Dispensing support system, dispensing support method, and dispensing support program

Abstract

To provide a dispensing support system, dispensing support method, and dispensing support program that can reduce the burden of dispensing work in pharmacies. [Solution] The dispensing support system comprises a distribution processing unit that distributes part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing facility capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy, and a first output processing unit that outputs the distribution results from the distribution processing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program.

Background Art

[0002] A system for supporting dispensing operations performed at a dispensing facility such as a pharmacy is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, there is a known system for managing and supporting dispensing by sending dispensing instructions to a dispensing device, a mobile terminal, etc. based on prescription data, or collecting information capable of grasping the progress of the dispensing operation from the dispensing device, the mobile terminal, etc.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, conventionally, when a pharmacy receives one piece of prescription data, the pharmacy is responsible for all of the dispensing of the prescription data. Therefore, for example, when the amount of prescription data received by the pharmacy increases, there arises a problem that the burden of the dispensing operation at the pharmacy increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program capable of reducing the burden of the dispensing operation at a pharmacy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A dispensing support system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a distribution processing unit and a first output processing unit. The distribution processing unit distributes part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing facility capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy. The first output processing unit outputs the distribution results from the distribution processing unit.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a dispensing support method in which one or more processors distribute a portion or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing facility capable of performing a portion or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy, and outputs the distribution result of the dispensing based on the prescription data.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: to allocate part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing facility capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy, and to output the distribution results of the dispensing based on the prescription data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program that can reduce the burden of dispensing work in pharmacies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of the steps of a dispensing support process performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a dispensing support process performed in a dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a dispensing support process executed in a dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a dispensing support process executed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of a dispensing support process executed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are an example of embodying the present invention and do not have the character of limiting the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Dispensing Support System 10] As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing support system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a plurality of pharmacies and a dispensing center capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests (commissions) from each pharmacy. Each pharmacy is a facility that dispenses medications based on patient prescription data. The dispensing center is a facility (corresponding to the dispensing facility of the present invention) that can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data and dispense medications based on those requests. In the dispensing support system 10 shown in Figure 1, a plurality of pharmacies and one dispensing center capable of receiving dispensing requests from each of the plurality of pharmacies are shown as examples, but the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of one pharmacy and one dispensing center. Alternatively, the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of a plurality of dispensing centers and a plurality of pharmacies associated with each dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing support system 10 includes a plurality of dispensing centers, each pharmacy is assigned a specific dispensing center. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of pharmacies included in the dispensing support system 10 may function as the dispensing center. For example, a first pharmacy may receive a dispensing request from a second pharmacy and dispense the medication. In other words, the dispensing facility of the present invention includes a facility (pharmacy, hospital, etc.) that dispenses medication based on prescription data.

[0013] The dispensing support system 10 performs the dispensing process for medications at either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, or both. The general flow of the dispensing process will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0014] When a patient visits any pharmacy A, they register at pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the patient's insurance card information (patient information), medical questionnaire, medication record book, etc., and then obtains the patient's prescription information (prescription data). For example, pharmacy A obtains the patient's prescription data from a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal. Alternatively, pharmacy A may obtain prescription data by having a pharmacy staff member input (register) the information into a terminal device after receiving a paper prescription from the patient.

[0015] The pharmacist at Pharmacy A decides whether to dispense the medication prescribed to the patient within Pharmacy A or at a dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist decides where to dispense the medication (Pharmacy A or dispensing center) based on factors such as whether the medication is needed immediately by the patient, the patient's request, and whether they want to receive the medication immediately.

[0016] When a pharmacist decides to have all medications included in a patient's prescription data dispensed at a dispensing center, Pharmacy A requests the dispensing center to dispense the prescription data. Based on the dispensing request from Pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses all medications included in the prescription data. Once the dispensing and inspection are complete, the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medications to Pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications, Pharmacy A inspects them and, if there are no problems, hands them over to the patient. Pharmacy A may hand over the medications to the patient when they return to the pharmacy, or it may deliver them to the patient's home or the patient's residence (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Alternatively, the dispensing center may deliver the dispensed medications directly to the patient's home or residence.

[0017] On the other hand, if a pharmacist decides to dispense all the medications included in the patient's prescription data at Pharmacy A, Pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense all the medications included in the prescription data. Once Pharmacy A has completed dispensing and verification, it will hand over the dispensed medications to the patient.

[0018] Furthermore, the dispensing support system 10 can also dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications at the pharmacy. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications M2 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense medications M2 and request the dispensing center to dispense medications M1. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M2, it will hand over the dispensed medications M2 to the patient. The dispensing center will also dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once the dispensing center has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M1, it will deliver the dispensed medications M1 to pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications M1, pharmacy A will perform inspections and, if there are no problems, will hand over the medications M1 to the patient. Furthermore, if videos of the dispensing, inspection, and packaging processes within the dispensing center related to drug M1 are stored in association with drug M1, a pharmacist or staff member at pharmacy A may perform the inspection (verification) by reviewing these videos. Patients may receive only drug M2 upon arrival at the pharmacy and receive drug M1 at a later date, or they may receive both drug M1 and M2 together after drug M1 has been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0019] In this way, pharmacies distribute some or all of the prescription data to either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, and the dispensing center dispenses the medications upon receiving a dispensing request from the pharmacy.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment includes a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 that supports the dispensing sorting operations at a pharmacy, and a center-side dispensing support device 5 that supports dispensing operations at a dispensing center.

[0021] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which is located in conjunction with each pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5, which is located in conjunction with the dispensing center, are connected to each other via a network N0. Network N0 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet. In this embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 is located within the dispensing center. In another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may be located outside the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be located outside the dispensing center. In yet another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be configured as a single device (server).

