Medication dispensing support system, medication dispensing support method, medication dispensing support program, packaging sheet

Abstract

This invention provides a drug dispensing support system, a drug dispensing support method, a drug dispensing support program, and a packaging sheet that can improve the work efficiency of the task of placing multiple drug packets into a drug container. [Solution] In the medication dispensing support device 5, the medication dispensing processing unit 512 generates medication data that includes setting information for storing multiple individual packaging containers, each containing medication to be taken by the patient according to the timing of administration, into a medication container. The output processing unit 513 outputs the medication data generated by the medication dispensing processing unit 512.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for assisting an operation of accommodating a plurality of medicine packets in a medicine container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a pharmacy or the like, a medicine packaging device (see Patent Document 1) that divides medicines such as tablets or powders into medicine packets for each taking time may be used. Then, the medicine packets packaged by the medicine packaging device are transported to an inpatient facility such as a hospital or a geriatric health facility, and distributed to inpatients by a dispensing person such as a nurse.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in order to facilitate the management and dispensing of medicines to be taken at each taking time such as in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and before going to bed, a dispensing container such as a dispensing calendar capable of collectively accommodating a plurality of medicine packets may be used. When using the dispensing container, a worker such as a pharmacist or a nurse needs to select an appropriate dispensing container for each patient or patient group and accommodate the medicine packets in an appropriate position (accommodation part) of the dispensing container. The work while fearing the labor and mistakes places a great burden on the worker.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, a dispensing support program, and a packaging sheet that can improve the work efficiency of the operation of accommodating a plurality of medicine packets in a medicine container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A medication dispensing support system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a medication dispensing processing unit and an output processing unit. The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication dispensing data for dispensing medication to be taken by a patient into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers containing the medication into a medication storage device. The output processing unit outputs the medication dispensing data generated by the medication dispensing processing unit.

[0007] A medication dispensing support system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a medication dispensing control device that controls a medication dispensing device that dispenses medications to be taken by a patient into individual dispensing containers according to the timing of administration, and a medication dispensing control device that generates medication dispensing data for placing the individual dispensing containers into a medication storage device. The medication dispensing control device includes a determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for which the individual dispensing containers need to be placed into the medication storage device, and an output processing unit that outputs the prescription data to the medication dispensing control device if the prescription data is prescription data for which the individual dispensing containers need to be placed, and outputs the prescription data to the medication dispensing device if the prescription data is not prescription data for which the individual dispensing device is placed.

[0008] A drug dispensing support system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained in a drug container; a drug dispensing processing unit that, if the prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained, generates dispensing data that includes information for determining whether the storage position of each of the multiple dispensing containers in the drug container is correct or incorrect based on the prescription data; and a dispensing processing unit that, based on the dispensing data, dispenses the drug into the dispensing container and displays an information code including the information on the dispensing container.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assisting drug dispensing, in which one or more processors perform the following actions: dispensing drugs to be taken by a patient into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and dispensing the individual packaging containers containing the drugs into a drug storage device; and outputting the drug dispensing data.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a medication dispensing support program which causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and dispensing the individual packaging containers containing the medication into a medication storage device; and outputting the medication dispensing data.

[0011] A packaging sheet according to another aspect of the present invention is a packaging sheet used in a drug packaging device that packages drugs according to the timing of administration, wherein the drug packaging device packages the drugs to be taken by a user into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and packages the drugs into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration based on drug distribution data for storing the individual packaging containers containing the drugs in a drug storage device, and displays an information code on each individual packaging container that includes information for determining whether the storage position of each individual packaging container in the drug storage device is correct or incorrect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drug dispensing support system, a drug dispensing support method, a drug dispensing support program, and a packaging sheet that can improve the work efficiency of the task of placing multiple drug packets into a drug container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a medication dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a pharmaceutical packaging band according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the state in which drug packets are contained in a drug dispensing container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows an example of individual packaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows an example of group packaging data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of dispensing mapping data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of dispensing setting information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of dispensing setting information according to an embodiment of the present invention. ]> [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a dispensing group setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a business schedule screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of dispensing container allocation information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of a dispensing setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of a dispensing setting screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of dispensing mapping data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of dispensing mapping data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of dispensing mapping data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of dispensing mapping data according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a free arrangement screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing medication performed by the medication dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the medication check process performed in the medication support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a print format according to a reference embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a print format according to a reference embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17C] Figure 17C is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a print format according to a reference embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17D] Figure 17D is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a print format according to a reference embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17E] Figure 17E is a diagram illustrating a method for generating a print format according to a reference embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing a first collaborative configuration of a medication dispensing support device (medication dispensing module) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing a second collaborative configuration of a medication dispensing support device (medication dispensing module) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing a third collaborative configuration of a medication dispensing support device (medication dispensing module) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth configuration of the medication dispensing support device (medication dispensing module) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example of the settings screen for a medication tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows an example of a medication dispensing instruction sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an example of a basic settings screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and processing functions described in the following embodiments can be selected and combined as desired.

[0015] [Medication Dispensing Support System 10] As shown in Figure 1, the medication dispensing support system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a dispensing support device 1, a medication dispensing support device 5, a dispensing machine 2, a drug packaging device 3, a printer 4, a drug dispenser 7, and a mobile terminal 6. The dispensing support device 1, the medication dispensing support device 5, the dispensing machine 2, the drug packaging device 3, the printer 4, the drug dispenser 7, and the mobile terminal 6 are connected wirelessly or via wired communication over a network N1. The network N1 is a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet. In the medication dispensing support system 10, the printer 4 is used to print prescriptions, medicine bags, labels, etc., based on control instructions from the medication dispensing support device 5. For example, the printer 4 can print the drug packaging information described later on the label, and the label is affixed to the drug packaging 81 (see Figure 2) described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the dispensing support device 1 (packaging control system) is connected via network N1 to a higher-level system 8 (receipt computer), such as an electronic medical record system or prescription input terminal, which inputs prescription data to the medication support device 5 (medication module). The dispensing support device 1 may also be configured to actively acquire the aforementioned prescription data from the higher-level system 8.

[0017] The prescription data includes information such as the date of issue, order number, prescription type (new, change, etc.), patient ID, patient name, patient date of birth, drug information (drug code, drug name, dosage, etc.), dosage form information (oral, topical, etc.), start date of administration, duration of administration, usage information (including timing of administration), type of medical treatment (outpatient, inpatient, etc.), medical department, and attending physician. The start date of administration, duration of administration, and timing of administration ("after breakfast," "after lunch," "after dinner," "before bed," etc.) are examples of administration timing in this embodiment. The administration timing may be the timing of administration, or a combination of the timing of administration and the date of administration (year, month, day).

[0018] The dispensing support device 1, the medication dispensing support device 5, the dispensing equipment 2, the medication packaging device 3, the printer 4, the medication dispenser 7, and the mobile terminal 6 are installed in a dispensing facility such as a pharmacy or hospital where medications are dispensed based on the prescription data issued by the higher-level system 8. The dispensing facility may also be a contract facility (such as a dispensing center) that receives dispensing requests from one or more clients such as pharmacies, hospitals, or residential facilities. The dispensing support device 1 and the medication dispensing support device 5 may be installed outside the dispensing facility, as long as they can be connected to the network N1. The dispensing support device 1 and the medication dispensing support device 5 may be configured on a single server.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned prescription data, the medication dispensed at the aforementioned dispensing facility is delivered to the hospital or nursing home or other facility where the person taking the medication resides. For example, the person taking the medication may be a patient receiving treatment at a hospital or a resident of a nursing home.

[0020] [Pharmacy Equipment 2] The dispensing equipment 2 is used in the dispensing of pharmaceuticals at the dispensing facility. For example, the dispensing equipment 2 may be a liquid dispensing machine, a PTP sheet dispensing device, a mixing device, a picking support device, etc. For example, the liquid dispensing machine has multiple medicine bottles containing multiple types of liquid medicines, and automatically dispenses the required amount of liquid medicine from the medicine bottles according to the dispensing data input from the dispensing support device 5. The PTP sheet dispensing device has multiple sheet cassettes containing PTP sheets or heat seals with tablets pre-packaged, and automatically dispenses the PTP sheets or heat seals from the sheet cassettes according to the dispensing data input from the dispensing support device 5. Alternatively, the PTP sheet dispensing device may have multiple sheet cassettes containing PTP sheets or heat seals with tablets pre-packaged, and automatically dispense the sheet cassette containing the required PTP sheets or heat seals according to the dispensing data input from the dispensing support device 5. The aforementioned dispensing device automatically performs the dispensing operation of injecting drugs such as anticancer drugs into intravenous fluids using a robotic arm, according to the dispensing data input from the medication support device 5. The aforementioned picking support device displays various information to support the drug selection work performed by pharmacists or technicians.

[0021] [Medication dispensing device 3] The drug packaging device 3 is a dispensing device capable of packaging the medications to be taken by a patient into individual medication packets (an example of a packaging container of the present invention) according to the time of administration, based on packaging data derived from the patient's prescription information input from the dispensing support device 1. Specifically, the drug packaging device 3 packages the medications to be taken by a patient into individual medication packets according to the time of administration, based on individual packaging data D1 corresponding to a single patient. Furthermore, the drug packaging device 3 packages the medications to be taken by multiple patients belonging to a medication group into individual medication packets according to the same time of administration, based on group packaging data D2 (medication mapping data MD1) corresponding to a medication group. The medication group is, for example, a group consisting of multiple residents residing on the same floor (1st floor, 2nd floor, etc.) of a nursing care facility. The medication group may also be a hospital, facility, patient room, ward, medical department, dining area, etc. Users (for example, staff of a dispensing facility) can set up medication groups in advance. The term "same timing of administration" includes various timings of administration within a day, such as "morning," "noon," "evening," and "before bedtime," as well as daily timings such as "April 1st," "April 2nd," and "April 3rd," and weekly timings of administration.

[0022] In the drug packaging device 3, a portion of the continuous, elongated drug packaging sheet (packaging sheet) loaded into the drug packaging device 3 is heated and melted to form multiple drug packages 81, and perforations are formed between each drug package 81 to facilitate separation (see Figure 2).

