.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more vital signs data include a body temperature reading, a blood pressure reading, a blood oxygen saturation reading, a height measurement reading and / or a weight measurement reading.

16. The method of claim 10 or 11, further comprising establishing a connection between the remote server and a predetermined remote healthcare system, wherein the predetermined remote healthcare system transmits the prescription to the remote server.

17. The method of claim 10 or 11 further comprises: using a replenishment module to detect a quantity of the prescription drug; and in response to detecting that the quantity of the prescription drug is less than a predetermined quantity, using the replenishment module to transmit a low inventory signal to the remote server.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising connecting the remote server to the vital signs collection module, wherein during a remote consultation, the medical professional receives an updated drug inventory list of available drugs in the system for dispensing the prescription drug, diagnoses the user’s illness based on the one or more vital signs data transmitted to the remote server, and prescribes the prescription based on the illness and / or the updated drug inventory list.

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