[0022] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] Figure 2 illustrates a single pharmacy, A. Pharmacy A is equipped with a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, an in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and multiple dispensing machines 1B. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, the in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and the dispensing machines 1B are connected via a network N1. Network N1 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet.

[0023] Dispensing device 1B is a device that dispenses medicines based on prescription data (e.g., packaging data) input from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. Dispensing device 1B is, for example, a medicine packaging device that can package medicines in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data. The medicine packaging device is either a tablet packaging machine for packaging tablets or a powder packaging machine for packaging powders. Specifically, the tablet packaging machine has multiple drug cassettes containing multiple types of tablets and performs a packaging operation in which it dispenses tablets from the drug cassettes according to the prescription data and packages them in individual packets according to the timing of administration. The powder packaging machine also performs a packaging operation in which it packages the input powder in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data.

[0024] Pharmacy terminal 1A is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. Pharmacists in pharmacy A use pharmacy terminal 1A to check prescription data and allocate prescriptions for dispensing. If the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within pharmacy A, pharmacy terminal 1A may also have the functions of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and pharmacy terminal 1A are examples of operating terminals of the present invention.

[0025] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) equipped with a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a drive device 16. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 alone may constitute the dispensing support system according to the present invention. Furthermore, a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal for inputting prescription data to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, may be connected to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 via a network N1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may also be configured to allow prescription data to be input using the operation unit 15 or a pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0026] The communication interface 13 is a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N1, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 1B, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc., connected via network N1. The communication interface 13 is also a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with center-side dispensing support device 5, etc., connected via network N0.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as 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.

[0028] The 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. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a dispensing support program that causes the control unit 11 to execute the dispensing support processing described later (see Figures 5 and 6, etc.).

[0029] 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. Then, in the pharmacy-side 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 storage unit 12.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119. The control unit 11 functions as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119 by executing various processes in accordance with the dispensing support program.

[0031] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient. When the pharmacy staff inputs the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire the prescription data from the higher-level system based on the patient information.

[0032] In another embodiment, when a pharmacy staff member receives a paper prescription from a patient, the pharmacy staff member operates the in-pharmacy terminal 1A to input (register) the contents of the prescription (prescription information). In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the pharmacy staff member may input the contents of the prescription into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by operating the operation unit 15.

[0033] In another embodiment, if a patient takes a picture of a paper prescription with a camera on their own operating terminal and sends the captured prescription image to pharmacy A (pharmacy terminal 1A), the pharmacy staff inputs the contents of the prescription based on the prescription image obtained from the operating terminal. In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0034] When the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the prescription data, it displays the prescription details on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Figure 3 shows an example of a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including the prescription details. When the pharmacist presses the "View Details" button on the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including detailed information about the prescription, as shown in Figure 4.

[0035] The pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the patient's medication record book, patient information (allergies, drug side effects, etc.), medical questionnaire, etc., and interviews the patient about their symptoms, etc., and registers the confirmed information. The registered information is stored as the patient's medication history information. The pharmacist also checks the contents of the prescription data (prescription details) acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111. The pharmacist can also check the prescription data on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medication to be prescribed this time is safe for the patient to take. Specifically, the pharmacist performs a prescription check of past prescription history, allergy history, side effect history, drug interactions, and medication dosage. The above prescription check may be performed automatically on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Once the above prescription check is completed, the prescription details are provisionally finalized.

[0036] The reception processing unit 112 receives requests from pharmacists to allocate prescription data for dispensing. For example, the pharmacist checks the prescription details and determines whether it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, if the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if the patient has a chronic disease, and the prescribed medication is a medication for chronic diseases, and it is the same medication as one prescribed in the past, and there is still some of the previous prescription left, the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center for the current prescription.

[0037] The pharmacist, based on their own judgment, enters into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not they can request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0038] Furthermore, the pharmacist may confirm the patient's request and determine whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. For example, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A wishes to receive their prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. On the other hand, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A agrees that it is acceptable to receive their prescribed medication at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0039] The pharmacist, based on the patient's request, inputs into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0040] The reception processing unit 112 receives the input operation performed by the pharmacist. For example, on the display screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" or "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" button, the reception processing unit 112 receives the operation. The pharmacist presses "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" if they determine that it is possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, and presses "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" if they determine that it is not possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0041] Here, if the prescription data includes multiple medications, the pharmacist can also determine and input whether or not it is possible to request dispensing of each medication from the dispensing center. For example, if of the four medications M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, medications M2 and M4 are immediately needed by the patient, but medications M1 and M3 are not, the pharmacist can determine that it is possible to request dispensing of medications M1 and M3 from the dispensing center, but not M2 and M4.

[0042] The distribution processing unit 113 performs a distribution process to allocate some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 performs the distribution process based on the input operation (user operation) by the pharmacist. For example, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to the dispensing center. If the pharmacist determines that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0043] Furthermore, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, but that it is not possible to request the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M1 and M3) to the dispensing center and the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M2 and M4) to pharmacy A. In addition, the distribution processing unit 113 may, at the discretion of the user (pharmacist, etc.) (instruction operation), distribute the dispensing of a portion of the drugs in the prescription data to the dispensing center and the dispensing of the remaining drugs in the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0044] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 refers to the current inventory status of the dispensing center and distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the inventory amount of drugs included in the prescription data is equal to or greater than the total prescription amount. Here, the inventory number in the inventory status is not limited to the actual number of drugs currently stored at the dispensing center, but may also include the planned number of drugs that are scheduled to arrive at the dispensing center. In other words, based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the drugs included in the prescription data can be secured at the dispensing center.