[0023] Specifically, the drug packaging device 3 is a tablet packaging machine for packaging tablets, a powder packaging machine for packaging powders, and the like. The tablet packaging machine has multiple tablet cassettes containing multiple types of tablets, and performs a packaging operation in which it dispenses tablets from the tablet cassettes according to packaging data and packages them into drug packets 81 according to the time of administration. The powder packaging machine performs a packaging operation in which it packages the input powder into drug packets 81 according to the time of administration according to packaging data. The powder packaging machine may also have multiple powder cassettes, and perform a packaging operation in which it dispenses powder from the powder cassettes according to packaging data and packages them into drug packets 81 according to the time of administration. Furthermore, the tablet packaging machine or the powder packaging machine may be configured to be able to package tablets and powders together into single packages according to the time of administration.

[0024] The drug packaging device 3 includes a control unit 31 and a packaging printer 32, etc. For example, the control unit 31 uses the packaging printer 32 to print drug packaging information on the drug packaging 81, as shown in Figure 2, which includes at least patient identification information such as a patient's name or patient ID that can identify the patient who will take the drug contained in the drug packaging 81, and administration time information that can identify the time of administration of the drug contained in the drug packaging 81 (day of administration, day of the week, etc.). The drug packaging information may also include drug identification information such as a drug name that can identify the drug contained in the drug packaging 81. In addition, the drug packaging information may include an information code (two-dimensional code, marker, etc.) that indicates the location of the drug packaging 81 in the drug dispensing container 9, as shown in Figure 2.

[0025] The control unit 31 performs a packaging process to package the medication to be taken by the patient into drug packets 81 according to the timing of administration, based on the packaging data input from the dispensing support device 1. The control unit 31 functions as various processing units, such as the acquisition processing unit 311 and the packaging processing unit 312, by performing various processes according to the control program. Specifically, the control unit 31 functions as the various processing units by performing various processes according to the control program. Furthermore, one or more of the various processing units may be electronic circuits such as ASICs or DSPs.

[0026] The acquisition processing unit 311 acquires the packaging data generated by the dispensing support device 1. For example, when the user selects prescription data for a patient to be dispensed, the dispensing support device 1 generates individual packaging data D1 (see Figure 4A) based on the prescription data and outputs the generated individual packaging data D1 to the drug packaging device 3. Also, when the user selects prescription data that groups together prescription data for multiple patients (medication groups), the dispensing support device 1 generates group packaging data D2 (see Figure 4B) based on the prescription data and outputs the generated group packaging data D2 to the drug packaging device 3. In this way, the acquisition processing unit 311 acquires the packaging data (individual packaging data D1, group packaging data D2).

[0027] The packaging processing unit 312 performs packaging based on the packaging data. Specifically, the packaging processing unit 312 packages the medication to be taken by the patient corresponding to the packaging data into individual medication packets 81 according to the time of administration. In the case of group packaging data D2 for a medication group, the packaging processing unit 312 packages the medication prescribed to multiple patients in units of the medication group according to the same time of administration. The packaging processing unit 312 also prints the medication information onto the medication packets 81 using the packaging printer 32 (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the packaging processing unit 312 uses the packaging printer 32 to print an information code (such as a two-dimensional code) used in the medication check process described later onto each medication packet 81 (see Figure 2).

[0028] Here, the medicine package 81 is formed by folding a long medicine package sheet and bonding predetermined parts together to form a bag, and each bag contains one dose of medicine. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the medicine package 81 is discharged from the medicine packaging device 3 as a long, continuous strip of medicine packaging. The packaging processing unit 312 prints the medicine package information at the corresponding position on the medicine package 81 on the medicine package sheet, places the medicine in the bag formed at that position, heat-seals it using a heat-sealing mechanism, and discharges the medicine packaging strip from the medicine packaging device 3.

[0029] The drug packaging device 3 discharges a single drug packaging band, for example, for multiple users, consisting of multiple drug packets 81 connected together according to the timing of administration. Figure 2 shows an example of a drug packaging band. In the drug packaging band shown in Figure 2(a), the medications taken by one user are packaged consecutively according to the timing of administration. Specifically, drug packets 81 corresponding to user "patient X" are formed consecutively according to the day and timing of administration (after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner).

[0030] The drug packaging shown in Figure 2(b) contains separate packets of medication for multiple patients belonging to the same medication group, arranged sequentially according to their administration times. Specifically, drug packets 81 corresponding to patients "Patient A," "Patient B," "Patient C," "Patient D," and "Patient E" belonging to the same medication group are formed sequentially for after breakfast, after lunch, and after dinner on April 1st.

[0031] In another embodiment, the drug packaging band of a drug distribution group may be used to continuously package medications according to the timing of administration for each patient belonging to the same drug distribution group. Specifically, drug packets 81 corresponding to the time of administration after breakfast, lunch, and dinner for patient "Patient A" on April 1st may be formed in succession, and then drug packets 81 corresponding to the timing of administration for other patients belonging to the same drug distribution group may be formed in succession after "Patient A".

[0032] The drug packaging bands (see Figure 2(b)) of the drug dispensing group discharged from the drug packaging device 3 are set in the drug dispensing machine 7, where each drug packet 81 of the drug packaging band is placed in the drug storage section 91 at a predetermined position in the drug container 9 (calendar, tray, etc.). The drug container 9 is an example of a drug storage device of the present invention, and the drug storage section 91 is an example of a storage section of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of a medication dispenser 9 (calendar). The medication dispenser 9 comprises multiple drug storage compartments 91 (storage pockets) arranged on a flat base material. The multiple drug storage compartments 91 are arranged in a planar and matrix configuration, and each is positioned at a specific location determined based on the timing of administration. Each drug storage compartment 91 is also formed as a pocket capable of holding a drug packet 81 for the corresponding administration time. The medication dispenser 9 may be made of a foldable base material.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 3, the drug storage units 91 are arranged in a matrix shape (like a grid) composed of a patient axis (vertical axis) and a dosage timing axis (horizontal axis). Specifically, the drug storage units 91 are arranged in a grid shape with seven patients on the vertical axis and four dosage times—morning, noon, evening, and before bed—on the horizontal axis.

[0035] The medication dispenser 9 shown in Figure 3 is used for multiple users belonging to the same medication group. Each of the multiple users has a medication packet 81 to take on a specific day (for example, Monday, April 1st), which is stored in the medication storage section 91 according to the timing of administration.

[0036] In another embodiment, the medication dispenser 9 may be intended for multiple users belonging to the same medication group, and each of the multiple users may have a medication packet 81 containing the medication they will take at a specific time (for example, the morning of April 1st), which is stored in a medication storage section 91 for each user. In this case, one user's medication packet 81 is assigned to each medication storage section 91.

[0037] In another embodiment, the medication dispenser 9 may be configured with a day-of-the-week axis (vertical axis) and a dosage timing axis (horizontal axis), and may be intended for a single user, with the medication packets 81 of the medication to be taken by that user stored in the medication storage section 91 according to the day of the week (e.g., Monday to Sunday) and the timing of administration (e.g., morning, noon, evening, before bed).

[0038] When the dispensing machine 7 receives a drug packaging band (see Figure 2) corresponding to a drug group and a dispensing container 9 (see Figure 3) corresponding to that drug group, it places each drug packet 81 from the drug packaging band into a designated drug storage section 91 of the dispensing container 9, based on the drug mapping data MD1 (see Figure 5, etc.) described later. The dispensing container 9 containing the drug packets 81 is then shipped (delivered) to, for example, the patient's facility (such as a nursing home).

[0039] [Pharmacy support device 1] The dispensing support device 1 is a personal computer comprising a control unit 11, a data storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, a display device 14, an operating device 15, and a drive device 16, etc. The dispensing support device 1 is an example of the drug packaging control device of the present invention.

[0040] The data storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 11. For example, the data storage unit 12 stores the prescription data acquired from the higher-level system 8.

[0041] Furthermore, the data storage unit 12 stores various databases such as a drug master, patient master, pharmacist master, medical department master, and ward master. For example, the drug master includes information such as drug code, drug name, JAN code (or RSS), drug bottle code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, liquid, topical drug, etc.), specific gravity, drug type (ordinary drug, poison, narcotic, potent drug, antipsychotic, therapeutic drug, etc.), compatibility, excipients, and precautions. The drug code or drug name is an example of drug identification information that can identify a drug. The patient master also includes information such as each patient's patient ID, patient name, gender, age, address, medical history, family information, medical department, and hospital ward, as well as the facility where they reside, the floor they reside on, and their room.

[0042] Furthermore, the data storage unit 12 stores the packaging data that the control unit 11 generates in the dispensing support device 1 based on the prescription data.

[0043] Figure 4A shows an example of individual package data D1. As shown in Figure 4A, individual package data D1 stores information such as the patient's name, date of administration, timing of administration, prescribed drug name, and prescribed amount in an associated manner.

[0044] Specifically, in the individual packaging data D1 shown in Figure 4A, the medications taken by patient X are grouped by administration date and timing, and the data is arranged sequentially so that they are packaged into consecutive drug packets 81. When the individual packaging data D1 is input to the drug packaging device 3, it performs the drug packaging process (normal packaging) in the order shown in the individual packaging data D1. As a result, when the individual packaging data D1 is input to the drug packaging device 3, the packaging result (drug packaging band) shown in Figure 2(a) is discharged from the drug packaging device 3.

[0045] Figure 4B shows an example of group dispensing data D2. As shown in Figure 4B, group dispensing data D2 stores information such as the dispensing group, timing of administration, patient name, prescribed drug name, and prescribed quantity in an associated manner.