[0045] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the scheduled delivery date (scheduled delivery date to the pharmacy or patient's home) (delivery date) of the dispensed medication when a request for dispensing is made to the dispensing center. For example, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is before the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to the dispensing center. Conversely, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is after the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0046] Thus, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the pharmacist's judgment (the input operation) and information related to dispensing operations at the dispensing center (inventory status, delivery information, etc.). The distribution processing unit 113 is an example of the distribution processing unit of the present invention. The control unit 11 outputs the distribution result from the distribution processing unit 113.

[0047] If the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the prescription data to pharmacy A, dispensing takes place within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 1B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 1B. This results in drug packages containing the medications to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing process by the dispensing device 1B is complete, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured images. Once the inspection of the medications is complete, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medications to the patient.

[0048] The suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center. Specifically, the suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center based on the drug inventory status at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 also displays the suggestion information to the pharmacist on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0049] For example, if a drug that the user is requesting to be dispensed at the dispensing center is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of that drug is available at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest substituting the drug with the generic version and allocating the prescription to the dispensing center. For example, if the drug in the prescription data is a drug available at pharmacy A but not at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 may also suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center if pharmacy A does not have the drug in stock, or it may suggest the generic version regardless of whether pharmacy A has the drug in stock or not.

[0050] Furthermore, the drug in the prescription data may be a generic drug. In this case, for example, if the generic drug X1 included in the prescription data cannot be secured at the dispensing center, but a generic drug X2 from another company having the same active ingredient and the same efficacy and effects as generic drug X1 can be secured at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest distributing the drug to the dispensing center (requesting dispensing of generic drug X2). In other words, the first drug of the present invention may be an original drug or a generic drug.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest distributing the medication to the dispensing center if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet). For example, if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A needs to perform splitting work such as cutting in half, but the dispensing center can secure whole tablets that do not require splitting work, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest how to distribute the dispensing of a drug depending on the type of drug included in the prescription data. For example, if the prescription data includes a prescription for 5 mg of one type of drug M1, and pharmacy A can dispense 10 mg whole tablets divided into 5 mg tablets, and the dispensing center can dispense 5 mg whole tablets, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest which whole tablets of drug M1 can be dispensed at the dispensing center. In the above example, the suggestion processing unit 114 may also suggest that for a prescription of 5 mg of drug M1, pharmacy A can choose to dispense 10 mg whole tablets divided, or the dispensing center can dispense 5 mg whole tablets (it may also accept a selection operation).

[0053] Furthermore, for example, if the prescription data includes multiple types of medications (medications M1 to M4), and while pharmacy A can secure whole tablets of medications M1 and M2, medications M3 and M4 cannot be secured at pharmacy A and can be secured at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest that the user can choose whether or not to dispense each medication separately (it may accept the user's selection operation), or it may suggest distributing all medications together to the dispensing center.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, if the prescription data includes a prescription for drug M1 in 5mg doses, and pharmacy A only uses (registers in master) 10mg tablets of drug M1, then the order for drug M1 in the prescription computer will be "Drug M1 10mg 0.5 tablets". Therefore, for example, when requesting (outsourcing) the dispensing of drug M1 to a dispensing center, the information "Drug M1 10mg 0.5 tablets" will be registered in the pharmacy terminal 1A, and the dispensing request will be sent to the dispensing center. Here, if Pharmacy A is aware of the inventory status of the dispensing center, and for example has both "Medicine M1 10mg" and "Medicine M1 5mg" in stock, and the dispensing center is able to dispense "Medicine M1 10mg" in half tablets (5mg) and also dispense "Medicine M1 10mg" as whole tablets, the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5) may notify Pharmacy A (pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1) that it is possible to dispense either "5mg whole tablets" or "split tablets (half tablets) made by dividing 10mg into 5mg" for Medicine M1. The suggestion processing unit 114 may then suggest, based on the notification, that either "5mg whole tablets" or "split tablets (half tablets) made by dividing 10mg into 5mg" can be selected. The pharmacist at Pharmacy A may, depending on the patient's request, choose either "5mg whole tablets" or "half tablets of 10mg" and request (contract) the dispensing center to dispense Medicine M1.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, if the prescription data includes a prescription for drug M1 in 5mg doses, and the dispensing center has other drugs M2 and M3 in its inventory that have the same active ingredient and the same efficacy as drug M1, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest that the pharmacist select one of the following drugs to request (contract) from the dispensing center: "drug M1 5mg", "drug M2 5mg", or "drug M3 5mg". The pharmacist at pharmacy A then decides which drug to request from the dispensing center to dispense from among drugs M1, M2, and M3.

[0056] In this way, the suggestion processing unit 114 suggests alternative medications that can be dispensed at the dispensing center for the medications in the prescription data.

[0057] If the pharmacist accepts the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the medication to the dispensing center.

[0058] Furthermore, if the dispensing center cannot secure the aforementioned substitute drug, or if the pharmacist does not accept the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the aforementioned drug to pharmacy A. The proposal processing unit 114 is an example of the proposal processing unit of the present invention.

[0059] The dispensing display processing unit 115 outputs dispensing information for one or more drugs included in the prescription data to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays a screen containing information related to dispensing. For example, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A a screen for confirming prescription data and drugs to be requested to the dispensing center, a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output), a screen for confirming various forms, a screen showing an image of the packaged product, a screen showing an image of the medication calendar and medication tray, etc. The pharmacist, for example, confirms the contents to be requested to the dispensing center and executes the dispensing request. The information displayed by the dispensing display processing unit 115 is an example of the distribution result. The dispensing display processing unit 115 is an example of the second output processing unit of the present invention.

[0060] The request processing unit 116 requests dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist performs an operation to make a dispensing request, the request processing unit 116 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). The dispensing request includes patient information, prescription data and information about the medication to be dispensed, and information about the scheduled delivery date (desired delivery date). The request processing unit 116 may output the dispensing request to the dispensing center individually for each patient, or it may output the dispensing requests of multiple patients aggregated at a predetermined timing to the dispensing center all at once. The dispensing request is an example of the distribution result. The request processing unit 116 is an example of the first output processing unit of the present invention. When the dispensing center receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it performs dispensing.

[0061] When the request processing unit 116 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, the progress display processing unit 117 outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of at least one of the following on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A: dispensing of the medicine corresponding to the dispensing request, and delivery of the dispensed medicine dispensed at the dispensing center. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can check the progress of dispensing as needed to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can also check the delivery status of the dispensed medicine as needed to confirm whether it is being delivered as scheduled. The progress display processing unit 117 is an example of the third output processing unit of the present invention.

[0062] Here, for example, if, after the dispensing request has been output to the dispensing center, there is an error in the request details, a change (prescription modification), or the dispensing request is no longer needed, the pharmacist can modify or cancel the dispensing request. In this case, the modification processing unit 118 outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request or a cancellation instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). For example, if the modification processing unit 118 receives a modification operation for the request details included in the dispensing request, it outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the modification instruction from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it executes processing according to the modification instruction.

[0063] The aforementioned modification operations include at least one of the following: modifying the prescription details in the prescription data; modifying the delivery destination of the dispensed medication dispensed at the dispensing center; and modifying the scheduled delivery date of the dispensed medication. Furthermore, the operations to modify the prescription details include changing the dosage form, changing the content specifications, changing to unit-dose packaging, changing to generic drugs, etc.

[0064] The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether there is an abnormality (problem) in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. For example, when dispensing is performed at the dispensing center in response to the dispensing request and the dispensed medicine is delivered to pharmacy A, the staff or pharmacist at pharmacy A perform receiving and inspection work, and check the medicine. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medicine has been dispensed according to the request to the dispensing center. Specifically, the pharmacist checks the medicine (checks the quantity, type, etc.) and checks the dispensing results and evidence information at the dispensing center. In addition, pharmacy A can refer to the final inspection certificate issued by the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 can obtain the final inspection certificate from the center-side dispensing support device 5 based on the prescription data and display it on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. The pharmacist inputs whether there is a problem with the dispensed medicine at the center terminal 5A. The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center, based on the input operations of the inspection results by the staff and pharmacists. Since the medicines delivered to pharmacy A are medicines that have undergone final inspection at the dispensing center, non-pharmacists (staff) may perform the confirmation (inspection) of the medicines at pharmacy A. Furthermore, pharmacy A may omit the confirmation (approval) of evidence information and dispensing information for all medicines. For example, the staff or pharmacists at pharmacy A may perform confirmation of receipt and inspection of dispensed medicines, and omit the confirmation of evidence information and dispensing information for the medicines. The judgment processing unit 119 is an example of the judgment processing unit of the present invention.

[0065] If there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center, the request processing unit 116 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center, instructing them to perform dispensing again based on the prescription data. Specifically, the request processing unit 116 makes a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's instructions. The request processing unit 116 may also output a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. The predetermined deadline is, for example, the date the patient starts taking the medication or the date the patient requests to receive the medication. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline, the control unit 11 will instruct the dispensing center to perform the dispensing of the requested medication at pharmacy A.

[0066] If there are no abnormalities in the dispensing at the dispensing center, the pharmacist hands over the medication to the patient. The pharmacist also provides medication guidance when handing over the medication. The pharmacist may also provide medication guidance on the day the patient submits the prescription. Furthermore, the medication guidance may be conducted online. For example, the patient may connect their own device to the pharmacy terminal 1A via the network and receive medication guidance from a pharmacist operating the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0067] In the above configuration, the request processing unit 116, the dispensing display processing unit 115, and the progress display processing unit 117 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A). Furthermore, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, and the correction processing unit 118 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A).

[0068] [Pharmacy support device 5 on the center side] The center-side dispensing support device 5 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) that includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a drive device 56.

[0069] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N5, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 5B, in-center terminals 5A, etc., connected via the network N5. The communication interface 53 is also a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, etc., connected via the network N0.

[0070] The control unit 51 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the center-side dispensing support device 5 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as 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.

[0071] The 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. Specifically, the storage unit 52 stores control programs that cause the control unit 51 to execute predetermined processes.

[0072] The drive device 56 is capable of reading the control program from a computer-readable recording medium 57 on which the control program is recorded. The recording medium 57 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. Then, in the center-side dispensing support device 5, the control unit 51 installs the control program read from the recording medium 57 by the drive device 56 into the storage unit 52. The control unit 51 then executes various processes according to the control program.

[0073] For example, when the control unit 51 receives a dispensing request for prescription data from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it performs dispensing in accordance with the dispensing request.

[0074] For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on prescription data corresponding to a dispensing request obtained from pharmacy A, and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 5B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 5B. This results in drug packages containing the medication to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing work by the dispensing device 5B is completed, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured image. The pharmacist also registers evidence information related to dispensing and inspection. This evidence information is registered in association with the prescription data. When the final inspection is performed, the control unit 51 issues a certificate (final inspection certificate) to confirm that the final inspection has been performed, and stores the final inspection certificate in the storage unit 52 in association with the corresponding prescription data. Furthermore, once the drug inspection is complete, the delivery person places the drug packets into the corresponding drug bags for pharmacy A. The delivery person then proceeds with the delivery of the drug bags to pharmacy A or the patient's home. The delivery person ensures that the deliveries arrive on the scheduled delivery date included in the dispensing request.