[0046] Specifically, in the group packaging data D2 shown in Figure 4B, the data is arranged sequentially so that the medications taken by each of the multiple patients belonging to the medication group on "April 1st" are grouped by administration time and packaged into consecutive medication packets 81. When the group packaging data D2 is input to the medication packaging device 3, it performs the medication packaging process (dispensing and packaging) in the order shown in the group packaging data D2. As a result, when the group packaging data D2 is input to the medication packaging device 3, the packaging result (medication packaging band) shown in Figure 2(b) is discharged from the medication packaging device 3. Also, when the medication packaging band shown in Figure 2(b) is set in the dispensing machine 7, the dispensing container 9 shown in Figure 3 is discharged from the dispensing machine 7. Note that the dispensing machine 7 (dispensing function) may be built into the medication packaging device 3, in which case the medication packaging device 3 dispenses the medication packaging band into the dispensing container 9 and discharges it.

[0047] Furthermore, the data storage unit 12 stores a dispensing support program that causes the control unit 11 to execute dispensing support processing (see Figure 6), which will be described later. The control unit 11 then functions as various processing units, such as the acquisition processing unit 111, the determination processing unit 112, and the packaging processing unit 113, by executing various processes according to the dispensing support program. Specifically, the control unit 11 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes according to the dispensing support program. In addition, one or more of the various processing units may be electronic circuits such as ASICs or DSPs.

[0048] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the prescription data corresponding to the patient from the higher-level system 8. Specifically, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the prescription data when it receives a user operation to select the patient's prescription data as the subject of dispensing. For example, when the acquisition processing unit 111 receives a user operation to select the prescription data of "Patient A" as the subject of dispensing, it acquires the prescription data of "Patient A".

[0049] The determination processing unit 112 determines whether the prescription data acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 is prescription data to be dispensed or prescription data to be normally packaged. Here, prescription data to be dispensed refers to prescription data in which the packaged result (drug package 81) based on the prescription data needs to be placed in the dispensing container 9, or prescription data for a user that needs to belong to the same group as other users (grouping). Prescription data to be normally packaged refers to prescription data for a single user that does not need to be placed in the dispensing container 9, or prescription data for a user that does not need to belong to the same group as other users.

[0050] For example, a user (such as a pharmacist) selects and registers for each prescription whether it is a prescription to be dispensed or a prescription to be normally packaged. Setting information (flags) indicating whether it is a prescription to be dispensed or a prescription to be normally packaged may be included in the prescription data or in the patient master. The determination processing unit 112 determines, based on the setting information, whether the prescription data is a prescription data for a prescription to be dispensed or a prescription data for a prescription to be normally packaged. The determination processing unit 112 may make an automatic determination based on the presence or absence of the pre-set setting information (flags), or it may make a determination based on the selection result made by the user after displaying a determination screen.

[0051] The packaging processing unit 113 generates packaging data based on prescription data if the prescription data is not prescription data for dispensing (i.e., it is prescription data for normal packaging). For example, the packaging processing unit 113 generates individual packaging data D1 (see Figure 4A) based on the prescription data for "Patient X," associating information such as the patient's name, date of administration, timing of administration, name of prescribed drug, and prescribed amount with each other.

[0052] The packaging processing unit 113 outputs the individual packaging data D1 to the drug packaging device 3, which packages the drugs contained in the individual packaging data D1. For example, if drugs M1 to M3 are tablets that are packaged by a tablet packaging machine, the packaging processing unit 113 outputs the individual packaging data D1 to the tablet packaging machine.

[0053] Furthermore, if the prescription data is prescription data for dispensing, the dispensing processing unit 113 outputs the prescription data (or data converted from the prescription data) to the dispensing support device 5. The dispensing support device 5 groups multiple prescription data for dispensing and generates data (dispensing mapping data MD1) that defines the placement of each drug in the dispensing container 9 (see Figure 3) for each drug taken by multiple users belonging to the dispensing group. When the dispensing processing unit 113 obtains the dispensing mapping data MD1 generated by the dispensing support device 5, it generates group dispensing data D2 (see Figure 4B) based on the dispensing mapping data MD1. The dispensing processing unit 113 then outputs the group dispensing data D2 to the drug dispensing device 3, which dispenses the drugs included in the group dispensing data D2. Alternatively, the dispensing support device 5 may generate the group dispensing data D2 based on the dispensing mapping data MD1, and the dispensing processing unit 113 may obtain the group dispensing data D2 from the dispensing support device 5.

[0054] The drug packaging device 3 performs the packaging process based on packaging data (individual packaging data D1, group packaging data D2). In the example described above, as shown in Figure 2(a), the drug packaging device 3 packages each medication to be taken by patient X into a drug packet 81 based on the individual packaging data D1, and discharges a single drug packaging band to which multiple drug packets 81 are connected. Also, as shown in Figure 2(b), the drug packaging device 3 packages each medication to be taken by multiple users belonging to the medication group into a drug packet 81 based on the group packaging data D2, and discharges a single drug packaging band to which multiple drug packets 81 are connected. Furthermore, the drug packaging device 3 uses a packaging printer 32 to print an information code (such as a two-dimensional code) used in the medication check process described later onto each drug packet 81 (see Figure 2).

[0055] The communication interface 13 has a network card, etc., which performs wireless or wired data communication with the dispensing equipment 2, drug packaging device 3, printer 4, and medication support device 5 via the network N1 according to a predetermined communication protocol. The display device 14 is a display means such as a liquid crystal display or organic EL display that displays various information according to control instructions from the control unit 11. The operating device 15 is an operating means operated by the user to input various information into the dispensing support device 1. Specifically, the operating device 15 includes a keyboard and mouse (pointing device) that accept input operations for various information according to the display screen of the display device 14.

[0056] The drive device 16 is capable of reading the dispensing support program from a computer-readable recording medium 17 on which the dispensing support program is recorded. The recording medium 17 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. In the dispensing support device 1, the control unit 11 installs the dispensing support program read from the recording medium 17 by the drive device 16 into the data storage unit 12.

[0057] [Drug distribution support device 5] The medication dispensing support device 5 is a personal computer equipped with a control unit 51, a data storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display device 54, an operating device 55, and a drive device 56. In this embodiment, the medication dispensing support device 5 alone is an example of the medication dispensing support system according to the present invention. Alternatively, the dispensing support device 1 or the drug packaging device 3 may acquire necessary information from the medication dispensing support device 5 and perform the medication dispensing support processing described later; in this case, the dispensing support device 1 or the drug packaging device 3 is an example of the medication dispensing support system. Furthermore, the dispensing support device 1, the medication dispensing support device 5, and the drug packaging device 3 may cooperate to perform the medication dispensing support processing described later; in this case, a configuration including the dispensing support device 1, the medication dispensing support device 5, and the drug packaging device 3 is an example of the medication dispensing support system. The medication dispensing support device 5 is also an example of the medication dispensing control device of the present invention.

[0058] The data storage unit 52 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 51. For example, the data storage unit 52 stores prescription data of the medication to be dispensed, which is acquired from the dispensing support device 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the data storage unit 52 may store various databases such as a drug master, a patient master, a pharmacist master, a medical department master, and a ward master.

[0060] Furthermore, the data storage unit 52 stores the medication mapping data MD1 generated by the control unit 51 in the medication dispensing support device 5 based on the prescription data of the medication to be dispensed. Figure 5 shows an example of the medication mapping data MD1. In Figure 5, the medication mapping data MD1 corresponds to a portion of the prescription data of patient A, a user belonging to the medication group. As shown in Figure 5, the medication mapping data MD1 stores prescription information, user information, medication information, etc., associated with each drug package 81. The medication mapping data MD1 is generated for each prescription data of the medication to be dispensed.

[0061] Specifically, the medication mapping data MD1 shown in Figure 5 includes, for each individual medication packet 81 containing the medication to be taken by the recipient, the timing of medication administration, identification information of the medication container 9 containing the medication packet 81 (tray assignment number), and identification information (cell number, location information number) of the medication storage section 91 of the medication container 9 (see Figure 3) where the medication packet 81 should be stored. Note that the medication mapping data MD1 includes at least the identification information of the medication container 9 (tray assignment number) and the identification information of the medication storage section 91 (cell number, location information number).

[0062] Furthermore, the data storage unit 52 stores a medication support program that causes the control unit 51 to execute the medication support processing described later (see Figure 7). The control unit 51 then functions as various processing units, such as the acquisition processing unit 511, the medication processing unit 512, and the output processing unit 513, by executing various processes according to the medication support program. Specifically, the control unit 51 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes according to the medication support program. In addition, one or more of the various processing units may be electronic circuits such as ASICs or DSPs.

[0063] The acquisition processing unit 511 acquires prescription data for the medication to be dispensed from the dispensing support device 1. Specifically, the dispensing support device 1 determines whether the prescription data acquired from the higher-level system 8 is prescription data for the medication to be dispensed, and if it determines that it is prescription data for the medication to be dispensed, it outputs the prescription data to the dispensing support device 5. As a result, the acquisition processing unit 511 acquires the prescription data for the medication to be dispensed. The acquisition processing unit 511 stores the prescription data for the medication to be dispensed in the data storage unit 52. The data storage unit 52 stores multiple prescription data for medications to be dispensed corresponding to multiple patients.

[0064] The dispensing processing unit 512 groups the multiple prescription data to be dispensed into a single dispensing group and generates dispensing mapping data MD1 (see Figure 5) which defines the location (mass number, location information number (e.g., coordinates)) of the dispensing container 9 and the drug storage section 91 that contain each drug packet 81 corresponding to the multiple prescription data belonging to the dispensing group. Specifically, the dispensing processing unit 512 generates the dispensing mapping data MD1 based on user operations that set the method of storing the drug packets 81 in the dispensing container 9 (dispensing method). The dispensing mapping data MD1 is an example of the dispensing data of the present invention. The specific method for generating the dispensing mapping data MD1 will be described later.

[0065] The output processing unit 513 outputs the medication mapping data MD1 generated by the medication processing unit 512 to the dispensing support device 1 and the medication dispenser 7. When the dispensing support device 1 obtains the medication mapping data MD1 corresponding to each of the multiple patients belonging to the medication group, it generates group packaging data D2 (see Figure 4B) in which the data for each patient is arranged in the order corresponding to the medication information contained in the medication mapping data MD1. The dispensing support device 1 also generates an information code based on the medication mapping data MD1, which includes medication information corresponding to each medication package 81 (such as storage location information used in the medication check process described later). When the medication packaging device 3 obtains the group packaging data D2 from the dispensing support device 1, it performs the medication packaging process in the order shown in the group packaging data D2. When the medication packaging device 3 obtains the information code data from the dispensing support device 1, it prints the information code on each medication package 81. As a result, when group packaging data D2 is input to the drug packaging device 3, the packaging result (drug packaging band) shown in Figure 2(b) is discharged from the drug packaging device 3. When the drug packaging band shown in Figure 2(b) is set in the drug dispenser 7, the drug dispenser 7 places each drug packet 81 of the drug packaging band into each drug storage section 91 of the predetermined drug container 9 based on the drug mapping data MD1 acquired from the drug distribution support device 5, and discharges the drug container 9 in the manner shown in Figure 3. When the drug dispenser 7 discharges the drug container 9, it outputs drug distribution completion information to the drug distribution support device 5. The control unit 51 of the drug distribution support device 5 registers the drug distribution completion information for the prescription data of the drug to be distributed.

[0066] Furthermore, the output processing unit 513 creates and outputs a form (medication sheet) based on the medication mapping data MD1. The output processing unit 513 may also display an image screen of the medication mapping showing the contents of the medication container 9. In this case, the output processing unit 513 may display the font of the printed text to be checked and changed. If the drug packaging device 3 is equipped with a function (pen liner function) to draw a colored line near the heat-sealed portion at the top of the packaging paper of the drug package 81, the output processing unit 513 may display an image screen in which the color of the line can be checked.

[0067] Furthermore, when the drug packaging device 3 performs the packaging process based on the group packaging data D2, the control unit 51 receives completion information from the dispensing support device 1 indicating that the packaging process has been completed. Upon receiving the completion information, the control unit 51 registers a completion flag in each prescription data corresponding to the medication group.

[0068] Furthermore, the output processing unit 513 outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the mobile terminal 6. Based on the medication mapping data MD1, the mobile terminal 6 checks whether the placement of each medication packet 81 (see Figure 3) contained in the medication container 9 is correct. Specifically, the user performs the check using the medication check application on the mobile terminal 6. The mobile terminal 6 is an example of an operating terminal of the present invention.

[0069] The outline of the medication check process by the aforementioned medication check application will now be explained. For example, a user takes a photograph of a medication container 9 (see Figure 3) containing a medication packet 81 using the camera 62 of a mobile terminal 6. The control unit 61 compares the ID of the medication container 9 (such as a tray number) obtained from the information code (not shown) attached to the medication container 9 with the tray assignment number obtained from the information code attached to the medication packet 81 (see Figure 2) to determine whether the medication container 9 that should contain the medication packet 81 is correct ("medication container check process"). The control unit 61 also determines whether the information code (such as a two-dimensional code) of the medication packet 81 is present at the location of the drug storage section 91 on the captured image of the medication container 9, and determines on the captured image whether the medication packet 81 is present in the drug storage section 91 that should contain it, or whether the medication packet 81 is present in a drug storage section 91 that should not contain it ("medication packet presence / absence check process"). Furthermore, the control unit 61 compares the position information obtained from the information code of the drug packet 81 in the captured image with the position information (coordinate position) set for the drug storage section 91 in which the drug packet 81 is housed in the captured image to determine whether the storage position of the drug packet 81 in the drug dispensing container 9 is correct ("storage position check process"). In this way, the control unit 61 executes the drug dispensing container check process, the drug packet presence / absence check process, and the storage position check process using the drug dispensing check application. The control unit 61 also displays the result of each check process ("correct (○)", "incorrect (×)", etc.) on the captured image. The position of each drug storage section 91 of the drug dispensing container 9 on the captured image is represented by coordinates with the corners (four corners) as the reference (origin) when the entire drug dispensing container 9 in the captured image is considered as a planar coordinate system. For example, the control unit 61 recognizes the markers placed in the corners, identifies the coordinates of each drug storage unit 91 based on the markers, and compares the identified coordinates with the location information (coordinates) obtained from the information code of the drug package 81 to determine whether the storage location is correct. The location information (coordinates) included in the information code of the drug package 81 is included in the drug distribution mapping data MD1 and corresponds to, for example, the location information number (coordinates). The drug distribution check process described above can be performed by applying the method described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-178253.

[0070] The information code may include information such as the patient's facial image and name. In this case, the control unit 61 displays the patient's facial image and name when it reads the information code. The facial image is pre-registered as a photograph or caricature showing the patient's appearance. This allows the dispensing staff to easily and reliably recognize that the patient is the correct person to take the medicine in the drug packet 81 by checking the patient's facial image, thereby reducing dispensing errors by the dispensing staff.

[0071] When the control unit 61 determines that each check process for the dispensing container 9 is normal, it performs the shipping process (shipping registration) for the dispensing container 9. When shipping registration is performed in the dispensing check application, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 registers check completion information for the prescription data of the dispensing target. For each prescription data of the dispensing target, the control unit 51 acquires and registers the dispensing completion information output from the dispensing machine 7 and the check completion information output from the dispensing check application.

[0072] [Pharmacy dispensing support processing] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the dispensing support system 10 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the dispensing support device 1 when a predetermined user operation for executing the dispensing support program is performed on the dispensing support device 1. The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the dispensing support processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the dispensing support device 1 to execute the dispensing support method. Figure 6 shows an example of the processing procedure for the dispensing support processing performed by the control unit 11 of the dispensing support device 1.

[0073] <Step S11> In step S11, the control unit 11 acquires the prescription data corresponding to the patient from the higher-level system 8. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a selection screen on the display device 14 for selecting the medication to be dispensed, and acquires the prescription data for the medication to be dispensed according to the user's selection operation on the operating device 15. For example, the control unit 11 acquires the prescription data selected by the user from the higher-level system 8. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may automatically acquire the prescription data from the higher-level system 8 without user operation.

[0074] <Step S12> In step S12, the control unit 11 determines whether the acquired prescription data is prescription data to be dispensed. For example, if the prescription data has a prescription data to be dispensed flag set in advance by the user, the control unit 11 determines that the prescription data is prescription data to be dispensed. If the control unit 11 determines that the acquired prescription data is prescription data to be dispensed (S12: Yes), it moves the process to step S13.

[0075] In response, if the control unit 11 determines that the acquired prescription data is not prescription data for dispensing, that is, prescription data for normal packaging (S12: No), it moves the process to step S15 and causes the drug packaging device 3 to perform the packaging process for the prescription data.

[0076] <Step S13> In step S13, the control unit 11 outputs prescription data to be dispensed to the medication support device 5. When the medication support device 5 obtains the prescription data to be dispensed, it executes the medication support process described later (see Figure 7). When the medication support device 5 generates medication mapping data MD1 in the medication support process, it outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the dispensing support device 1.

[0077] <Step S14> In step S14, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 1. If the control unit 11 has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 (S14: Yes), it proceeds to step S15. The control unit 11 waits until it has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 1 (S14: No).

[0078] <Step S15> In step S15, the control unit 11 causes the drug packaging device 3 to perform the packaging process. Specifically, if the prescription data acquired from the higher-level system 8 is prescription data for normal packaging (S12: No), the control unit 11 generates individual packaging data D1 (see Figure 4A) based on the prescription data and outputs the generated individual packaging data D1 to the drug packaging device 3.

[0079] Furthermore, if the prescription data acquired from the higher-level system 8 is prescription data for which medication is to be dispensed (S12:Yes), the control unit 11 generates group packaging data D2 (see Figure 4B) based on the medication mapping data MD1 acquired from the medication support device 5, and outputs the generated group packaging data D2 to the drug packaging device 3.

[0080] When the drug packaging device 3 acquires the individual packaging data D1, it performs the drug packaging process in the order shown in the individual packaging data D1 and discharges the packaging result (drug packaging band) in the manner shown in Figure 2(a). The drug packaging band shown in Figure 2(a) has drug packets 81 corresponding to the user "Patient X" formed consecutively for each administration day (April 1st onwards) and administration timing (after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner).

[0081] Furthermore, when the drug packaging device 3 acquires the group packaging data D2, it performs the drug packaging process in the order shown in the group packaging data D2 and discharges the packaging result (drug packaging band) in the manner shown in Figure 2(b). The drug packaging band shown in Figure 2(b) contains drug packets 81 corresponding to patients "Patient A," "Patient B," "Patient C," "Patient D," and "Patient E" belonging to the same medication group, which are formed consecutively after breakfast, lunch, and dinner on April 1st.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 11 outputs a print command to the dispensing printer 32 of the drug dispensing device 3, causing it to print drug package information such as the patient's name, administration date, drug name, and information code on each drug package 81. The information code is used, for example, in the drug distribution check process by the drug distribution check application. In another embodiment, the printer 4 may print the drug package information on a label and affix the label to each drug package 81.

[0083] The control unit 11 of the dispensing support device 1 executes the dispensing support process each time it acquires the prescription data from the higher-level system 8. When the dispensing process is completed in the drug packaging device 3, the control unit 11 outputs completion information to the medication dispensing support device 5.

[0084] [Medication dispensing support processing] Referring to Figure 7, an example of the procedure for the medication support processing performed in the medication support system 10 will be described. The medication support processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the medication support device 5 when a predetermined user operation is performed on the medication support device 5 to execute the medication support program. The present invention may also be considered as a medication support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the medication support processing, or as an invention of a medication support program that causes a computer such as the medication support device 5 to execute the medication support method. Figure 7 shows an example of the processing procedure for the medication support processing performed by the control unit 51 of the medication support device 5.

[0085] The control unit 51 stores in advance setting information for executing the medication dispensing support process in the data storage unit 52. Figures 8A and 8B show examples of medication setting information F1 that associates information such as tray assignment order, cell group, medication priority, and front flag for each administration time. For example, the medication setting information F1 shown in Figure 8A is information for accommodating medications for each administration time "before breakfast," "immediately before breakfast," "during breakfast," "after breakfast," "immediately after breakfast," "30 minutes after breakfast," "between breakfasts," and "2 hours after breakfast" in the medication container 9 (morning calendar, morning tray) corresponding to the medication time "morning." The medication setting information F1 shown in Figure 8B is information for accommodating medications for each administration time "after breakfast," "immediately after breakfast," "30 minutes after breakfast," "between breakfasts," and "2 hours after breakfast" in the medication container 9 (after-breakfast calendar, after-breakfast tray) corresponding to the medication time "after breakfast."