[0075] Here, the dispensing center can receive dispensing requests from each of the multiple pharmacies, and each time a dispensing request is received, dispensing is carried out within the dispensing center. In this way, when the dispensing center handles a portion of the dispensing operations for multiple pharmacies, it is required to perform dispensing operations efficiently. For this reason, the dispensing center includes, for example, a space for receiving and registering dispensing requests, a space for receiving medicines, a storage space for storing received medicines, a dispensing space for dispensing using dispensing equipment 5B, a transport space for transporting dispensed medicines, an inspection space for inspecting dispensed medicines, and a delivery space for shipping inspected medicines, and the operations in each space are carried out in coordination.

[0076] The dispensing support device 5 on the center side supports a series of operations at the dispensing center by assisting with the dispensing process, as well as the receiving process of medicines, the receiving process of storing the received medicines in storage shelves, the transport process of transporting dispensed medicines within the dispensing center, and the delivery process of delivering dispensed medicines.

[0077] Furthermore, the dispensing support system 10 is configured to allow the dispensing center to receive dispensing requests from each of multiple pharmacies. For example, if each pharmacy uses an input format to input the destination (pharmacy, dispensing center) for dispensing each drug in the prescription data, the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5) may be configured to link with the input format of each pharmacy. For example, the center-side dispensing support device 5 can acquire data (dispensing requests) entered into different input formats for each pharmacy. Also, the input format may be set in advance at the dispensing center. In this case, each pharmacy (pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1) may be configured to link with the input format of the dispensing center. For example, each pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 can input dispensing requests into a common input format, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 can acquire dispensing requests entered into the common input format from each pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1.

[0078] [Dispensing process in dispensing support system 10] Referring to Figure 5, an example of the dispensing process performed in the dispensing support system 10 will be explained. Here, an overview of the overall dispensing process at pharmacy A and the dispensing center will be described.

[0079] <Step S101> First, in step S101, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0080] <Step S102> In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to either a pharmacy or a dispensing center, or both. The control unit 11 determines the distribution destination of the prescription based on the pharmacist's judgment or the prescription data. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to the dispensing center, it moves the process to step S103. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to pharmacy A, it moves the process to step S121.

[0081] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the prescription data. For example, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for the entire prescription data to the dispensing center. Alternatively, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of only some of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for those specific medications to the dispensing center.

[0082] <Step S104> In step S104, when the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it executes the dispensing process for the medication based on the dispensing request. For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 5B. At the dispensing center, dispensing of medications and inspection of dispensed medications are carried out.

[0083] <Step S105> Step S105 involves the dispensing center carrying out the procedure for delivering the dispensed medication. For example, once the dispensing center's delivery staff has completed the inspection of the dispensed medication, they proceed with the procedure for delivering the medication (medication bag) to pharmacy A.

[0084] <Step S106> In step S106, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist receives the medication delivered from the dispensing center and performs inspections, etc.

[0085] <Step S107> In step S107, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and dispenses the medication.

[0086] In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the medication to pharmacy A, and in step S121, it performs the dispensing process within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing device 1B. At pharmacy A, dispensing of medications and inspection of the dispensed medications are performed (S122). Then, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medication (S107).

[0087] When the control unit 11 distributes a portion of the dispensed medication to the dispensing center and distributes the other portion to the dispensing center, it executes the processes in steps S103 to S107 and steps S121 to S122 in parallel. In this way, when a portion or all of the dispensed medication based on prescription data is distributed to the dispensing center at pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A and delivers it to the patient.

[0088] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1: Dispensing support processing (dispensing allocation processing)] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to a pharmacy (here, pharmacy A). 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 pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to perform the dispensing support method.

[0089] <Step S1> First, in step S1, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0090] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A (see Figure 3). For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the current prescription details and the previous prescription details for the patient. When the pharmacist presses the "Check Details" button to check the details of the prescription details, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen including detailed information of the prescription details (see Figure 4). In another embodiment, if multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. An example of the integration process (see Figure 23) will be described later.

[0091] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 performs the determination process based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center on a prescription data basis.

[0092] For example, if a pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), they determine that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist determines that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. In this case, the pharmacist performs an operation to register pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, the pharmacist presses the "Dispensing in Pharmacy" button. When the control unit 11 sees that the pharmacist has registered pharmacy A as the destination, it determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (it will be requested to pharmacy A) (S3: No). When the control unit 11 determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: No), it distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A and moves the process to step S31.

[0093] <Step S31> In step S31, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 confirms that all the medications included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0094] In response to this, in step S3, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: Yes), it moves the process to step S4 and distributes the dispensing according to the drugs included in the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as a candidate for dispensing center outsourcing" button, it determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S4.

[0095] When a pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center" button, the control unit 11 registers the prescription data as candidate data to be requested to the dispensing center. Figure 7 shows the candidate list screen (candidate data list screen) which displays a list of the candidate data. On the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, when a pharmacist selects a candidate for the dispensing request from the list of candidate data and presses the "Confirm Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the candidate details screen (candidate data details screen) which includes the details of the prescription content of the dispensing request to be requested to the dispensing center, as shown in Figure 8.

[0096] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 11 determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0097] For example, if a pharmacist determines that none of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A agrees that they can receive all medications at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. When the pharmacist determines that they can request the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data from the dispensing center, they perform an operation to register the dispensing center as the destination for the prescription data. For example, on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button. When the control unit 11 receives the pharmacist's operation to register the dispensing center as the destination, it distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4) and moves the process to step S5.

[0098] For example, if a pharmacist determines that some of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request pharmacy A to dispense those medications and the dispensing center to dispense the other medications. If the pharmacist determines that the dispensing center can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data, they perform an operation to register the dispensing destinations for the prescription data as the dispensing center and the pharmacy. For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the pharmacist performs an operation to select the medications to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0099] For example, if a pharmacist decides to have drugs M1 and M3 dispensed at the dispensing center and drugs M2 and M4 dispensed at pharmacy A from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, they delete the information for drugs M2 and M4 to be dispensed at pharmacy A from the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8 and press the "Register" button. Figure 9 shows the candidate details screen (consignment candidate data details screen) with the information for drugs M2 and M4 deleted. As a result, the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 to pharmacy A. The control unit 11 also updates the prescription data to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0100] The prescription data registered in the candidate data includes only information on medications dispensed at the dispensing center, and does not include information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A. By removing information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A from the prescription data (request data) sent to the dispensing center in this way, it is possible to prevent duplicate dispensing at both the dispensing center and pharmacy A. The control unit 11 may also compare the information on medications allocated to pharmacy A with the information on medications allocated to the dispensing center, and if the information matches, it may notify the pharmacist of a warning.

[0101] Furthermore, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 may output in a way that allows identification of the drugs that have been allocated to the dispensing center from among the multiple drugs included in the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display fields, or it may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display modes.

[0102] <Step S42> When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S4), in step S42 it confirms that the dispensing of those drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A. In the example above, the control unit 11 confirms that drugs M2 and M4 included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0103] <Step S5> When the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4), in step S5, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for all medications M1 to M4 (see Figure 8) included in the prescription data. Alternatively, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for medications M1 and M3 (see Figure 9) included in the prescription data. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S6.

[0104] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 provisionally confirms a dispensing request to the dispensing center, it notifies the dispensing center of information regarding the medication to be dispensed and secures (provisionally reserves) the required number of the medication. When the dispensing center's center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the notification from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it allocates the required number (stock) of the medication. In this way, by allocating (securing) the stock of the medication at the dispensing center at the stage when the dispensing request (consignment) of the medication to the dispensing center is provisionally confirmed, it is possible to prevent the medication from running out of stock between the time the dispensing request is provisionally confirmed and the actual dispensing request is made to the dispensing center.

[0105] Furthermore, the dispensing support device 5 on the center side may determine the lot number of the drug to be allocated when it receives the aforementioned notification from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side. For example, the dispensing support device 5 on the center side checks the expiration date of the drug to be prescribed based on information such as the scheduled date of drug dispensing request (consignment) and prescription start date, and secures a lot number that will not expire. This prevents a situation where the dispensing center is unable to dispense a drug because the drug for which inventory has been allocated in advance has expired.

[0106] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether the drug to be dispensed at the dispensing center is available at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the current inventory status of the drugs stored at the dispensing center and determines whether the inventory quantity of the drug to be dispensed is equal to or greater than the total prescription quantity. The control unit 11 also determines whether the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center.

[0107] The control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center and the inventory of the drug is equal to or greater than the total prescribed quantity (S6:Yes). Conversely, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S61 if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center but the inventory of the drug is less than the total prescribed quantity (S6:No).

[0108] <Step S61> In step S61, the control unit 11 determines whether a substitute drug for the drug to be dispensed has been approved. For example, if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of the drug is available at the dispensing center, the control unit 11 proposes substituting the generic drug for the drug and distributing the drug to the dispensing center.

[0109] For example, if pharmacy A uses drug M3 from company X, and the dispensing center uses drug Y as a generic version of drug M3, the control unit 11 will suggest a generic drug that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 will suggest an alternative drug (for example, drug M3 from company Y) on the suggestion screen (details of candidate drug data) that displays information on candidate drugs to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center. Alternatively, if pharmacy A uses a generic version of drug M3 from company P, and the dispensing center uses a generic version of drug M3 from company Q, the control unit 11 may suggest a generic version of drug Q that can be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0110] Furthermore, regarding a drug to be dispensed, if pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet), the control unit 11 will propose to allocate the dispensing of the drug to the dispensing center. For example, regarding drug M1, if pharmacy A requires splitting by cutting the tablet in half, and the dispensing center can secure whole tablets of drug M1 that do not require splitting, the control unit 11 will propose whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 will propose an alternative drug (for example, drug M1 in 0.5 mg (1 tablet)) on a screen (proposal screen) that displays information on candidate drugs to be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 may accept an operation to select whether pharmacy A should dispense whole tablets of 1 mg at pharmacy A, or whether the dispensing center should dispense whole tablets of 0.5 mg at the dispensing center. In this case, the pharmacist selects the dispensing location (pharmacy A or dispensing center) for drug M1. If the prescription data includes multiple types of drugs, the control unit 11 may also accept the operation to select the dispensing location (pharmacy A or dispensing center) for each drug. Furthermore, for a prescription of drug M1 in 0.5 mg (1 tablet), the control unit 11 may also accept the operation to select whether the dispensing center dispenses 1 mg whole tablets or 0.5 mg whole tablets.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 may display the proposed drug (alternative drug) in an identifiable manner on the proposal screen.

[0112] When a pharmacist receives a suggestion for an alternative medication, they confirm with the patient whether or not to accept the suggestion. If the pharmacist accepts the suggestion for an alternative medication, they press the "Register" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the requested medication has been accepted (S61: Yes) and proceeds to step S7.

[0113] On the other hand, if the pharmacist does not accept the suggestion of an alternative medication, they press the "Close" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the medication requested for dispensing was not accepted (S61: Yes), and distributes the dispensing of the medication to pharmacy A, after which the process moves to step S62.

[0114] <Step S62> In step S62, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32.