[0086] The aforementioned "same cell group" is information representing a group of medications to be stored in the same cell (medication storage section 91) in the medication container 9. For example, when medications to be taken "before breakfast" (medication packets 81) and medications to be taken "immediately before breakfast" (medication packets 81) are to be stored in the same cell (medication storage section 91), the same identification information (for example, the character code "A") is set in the "same cell group" setting item. In the medication setting information F1 shown in Figure 8B, for example, for "after breakfast," the same "A" is registered for each time of administration, so the medications for each time of administration are stored in the same cell of the medication container 9 corresponding to "after breakfast."

[0087] The aforementioned medication dispensing priority is information that represents the order in which the medication packets 81 are dispensed (contained) within the same medication container 9. Specifically, it is the order within a given dispensing period. For example, in the "morning" dispensing period, it is set as "before breakfast" (1st place) → "during breakfast" (2nd place) → "after breakfast" (3rd place), and in the "midday" dispensing period, it is set as "before lunch" (1st place) → "during lunch" (2nd place) → "after lunch" (3rd place).

[0088] The aforementioned front-most flag is information indicating which drug packet 81 for which administration time should be placed at the front in the same cell. The front-most flag is set within the same drug distribution time and cell group. Furthermore, the front-most flag is used in the drug distribution check process by the drug distribution check application when checking only the drug packet 81 placed at the front among multiple drug packets 81 contained in each cell (drug storage section 91). For example, it is possible to specify which drug packet 81 (the frontmost drug packet 81) should have its information code printed on it among multiple drug packets 81 contained in the same cell.

[0089] By the way, prescription review must be performed during the grouping (so-called closing) process. In this case, if pharmaceutical "consideration" is required for two packets that are permitted to be placed in the same cell (simultaneous administration) according to the mapping regulations, it is desirable to display a "cell message!" and output a "medication administration consideration caution." For example, if drug A is "3 times a day after each meal" and drug B is "1 time a day after breakfast," and there is no problem with delaying the administration of drug B by two hours due to interaction, then a message should be output when permitting the placement of both packets in the "after breakfast" cell.

[0090] <Step S21> In step S21, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has obtained prescription data for the medication to be dispensed from the dispensing support device 1. If the control unit 51 obtains the prescription data for the medication to be dispensed from the dispensing support device 1 (S21: Yes), it proceeds to step S22. The control unit 51 waits until it obtains the prescription data for the medication to be dispensed from the dispensing support device 1 (S21: No).

[0091] <Step S22> In step S22, the control unit 51 stores prescription data for medication to be dispensed in the data storage unit 52. The data storage unit 52 stores prescription data for multiple medications corresponding to multiple patients.

[0092] <Step S23> In step S23, the control unit 51 groups the multiple prescription data for the medication to be distributed into a single medication group. Specifically, the control unit 51 sets the medication group according to the user's settings operation on the medication group setting screen P1 shown in Figure 9A. Examples of grouping include groups such as the 1st floor, 2nd floor, room a, and room b of facility A, or groups arbitrarily selected and set by the user from multiple prescription lists. On the medication group setting screen P1, for example, if the user selects a facility to be distributed, a list of patients registered in that facility is displayed in the group patient list. When the user presses the "Medication Group Setting" button, the control unit 51 sets the medication group. Here, from the list of prescriptions for each received medication group shown in the reception status list on the left side of the screen in Figure 9A, the medication group to which 17 patients residing on the 2nd floor of elderly care facility A1 belong is selected, and the list of patient names included in that group is set (displayed) in the group patient list on the right side of the screen in Figure 9A. In this way, the control unit 51 groups the prescription data of multiple users belonging to each medication group. In the example above, the control unit 51 groups prescription data for multiple patients residing on the second floor of the elderly care facility A1. The patient list for each group displays the number of prescriptions for each patient, and the patient name and patient ID are displayed. However, if the number of prescriptions column is blank, it indicates that the patient does not have any medication to take on that day. In other words, it is possible to identify the difference between the patient list pre-configured for each medication group and the patient list received, preventing omissions in dispensing. If a patient who is not registered in any medication unit is received, a function may be provided to arbitrarily assign that patient to any medication group. In that case, it may be possible to select whether or not to update the patient list master for the medication unit by pressing the update button.

[0093] In the medication group setting screen P1 shown in Figure 9A, the "Regular" and "Temporary" selection fields in the "Prescription Category Selection" allow you to check the basic cycle days (prescription receipt days, delivery days) in the group list, as well as the work plan days (closing days, dispensing days, inspection days). By checking "Regular" and selecting a specific medication group name in the receipt status list, a separate screen called "Work Schedule" (shown in Figure 9B) will appear, allowing you to check each regular weekly work day. This makes it possible to avoid missing closing dates, not just checking the numbers in the cells, when the number of recipients increases or deliveries become more complex. Furthermore, it can be linked with the aggregation function to aggregate performance figures for each work cycle day in the list of groups currently receiving prescriptions.

[0094] <Step S24> In step S24, the control unit 51 assigns a medication container 9 to hold the medications (drug packets 81) for multiple patients belonging to the medication group. Specifically, Figure 10 shows an example of medication container assignment information F2 in which medication containers 9 have been assigned in advance. Based on the medication timing ("upon waking up", "morning", "noon", "evening") and the day of administration in the medication container assignment information F2, the control unit 51 assigns a medication container 9 corresponding to the medication group. For example, if the medication container 9 contains the medication that each patient belonging to the medication group will take on "April 1st" in the "morning", the control unit 51 assigns medication container 9 with the tray assignment number "015".

[0095] <Step S25> In step S25, the control unit 51 generates package data. Specifically, for each drug package 81, the control unit 51 generates package data based on the patient's prescription data, including the patient's identification information (patient ID), prescription number, RP number, administration period code, administration period name, administration date, and day of the week.

[0096] <Step S26> In step S26, the control unit 51 generates medication mapping data MD1 for arranging multiple medication packets 81, each containing medication to be taken by the patient according to the timing of administration, into the medication container 9. Specifically, for each medication included in the patient's prescription data, the control unit 51 generates medication mapping data MD1 that includes identification information (tray assignment number) of the medication container 9 containing the medication, and location information (mass number and location information number) of the location of the medication in the medication container 9. Furthermore, if a medication group is set, the control unit 51 generates medication mapping data MD1 for arranging multiple medication packets 81, each containing medication for the same timing of administration, into the medication container 9 on a medication group basis.

[0097] For example, the control unit 51 generates medication mapping data MD1 for placing each drug (drug packet 81) included in the medication group into a predetermined position in the medication container 9, based on the setting information set by the user in the medication setting screen P2 shown in Figures 11A and 11B. Note that the screens shown in Figures 11A and 11B may consist of a single page, or each screen may consist of different pages.

[0098] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the medication dispensing settings screen P2 includes settings such as "blank matrix settings," "basic medication dispensing order," "cell assignment definition," "medication dispensing line break settings," "front priority," and "medication order priority items," and the user can configure each of these settings.

[0099] For example, "Blank Row / Column Setting" is a setting item for setting blank rows or columns in the dispensing container 9. "Basic Dispensing Order" is a setting item for setting the starting position for placing (inserting) the medicine (drug packets 81) into the dispensing container 9.

[0100] The "Mass Assignment Definition" allows you to select "Room Number," "Bed Number," "Patient," or "Free." For example, if "Room Number" is selected, the patient's room number is assigned to each mass (drug storage unit 91). If "Bed Number" is selected, the patient's bed number is assigned to each mass. If "Patient" is selected, a patient is assigned to each mass. If "Free" is selected, any patient can be assigned to each mass (see Figure 14). For example, the free placement screen shown in Figure 14 displays an example where patient A's room number is "201" and the mass number for "201" is "9." Therefore, if there is no medication to be dispensed to patient A or patient in room number "201," this mass will be left blank. This is the setting mode where "Room Number" is fixed. On the other hand, the setting mode where "Patient" is fixed is used when assigning a patient to each mass. For example, if patient A is assigned to room number "201", patient B to room number "202", patient C to room number "203", and patient D to room number "204", and patient B does not have a prescription, the system is set up so that the cells are filled in with patients A, C, and D, rather than leaving the cells corresponding to rooms without medication blank, as described above. In other words, in patient mode, the cell positions corresponding to room numbers and bed numbers are fixed, and cells without prescriptions are filled in before assigning the next patient.

[0101] Furthermore, the "Medication Dispensing Line Break Setting" is a setting item for configuring line breaks when inserting medication packets 81. For example, when inserting medication packets 81 for "before breakfast" and then for "after breakfast," it is possible to set whether to insert a line break, keep the contents together, or leave a blank line.

[0102] Furthermore, the "front priority" setting can be configured in the frontmost flag in cases where it cannot be set in the master setting mentioned above, such as when empty packets are placed at the front, when powdered medicines are placed at the front, or when medicines with a large number of tablets are placed at the front.

[0103] Furthermore, the "Medication Dispensing Order Priority Item" is a setting item for determining the order in which medications are placed in the medication container 9, and it is possible to set the order for "Room Number," "Bed Number," "Patient," "Move-in Date," and "Free."

[0104] The control unit 51 generates medication mapping data MD1 based on the user's settings for each setting item on the medication setting screen P2. Figures 12A and 12B show the medication mapping data MD1 corresponding to patient A belonging to the medication group, and Figures 13A and 13B show the medication mapping data MD1 corresponding to patient B belonging to the same medication group. Based on the settings, the control unit 51 sets the cell number and location information number for each medication for each patient.

[0105] In this manner, the control unit 51 generates dispensing mapping data MD1 based on user operations that set the method for storing (dispensing) drugs (drug packets 81) into the dispensing container 9.

[0106] Here, as one embodiment of the "Free" mode of the "Mass Assignment Definition," the configuration shown in Figure 14 may also be used. For example, in the free placement setting screen P3 shown in Figure 14, when the user selects (drags) patient A belonging to the medication group and moves (drops) it to any square (image of the drug storage section 91) on the image of the medication container 9 (calendar), the control unit 51 registers the number of the dropped square as the drug storage position (square number) for patient A. The calendar image can transition to 1 / XX, 2 / XX, etc. as needed, and control may be implemented to not accept drop operations if square packing or line break settings are enabled. Also, if the user determines that the placement position on the calendar image is incorrect, they may perform a deletion operation by right-clicking on the square image. When the control unit 51 accepts a deletion operation, it deletes the "square number" in the patient list. When the user assigns the medication squares for each patient, the control unit 51 checks that the assignment positions meet the set conditions, and when the check is complete, it generates medication mapping data MD1. The control unit 51 may save the user's evidence and a copy of the final confirmation screen for free placement.

[0107] As shown in Figure 14, the control unit 51 may receive a user operation to set the storage position of the drug packets 81 in the drug dispensing container 9 for each drug, and generate drug dispensing mapping data MD1 which includes the storage position information for each drug set in accordance with the user operation.

[0108] <Step S27> In step S27, the control unit 51 outputs the medication mapping data MD1. Specifically, the control unit 51 outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the dispensing support device 1. When the dispensing support device 1 receives the medication mapping data MD1, it performs the packaging process (step S15) described above (see Figure 6).

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 51 outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the medication dispenser 7. Upon receiving the medication mapping data MD1, the medication dispenser 7 executes the medication dispensing process described later (see Figure 15).

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 51 outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the mobile terminal 6. Upon receiving the medication mapping data MD1, the mobile terminal 6 executes the medication check process described later (see Figure 16).

[0111] The control unit 51 of the medication dispensing support device 5 executes the medication dispensing support process each time it acquires prescription data for the medication to be dispensed from the dispensing support device 1. As described above, in the medication dispensing support system 10, when the dispensing support device 1 receives the prescription data from the higher-level system 8, it converts it into data corresponding to the medication dispensing support device 5 (medication dispensing module) and outputs it to the medication dispensing support device 5 (step S13 in Figure 6). The medication dispensing support device 5 groups multiple prescription data for the medication to be dispensed into one dispensing group, and then outputs the generated dispensing data (dispensing mapping data MD1) to the dispensing machine 7, and also returns the dispensing request data to the drug packaging device 3 to the dispensing support device 1 (step S27 in Figure 7). In this way, the data output from the medication dispensing support device 5 is branched into dispensing data output to the dispensing machine 7 and dispensing request data returned to the dispensing support device 1. When the dispensing support device 1 receives the dispensing request data returned from the medication dispensing support device 5, it performs dispensing processing with the necessary medication information (information code including correct medication information) attached (steps S14 and S15 in Figure 6). The dispensing request data may be medication mapping data MD1 or group dispensing data D2. The dispensing request data also includes storage information such as tray assignment number, cell number, and location information number, and includes an instruction (request) to create (print) an information code containing said storage information. The processing of returning the dispensing request data may be performed outside the dispensing support device 1 (at the medication dispensing support device 5) or within the dispensing support device 1. In other words, the control unit 11 of the dispensing support device 1 may have the functions of the medication dispensing processing unit 512 of the medication dispensing support device 5 (processing for generating medication data and dispensing data).

[0112] [Medication distribution] Referring to Figure 15, an example of the medication dispensing procedure performed in the medication dispensing machine 7 will be described.

[0113] <Step S31> In step S31, the dispensing machine 7 determines whether or not it has obtained the dispensing mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 5. If the dispensing machine 7 obtains the dispensing mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 5 (S31: Yes), it proceeds to step S32. The dispensing machine 7 waits until it obtains the dispensing mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 5 (S31: No).

[0114] <Step S32> In step S32, the dispensing machine 7 selects the medication group to be dispensed. Specifically, the dispensing machine 7 selects the medication group in response to the user's selection operation. For example, the user selects the medication group for the "2nd floor" of "Elderly Care Facility A1".

[0115] <Step S33> In step S33, the dispensing machine 7 sets the dispensing container 9. Specifically, the dispensing machine 7 sets the dispensing container 9 corresponding to the dispensing group (for example, the dispensing container 9 for "Monday" or the dispensing container 9 for tray number "015"). Alternatively, the dispensing machine 7 may notify the user of the information regarding the dispensing container 9 corresponding to the dispensing group, and the user may place the dispensing container 9 into the dispensing machine 7.

[0116] <Step S34> In step S34, the dispensing machine 7 sets the drug packaging band (packaging roll). Specifically, the dispensing machine 7 notifies the user of the information of each drug packaging band (see Figure 2) for multiple patients belonging to the dispensing group, and the user sets the drug packaging band into the dispensing machine 7.

[0117] <Step S35> In step S35, the dispensing machine 7 performs the dispensing process. Specifically, when the drug packaging band and dispensing container 9 corresponding to the dispensing group are correctly set, the dispensing machine 7 cuts each drug packet 81 from the drug packaging band and places each drug packet 81 into the drug storage section 91 at a predetermined position in the dispensing container 9 based on the dispensing mapping data MD1. For example, if pre-breakfast and post-breakfast medications are set in the same cell group, the dispensing machine 7 places the pre-breakfast medication (drug packet 81) and the post-breakfast medication (drug packet 81) into the same cell (drug storage section 91). The dispensing machine 7 also places each drug packet 81 into the dispensing container 9 according to the dispensing priority.

[0118] <Step S36> In step S36, the dispensing machine 7 discharges the dispensing container 9 (see Figure 3) containing the medicine (drug packet 81). After dispensing the dispensing container 9, the dispensing machine 7 outputs dispensing completion information to the dispensing support device 5.

[0119] The dispensing machine 7 executes the dispensing process each time it obtains dispensing mapping data MD1 from the dispensing support device 5.

[0120] [Medication dispensing check process] Referring to Figure 16, an example of the procedure for the medication dispensing check process performed on the mobile terminal 6 will be described. For example, the control unit 61 of the mobile terminal 6 executes the medication dispensing check process by running the medication dispensing check application installed on the mobile terminal 6.

[0121] <Step S41> In step S41, the control unit 61 determines whether or not it has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 from the medication support device 5. If the control unit 61 has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 from the medication support device 5 (S41: Yes), it proceeds to step S42. The medication dispenser 7 waits until it has obtained the medication mapping data MD1 from the medication support device 5 (S41: No).

[0122] <Step S42> In step S42, the control unit 61 uses the camera 62 to photograph the medication container 9 containing the medication (drug packet 81). For example, when a user photographs the medication container 9 containing the medication as shown in Figure 3 using the camera 62 of their mobile terminal 6, the control unit 61 acquires an image of the medication container 9.

[0123] <Step S43> In step S43, the control unit 61 performs a determination process to determine whether the storage position of the medicine (drug packet 81) in the dispensing container 9 is correct. Specifically, the control unit 61 determines whether the dispensing container 9 in which the drug packet 81 should be stored is correct (the dispensing container check process). The control unit 61 also determines from the captured image whether the drug packet 81 is present in the drug storage section 91 in which it should be stored, and whether the drug packet 81 is present in the drug storage section 91 in which it should not be stored (the drug packet presence / absence check process). Furthermore, the control unit 61 determines whether the storage position of the drug packet 81 in the dispensing container 9 is correct (the storage position check process).

[0124] The control unit 61 proceeds to step S43 if it does not find any errors in the dispensing container check process, the drug packet presence / absence check process, or the storage position check process. If the control unit 61 finds an error in any of the processes, it displays the error. Based on the error display, the user repeats the drug (drug packet 81) storage operation.

[0125] <Step S44> In step S44, the control unit 61 performs shipment registration. Specifically, the control unit 61 registers shipment information for the dispensing container 9 when it is confirmed that each drug (drug packet 81) has been correctly placed in the dispensing container 9. Once the control unit 61 has registered the shipment, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 registers check completion information for the prescription data of the dispensing target. For each prescription data of the dispensing target, the control unit 51 acquires and registers the dispensing completion information output from the dispensing machine 7 and the check completion information output from the dispensing check application.

[0126] The control unit 61 executes the medication check process each time it obtains medication mapping data MD1 from the medication support device 5.

[0127] As described above, the medication dispensing support system 10 generates medication mapping data MD1 for dispensing medications to be taken by a patient into individual medication packets 81 according to the timing of administration, and for placing the individual medication packets 81 into the medication container 9, and outputs the generated medication mapping data MD1. Specifically, for each medication included in the patient's prescription data, the medication dispensing support system 10 generates medication mapping data MD1 in which identification information of the medication container 9 containing the medication (e.g., tray assignment number) and location information of the storage location of the medication packets 81 (e.g., cell number, location information number) are set. The medication dispensing support system 10 then outputs the medication mapping data MD1 to the medication packaging device 3, the medication dispenser 7, the mobile terminal 6, etc. The medication dispensing support system 10 also prints an information code including the medication mapping data MD1 on each medication packet 81.

[0128] The drug packaging device 3 packages medications to be taken by multiple users belonging to a medication group into individual medication packets 81 for each administration time, based on packaging data (group packaging data D2) corresponding to the medication mapping data MD1 (see Figure 2). The dispensing machine 7 places each medication packet 81 packaged by the drug packaging device 3 into a predetermined location (medication storage section 91) in a predetermined medication container 9, based on the setting information (tray assignment number, cell number, location information number) included in the medication mapping data MD1 (see Figure 3). The mobile terminal 6 checks whether the storage location of each medication packet 81 in the medication container 9 is correct (medication check process), based on the setting information (tray assignment number, cell number, location information number) included in the medication mapping data MD1. For example, the mobile terminal 6 may perform the medication check process using the information code (two-dimensional code, marker, etc.) printed on each medication packet 81 (see Figure 3).