[0115] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 11 determines the prescription data or medications to be requested from the dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing center can secure all the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines all the medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require dispensing) for some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications (alternative medications) to be requested for dispensing.

[0116] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 11 edits the prescription data (request data) to be sent to the dispensing center for dispensing. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output) (see Figure 11), a screen for checking various forms, a screen showing the image of the packaged products, and a screen showing the images of the medication calendar and medication tray. The pharmacist checks each of these screens and makes corrections if necessary.

[0117] Furthermore, when a pharmacist presses the "Edit Prescription" button on any of the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8-10, the control unit 11 can accept the editing operation for the prescription content on the editing screen (prescription editing screen) shown in Figure 12. When the pharmacist completes the editing operation and presses the "Issue Prescription" button, the control unit 11 updates the prescription data to be requested from the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0118] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the request data for the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center, the contents of each screen, etc., and if there are no problems, registers the request data. As a result, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center and moves the process to step S10.

[0119] Here, the control unit 11 may be equipped with the following functions to ensure the reliability of the pharmacy's request for part or all of the dispensing to the dispensing center. For example, as a first function, the control unit 11 may be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy staff (pharmacist, etc.) have applied to the dispensing center in advance (notified, reported, etc.) that these tasks have been completed, and to perform prescription review and necessary inquiries at the pharmacy.

[0120] Furthermore, as a second function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that face-to-face medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0121] Furthermore, as a third function, the control unit 11 may also have a function to check whether it has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that online medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0122] Furthermore, as a fourth function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received a paper copy of the prescription from the patient.

[0123] Furthermore, as a fifth function, the control unit 11 may also include a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received the electronic prescription data.

[0124] Furthermore, as a sixth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for any details (legal or contractual details) that would prevent the dispensing center from accepting a dispensing request from a pharmacy. In addition, the control unit 11 may include a function for mutual approval between the pharmacy and the dispensing center in the case of a post-check.

[0125] Furthermore, as a seventh function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to notify an alert if the deadline exceeds the predetermined number of days, even if the above-mentioned various applications are not made when the pharmacy sends request data to the dispensing center (when requesting dispensing), in order to allow applications to be made within a predetermined number of days after the dispensing request.

[0126] Furthermore, as an eighth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for consistency between the contents of the request data (contents of the dispensing request) and the contents of the dispensed product, and a function to notify the user of any discrepancies.

[0127] In step S9, the control unit 11 may execute processing (request check processing) corresponding to each of the functions. The control unit 11 may also be able to accept selection operations to enable or disable each of the functions. For example, if a pharmacy performs the above check processing before outputting a dispensing request to the dispensing center, the pharmacist or staff of the pharmacy performs setting operations to enable each of the functions. As a result, the control unit 11 executes the enabled functions for the confirmed dispensing request.

[0128] Figure 6B shows an example of the procedure for the request checking process. In step S91 of Figure 6B, the control unit 11 displays a list of confirmed dispensing requests (the candidate list screen in Figure 7). Next, in step S92, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are any changes to the content of the dispensing request. If there are changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: Yes), the control unit 11 modifies the dispensing request in step S921 in response to the modification operation by the pharmacist or other person. If there are no changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: No), the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request in step S93.

[0129] Next, in step S94, the control unit 11 checks the laws or contracts, and in step S95, it determines whether there are any changes. If the check has not been performed, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any changes in order to prompt the check.

[0130] Here, the item that confirms the dispensing request in step S93 is defined as "the ability to confirm that the dispensing can be accepted." It is desirable for the pharmacy to take precautions to ensure that the request is not overlooked by the dispensing center, such as whether prior consultation regarding potential issues or checks for drug interactions have been performed.

[0131] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether to check each of the following items as check items to prompt "approval that pharmaceutical analysis has been completed in advance": "analysis and evaluation of patient information, etc.", "pharmaceutical analysis based on prescription, prescribed drug, and patient information", and "inquiries (including inquiries and prescription changes as needed) and responses to prescription changes".

[0132] For example, the control unit 11 may also indicate: "Rp.1 Glycoran Tablets 250mg, 3 tablets per day: OK for typical diabetic patients," and "Renal function decline 30ml / min / 1.73m 2 The following is a check to determine whether the "Contraindications for Administration" box is checked. In this case, the patient's renal function test values ​​should be inquired about with the prescribing physician. If the values ​​are 30 ml or less, it will be necessary to discontinue the medication or to consult with the physician about alternative medications that can be administered and to suggest a prescription.

[0133] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the checkbox for "Rp.1 Febuxostat tablets: Often prescribed to patients with gout" is checked. For instance, suppose the patient was taking azathioprine 50mg tablets for a chronic illness at another pharmacy. In this case, there would be no problem if the dispensing center simply dispensed Febuxostat tablets, but if the patient was also taking azathioprine, then drug interaction contraindications, prescription inquiries, and prescription suggestions would be necessary.

[0134] If there are any changes (S95: Yes), the control unit 11 performs a check in step S951. Alternatively, after pointing out any missed checks in step S951 and requesting checks, the control unit 11 may output an image of the dispensed product ("virtual" screen) to the screen for confirmation and approval. For example, the control unit 11 may display a more realistic image on the screen, such as a virtual or 3D representation, of the package size, the color of the lines drawn on the package paper, or, in the case of a liquid medication bottle, its image. This prevents problems with the final packaging later on, whether the product is delivered directly to the patient's home or to a pharmacy. For example, if a check item is not checked, the control unit 11 determines that the check has not been performed; if a check is performed, it determines that the pharmacist has approved the inspection and pharmaceutical analysis results.