[0129] According to the above configuration, for example, a user can set a medication group on the medication group setting screen P1 and set the method of storing the medication packets 81 (medication method) on the medication setting screen P2, thereby generating the medication mapping data MD1 that can be used in common for the packaging process (medication packaging device 3), the medication processing (medication dispensing machine 7), and the medication checking process (medication checking application). Based on the medication mapping data MD1, the medications of multiple patients belonging to the medication group can be stored in the appropriate medication container 9 and in the appropriate position (medication storage section 91) of the medication container 9. Therefore, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of the task of storing multiple medication packets in the medication container 9.

[0130] Furthermore, in the medication dispensing support system 10, the dispensing support device 1 determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a packaged item (a package to be dispensed) that needs to be placed in the dispensing container 9. If the prescription data is prescription data for the packaged item, it outputs the prescription data to the medication dispensing support device 5. If the prescription data is not prescription data for the packaged item, it outputs the prescription data to the drug packaging device 3.

[0131] According to the above configuration, the dispensing support device 1 can determine whether or not the prescription data received from the higher-level system 8 is a prescription data to be dispensed (a prescription data to be output to the dispensing support device 5) at the time it receives the prescription data.

[0132] In the example described above, multiple medications from a medication group are placed in the medication container 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Similarly, even when the prescription data of a single patient is the prescription data to be dispensed, multiple medications for that patient can be placed in the medication container 9 based on the medication mapping data MD1. Furthermore, the medication mapping data MD1 may be generated by grouping multiple prescription data for a single patient.

[0133] [Reference form] The medication dispensing support system 10 may also include a function to generate a printing format for printing information on the medication package 81.

[0134] For example, the medication dispensing support system 10 may be applied to an operation in which a contractor (such as a dispensing facility) receives a request for dispensing of medicines from a client (such as a pharmacy, hospital, or residential facility), dispenses and packages the medicines, and delivers the deliverables (medication packets 81, medicine packaging bands, dispensing containers 9, etc.) to the client. In this operation, it is necessary for the client and the contractor to decide on the printing format for the medicine packets 81. Therefore, the medication dispensing support system 10 may have the following configuration. Note that the medication dispensing support system 10 may be installed at the contractor's facility.

[0135] (1) When the medication distribution support system 10 receives illustrations or screen data (screenshot data) of the print format desired by the client, the contractor can analyze the details of the print format simply by importing the data or scanning the images.

[0136] (1-1) For example, the medication dispensing support system 10 may automatically generate a print format using an automatic print format generation tool (see Figures 17A to 17E) based on imaging data (images captured by a mobile terminal, scanner, fax, etc.) of the currently packaged and printed medication packets 81.

[0137] (1-2) In this case, the medication dispensing support system 10 may recommend a print format that is similar to the default (stored) print format within the system.

[0138] (1-3) If the medication dispensing support system 10 does not recommend a print format within the system, it may automatically analyze the print items in the captured image and extract print items that match those within the system, such as the date of administration, day of the week, drug name, single dose, instructions for use, patient ID, patient name, and packaging paper size (length x width), generate a printing range for the packaging paper, and automatically generate a new print format.

[0139] (1-4) The medication dispensing support system 10 may allow additions, deletions, and modifications to the automatically generated print format (the entire set of components, including the print layout design).

[0140] (1-5) The automatically generated print formats are registered in large numbers over time, making accurate selection and management cumbersome. Therefore, it may be possible to extract and sort them by creation date and time, client information (pharmacy name / code, etc.), dispensing facility name / code, and patient name / patient ID. It may also be possible to delete multiple entries at once from the list. By linking patient IDs from multiple systems and sharing the linked data across systems, it becomes possible to deliver prescribed medications to patients without error. Furthermore, it becomes easier to coordinate between systems for authentication and handling of dispensing content and any disputes.

[0141] (1-6) When an image is captured, AI can be used to recommend a printing format, extract and digitize the constituent items, and generate a new format. Alternatively, the medication dispensing support system 10 may use OCR technology instead of AI to match constituent items through character analysis.

[0142] (2) The medication dispensing support system 10 may recommend the closest printing format available to the contractor based on the results of the analysis in (1) above.

[0143] (3) The medication dispensing support system 10 may be able to compare items side by side on the screen, both horizontally and vertically, and may be able to annotate differences.

[0144] The medication dispensing support system 10 may display the recommended or automatically generated print format described in (1-2) or (1-3) above alongside the captured image. In this case, the medication dispensing support system 10 may also display the analyzed constituent print items in a list.

[0145] (4) The medication dispensing support system 10 may recommend past cases, taking into consideration existing or new contracts.

[0146] (5) The medication dispensing support system 10 may edit and paste the imported print details into a recommended print format, and allow users to check and share the print image.

[0147] (6) The medication dispensing support system 10 may register the print format ultimately specified by the client as a shared format.

[0148] The packaging sheet (roll paper) used in the drug packets 81 according to this embodiment is used in a drug packaging device 3 that packages the drug into individual drug packets 81 for each administration period based on the above-mentioned drug distribution data. Specifically, the packaging sheet is used in a drug packaging device 3 that packages the drug into individual drug packets 81 for each administration period based on drug distribution data for packaging the drug to be taken by the patient into individual drug packets 81 for each administration period, and for storing the drug packets 81 containing the drug into a drug container 9. The device also displays (prints, for example) an information code on each drug packet 81 that includes information for determining whether the storage position of each drug packet 81 in the drug container 9 is correct or incorrect (for example, identification information of the drug container 9, location information of the drug storage section 91 in which the drug packet 81 should be stored among the multiple drug storage sections 91 in the drug container 9). Furthermore, the drug packaging device 3 using the packaging sheet can, for example, apply the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4469007.

[0149] [Integration of medication dispensing support device 5 (medication dispensing module)] The following describes the collaboration configuration of the medication dispensing support device 5 (medication dispensing module). The first collaboration configuration shown in Figure 18 is a configuration in which the medication dispensing module does not collaborate with the claims computer (higher-level system 8) but collaborates with the dispensing control system (dispensing support device 1). The first collaboration configuration corresponds to the embodiment described above. Specifically, the dispensing control system collaborates with the claims computer, obtains prescription information from the claims computer, and outputs dispensing data to the medication dispensing module. When the medication dispensing module obtains the dispensing data from the dispensing control system, it creates dispensing data and outputs it to the dispensing control system. The medication dispensing module also outputs a mapping table. The dispensing control system outputs the dispensing data to the drug dispensing device 3 (dispensing machine), and when the drug dispensing device 3 obtains the dispensing data, it dispensing the drugs into drug packets 81 based on the dispensing data.

[0150] Figure 19 shows an example of the second collaboration configuration. In this second collaboration configuration, the medication dispensing module collaborates with the dispensing support system (higher-level system 8) to obtain prescription information from the dispensing support system. Based on the prescription information obtained from the dispensing support system, the medication dispensing module outputs a mapping table that includes medications in forms other than tablet packets. The other configurations are the same as those of the first collaboration configuration.

[0151] Figure 20 shows an example of the third collaboration configuration. In this third collaboration configuration, the dispensing machine 7 operates by acquiring the dispensing data generated by the dispensing module. The other configurations are the same as those of the first collaboration configuration.

[0152] Figure 21 shows an example of the fourth collaboration configuration. In the fourth collaboration configuration, in addition to the configuration of the second collaboration configuration, the drug dispensing machine 7 acquires and operates based on the drug dispensing data generated by the drug dispensing module. The other configurations are the same as those of the first collaboration configuration.

[0153] [Medication tray settings] The dispensing trays (dispensing containers 9) used for dispensing medication come in various forms depending on the user, and the dispensing machine 7 can also accommodate multiple types of dispensing trays. The dispensing module may display a dispensing tray setting screen and accept setting operations from the user. Figure 22 shows an example of the setting screen. On the setting screen, the user can set dispensing trays for each dispensing group. For example, the user can set and change dispensing trays for each facility or dispensing group, such as "Facility A: 7x4 tray" and "Facility B: 5x6 tray". Also, on the setting screen, the user can input the number and dimensions of the compartments, and the dimensions of the dispensing tray (outer and inner dimensions). Alternatively, a fixed compartment layout and dimensions may be registered for each pharmacy or facility, the names of individual dispensing trays may be registered as master data, and a specific dispensing tray may be selected from a list of dispensing tray names. This reduces the effort required to input information such as the number of compartments, the outer and inner dimensions of the dispensing tray, and the compartment dimensions, as this information is automatically displayed based on the master data.

[0154] [Medication instructions] The medication dispensing module may accept setting operations related to medication dispensing instructions from the user. Figure 23 shows an example of a medication dispensing instruction. The medication dispensing instruction includes information such as cell number, room number, bed number, patient name, timing of administration, drug name, and drug form. The medication dispensing instruction allows for the understanding of detailed information (details) of the drug. Specifically, the medication dispensing instruction can be used to confirm the information when dispensing medication to the patient, or to confirm after dispensing whether the medication was dispensed correctly. Furthermore, it can be used when dispensing medication in a medication tray and submitting the medication tray to a facility, etc., together with the medication dispensing instruction. This allows the facility to use the medication dispensing instruction while confirming the information when dispensing medication to individual residents. Figure 24 shows an example of a setting screen for basic settings regarding the linked system, medication dispensing instruction, and mapping method. The user can select the prescription data linked system on the setting screen. Furthermore, the user can configure whether or not to automatically output medication dispensing instructions on the settings screen, and can also configure the mapping method for the patient master, the drug master, and the dosage master. The settings for "drug master mapping method" and "dosage master mapping method" are used to configure what criteria to use for mapping when the target patients for dispensing medication are the same, even if the patient masters are different in the powder dispensing control system and the tablet dispensing control system, and therefore need to be placed in the same cell.

[0155] [Function / Effect] As shown in Figures 18 to 21, the dispensing module can use the dispensing data without needing to be linked with the claims computer, thus realizing a highly versatile module. That is, if the claims computer and the dispensing control system are linked, or if the dispensing support system and the dispensing control system are linked, the dispensing module can organize the information necessary for dispensing if there is dispensing data from the dispensing machine, etc. Therefore, the dispensing module can be linked not only with the tablet dispensing control system but also with the powder dispensing control system. Furthermore, since the dispensing module only needs to receive the dispensing data (dispensing data) from the dispensing control system, the dispensing machine (the dispensing control system) can provisionally issue (group) the dispensing data and store the prescription (dispensing information) in the dispensing module. From this stored dispensing information, the dispensing module can send a dispensing start trigger to the dispensing machine (the dispensing control system) based on the progress of the dispensing work and the operating status of the dispensing machine 7.

[0156] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the dispensing module is linked with the dispensing support system, it will be possible to display information about medications in forms other than tablet packets on the mapping table according to the system's internal regulations. This will prevent the forgetting to include items such as PTPs or eye drops in the container (medication storage section 91).

[0157] Furthermore, if a master for, for example, patient A is created in the aforementioned dispensing control system, the medication dispensing module can also share that master.

[0158] In each of the embodiments described above, each control unit 11, 31, and 51 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and controls the operation of each device based on a control program stored in the ROM or a storage device (not shown). The CPU is a processor that controls the device by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as a BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0159] [Notes on the invention] The following is an overview of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments. Note that each configuration and processing function described below can be selected and combined as desired.

[0160] <Note 1> A dispensing processing unit generates dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers in a medication storage device. An output processing unit that outputs the medication distribution data generated by the medication distribution processing unit, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

[0161] <Note 2> The output processing unit outputs the drug dispensing data to a drug dispensing device that dispenses the drug into the dispensing container. The drug packaging device packages the drugs into the packaging containers in the order of administration times included in the drug distribution data. The medication dispensing support system described in Appendix 1.

[0162] <Note 3> The output processing unit outputs the dispensing data to a dispensing machine that places the dispensing container into the drug storage device. The dispensing machine stores the drug in one of the multiple storage compartments provided in the drug storage container, the storage compartment corresponding to the location information included in the dispensing data. A medication dispensing support system as described in Appendix 1 or 2.

[0163] <Note 4> If the input prescription data is prescription data for which the dispensing machine needs to store the packaging container in the drug storage device, the dispensing processing unit generates the dispensing data based on the prescription data. The medication dispensing support system described in Appendix 3.

[0164] <Note 5> The system includes a determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained in the dispensing container, and The output processing unit outputs the prescription data to the drug dispensing processing unit if the prescription data is the prescription data to be contained, and outputs the prescription data to the drug packaging device if the prescription data is not the prescription data to be contained. The medication dispensing support system described in Appendix 4.

[0165] <Note 6> The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication dispensing data for each of the medications included in the patient's prescription data, in which identification information of the medication container that contains the medication and the location information of the medication are set. A medication dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 3 to 5.

[0166] <Note 7> The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication data for dispensing medications to be taken by multiple users into the dispensing containers in pre-set medication groups for each administration period, and for storing the dispensing containers of the medication groups, each containing the packaged medication, into the medication storage device. A medication dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6.

[0167] <Note 8> The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication dispensing data that includes priority information setting priorities for the multiple patients, The dispensing machine that stores the aforementioned sachet containers in the drug storage device stores the sachet containers corresponding to each of the multiple users in the drug storage device, based on the priority order. The medication dispensing support system described in Appendix 7.

[0168] <Note 9> The drug dispensing processing unit generates the drug dispensing data based on a user operation that sets the method for storing the dispensing container in the drug storage device. A medication dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0169] <Note 10> The dispensing processing unit receives a user operation to set the storage position of the dispensing container in the drug storage device for each drug, and generates dispensing data including the storage position information for each drug set in accordance with the user operation. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

[0170] <Note 11> The output processing unit outputs the medication distribution data to the operating terminal. The operating terminal determines whether the placement of each of the multiple packaging containers in the drug container is correct or incorrect based on the captured image of the drug container in which the multiple packaging containers are housed. A medication dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0171] <Note 12> A medication dispensing support system including a medication dispensing control device that controls a medication dispensing device that dispenses medications to be taken by a patient into individual dispensing containers according to the timing of administration, and a medication dispensing control device that generates dispensing data for placing the individual dispensing containers into a medication storage device, The aforementioned drug dispensing control device is A determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for which the dispensing container needs to be placed in the drug storage device, An output processing unit that outputs the prescription data to the drug dispensing control device if the prescription data is the prescription data to be contained, and outputs the prescription data to the drug packaging device if the prescription data is not the prescription data to be contained, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

[0172] <Note 13> A determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained in a dispensing container, and A drug dispensing processing unit that generates dispensing data including information for determining the correctness of the storage position of each of the multiple dispensing containers in the drug storage device, when the prescription data is the prescription data of the subject to be stored, A packaging processing unit that packages the drug into the packaging container based on the packaging data and displays an information code containing the information on the packaging container, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

[0173] <Note 14> To generate dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers containing the medication in a medication storage device, Outputting the aforementioned medication distribution data, A medication dispensing support method performed by one or more processors.

[0174] <Note 15> To generate dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers containing the medication in a medication storage device, Outputting the aforementioned medication distribution data, A medication dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to run.

[0175] <Note 16> A packaging sheet used in a drug packaging device that packages drugs according to the timing of administration, A packaging sheet used in a drug packaging device for packaging drugs to be taken by a user into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for packaging the individual packaging containers containing the drugs into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, based on medication data for packaging the drugs into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for displaying an information code on each individual packaging container that includes information for determining whether the placement of each individual packaging container in the drug packaging device is correct or incorrect. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1: Dispensing support device (an example of a drug packaging control device) 11: Control Unit 12: Data storage unit 111: Acquisition Processing Unit 112: Determination Processing Unit 113: Packaging Processing Section 2: Dispensing equipment 3: Drug dispensing device 31: Control Unit 32: Packaging printer 311: Acquisition Processing Unit 312: Packaging Processing Unit 4: Printer 5: Medication dispensing support device (an example of a medication dispensing control device) 51: Control Unit 52: Data storage unit 511: Acquisition Processing Unit 512: Medication Dispensing Department 513: Output Processing Unit 6: Mobile device (an example of an operating device) 61: Control Unit 62: Camera 7: Medicine dispenser 81: Medicine packaging (an example of a packaging container) 9: Medication container (an example of a drug storage device) 91: Chemical storage section 10: Medication distribution support system

Claims

1. A dispensing processing unit generates dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers in a medication storage device. An output processing unit that outputs the medication distribution data generated by the medication distribution processing unit, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

2. The output processing unit outputs the drug dispensing data to a drug dispensing device that dispenses the drug into the dispensing container. The drug packaging device packages the drugs into the packaging containers in the order of administration times included in the drug distribution data. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

3. The output processing unit outputs the dispensing data to a dispensing machine that places the dispensing container into the drug storage device. The dispensing machine stores the drug in one of the multiple storage compartments provided in the drug storage container, the storage compartment corresponding to the location information included in the dispensing data. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

4. If the input prescription data is prescription data for which the dispensing machine needs to store the packaging container in the drug storage device, the dispensing processing unit generates the dispensing data based on the prescription data. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 3.

5. The system includes a determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained in the dispensing container, and The output processing unit outputs the prescription data to the drug dispensing processing unit if the prescription data is the prescription data to be contained, and outputs the prescription data to the drug packaging device if the prescription data is not the prescription data to be contained. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 2.

6. The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication dispensing data for each of the medications included in the patient's prescription data, in which identification information of the medication container that contains the medication and the location information of the medication are set. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 3.

7. The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication data for dispensing medications to be taken by multiple users into the dispensing containers in pre-set medication groups for each administration period, and for storing the dispensing containers of the medication groups, each containing the packaged medication, into the medication storage device. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

8. The medication dispensing processing unit generates medication dispensing data that includes priority information setting priorities for the multiple patients, The dispensing machine that stores the aforementioned sachet containers in the drug storage device stores the sachet containers corresponding to each of the multiple users in the drug storage device, based on the priority order. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 7.

9. The drug dispensing processing unit generates the drug dispensing data based on a user operation that sets the method for storing the dispensing container in the drug storage device. A medication dispensing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The dispensing processing unit receives a user operation to set the storage position of the dispensing container in the drug storage device for each drug, and generates dispensing data including the storage position information for each drug set in accordance with the user operation. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

11. The output processing unit outputs the medication distribution data to the operating terminal. The operating terminal determines whether the placement of each of the multiple packaging containers in the drug container is correct or incorrect based on the captured image of the drug container in which the multiple packaging containers are housed. The medication dispensing support system according to claim 1.

12. A medication dispensing support system including a medication dispensing control device that controls a medication dispensing device that dispenses medications to be taken by a patient into individual dispensing containers according to the timing of administration, and a medication dispensing control device that generates dispensing data for placing the individual dispensing containers into a medication storage device, The aforementioned drug dispensing control device is A determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for which the dispensing container needs to be placed in the drug storage device, An output processing unit that outputs the prescription data to the drug dispensing control device if the prescription data is the prescription data to be contained, and outputs the prescription data to the drug packaging device if the prescription data is not the prescription data to be contained, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

13. A determination processing unit that determines whether the input prescription data is prescription data for a drug that needs to be contained in a dispensing container, and A drug dispensing processing unit that generates dispensing data including information for determining the correctness of the storage position of each of the multiple dispensing containers in the drug storage device, when the prescription data is the prescription data of the subject to be stored, A packaging processing unit that packages the drug into the packaging container based on the packaging data and displays an information code containing the information on the packaging container, A medication dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

14. To generate dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers containing the medication in a medication storage device, Outputting the aforementioned medication distribution data, A medication dispensing support method performed by one or more processors.

15. To generate dispensing data for dispensing medication into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for storing the individual packaging containers containing the medication in a medication storage device, Outputting the aforementioned medication distribution data, A medication dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to run.

16. A packaging sheet used in a drug packaging device that packages drugs according to the timing of administration, A packaging sheet used in a drug packaging device for packaging drugs to be taken by a user into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for packaging the individual packaging containers containing the drugs into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, based on medication data for packaging the drugs into individual packaging containers according to the timing of administration, and for displaying an information code on each individual packaging container that includes information for determining whether the placement of each individual packaging container in the drug packaging device is correct or incorrect.

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