[0135] If there are no changes in step S95 (S95: No), the control unit 11 inputs "checked" in step S96. Then, in step S97, the control unit 11 creates prescription data to be output to the dispensing center. After step S97, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S10 in Figure 6A.

[0136] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (prescription data) to the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist selects the prescription data to be dispensed on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7 and presses the "Execute Dispensing" button, the control unit 11 displays the screen shown in Figure 13 (execution screen). On the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 displays information such as the scheduled dispatch date when the requested medication will be sent from the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date (scheduled arrival date) when it will be delivered to pharmacy A or the patient's home. When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button on the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (request data) to the dispensing center. If the dispensing center sends the requested medication multiple times a day (multiple shipments), the control unit 11 may also display information such as the scheduled dispatch date and time, the scheduled delivery date and time, and the number of shipments (which shipment it is on that day).

[0137] <Step S32> If the control unit 11 determines that dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A (S31, S42, S62), in step S32, it outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A for the medications to be dispensed. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescribed data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing equipment 1B (e.g., a medication packaging device).

[0138] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including the process of distributing medications, each time it acquires patient prescription data. Once the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data for dispensing, one or both of the dispensing center and pharmacy A, which are responsible for dispensing, perform the dispensing work according to the dispensing instructions.

[0139] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: distributing part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of dispensing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and outputting the distribution result. The distribution result includes information indicating the destination (pharmacy, dispensing center) for dispensing part or all of the prescription data, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the pharmacy, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the dispensing center, and so on.

[0140] According to the above configuration, some or all of the dispensing operations performed at pharmacies can be carried out at the dispensing center. This makes it possible to reduce the burden of dispensing operations at pharmacies. In addition, since the time pharmacists spend shifting from product-oriented tasks to patient-oriented tasks will increase, it can contribute to creating more time for them to interact with patients, such as at their primary care pharmacy.

[0141] [Other embodiments of the sorting process] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's operation. In other words, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data based on the pharmacist's judgment.

[0142] In contrast, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the dispensing to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the prescription data. That is, the distribution processing unit 113 automatically distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the prescription data. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the type of drug included in the prescription data. For example, if the drug included in the prescription data is a poison, narcotic, or highly toxic drug, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of that drug to pharmacy A.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, if the medication included in the prescription data is the same medication prescribed previously, and the previous prescription was dispensed at a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the prescription to the dispensing center.

[0144] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Figure 14 shows an example of the dispensing support process procedure when dispensing prescriptions automatically based on the prescription data. Here, explanations of processes identical to those shown in Figure 6 are omitted as appropriate.

[0145] When the control unit 11 acquires patient prescription data (S21), in step S22 it performs a distribution process to distribute medications based on the acquired prescription data. For example, the control unit 11 distributes the medications included in the prescription data to either the dispensing center or pharmacy A, or both, based on the type of medication, past prescription history, etc.

[0146] When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S23. Next, the control unit 11 checks the inventory of the dispensing center (S24), and if the dispensing center has the medications subject to the dispensing request in stock (S24: Yes), it confirms the dispensing request (S25). The control unit 11 may also allocate the inventory of the target medications at the dispensing center at the stage when it has provisionally confirmed the dispensing request to the dispensing center.

[0147] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S24: No), the control unit 11 will propose an alternative medication and, if the patient agrees (S241: Yes), will confirm the requested medication (S25). The control unit 11 may also automatically determine whether the alternative medication is acceptable by referring to pre-registered patient information (for example, consent to use generic drugs).

[0148] Once the medications to be dispensed are determined (S25), the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center (S26), finalizes the dispensing request (S27), and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center (S28).

[0149] In step S22, if the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to pharmacy A, in step S221 it confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. Also, in step S241, if the patient's consent to the suggestion of an alternative medication is not obtained (S241: No), in step S242 the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After steps S221 and S242, in step S222 the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction for the medications to be dispensed to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A.

[0150] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may automatically execute a process to distribute medications each time it acquires patient prescription data.

[0151] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may, after acquiring patient prescription data, check the inventory status of the dispensing center and, if the dispensing center can dispense the medications from the prescription data, execute a distribution process to distribute the medications. That is, the control unit 11 may execute a process to check the inventory status before the distribution process. The dispensing support process corresponding to this configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 15. Processes identical to the dispensing support process shown in Figure 6 will be omitted from explanation as appropriate.

[0152] When the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data (S51), in step S52, it checks the inventory status of the dispensing center and determines whether the dispensing center has stock of the requested medication. If the dispensing center has stock of the requested medication (S52: Yes), in step S53, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data. Note that the inventory may include alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require splitting, etc.). If the dispensing center has stock of the requested medication, the control unit 11 may allocate the stock of that medication.

[0153] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S52: No), the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to pharmacy A in step S521.

[0154] After step S53, in step S54, the control unit 11 determines whether to request the dispensing of the entire prescription data from the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, if the pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is a medication that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), or if the patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the control unit 11 registers pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. In this case, the control unit 11 determines not to request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (to request it from pharmacy A) (S54: No), and in step S521, confirms that the dispensing of the entire prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0155] In step S54, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S54:Yes), then in step S55, it determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0156] When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S55), in step S551 it confirms that the dispensing of the drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0157] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S55), in step S56 it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center, and in step S57 it confirms the prescription data or drugs to be requested to be dispensed to the dispensing center.

[0158] In the following step S58, the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center, confirms the dispensing request in step S59, and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S60.

[0159] After steps S521 and S551, in step S522, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A for the drug to be dispensed.

[0160] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may check the inventory status of the dispensing center and determine whether or not it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center before the pharmacist decides where to allocate the medication.

[0161] [Display progress] Here, when the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, it outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, on the request screen (consignment data list screen) shown in Figure 16, a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A checks the list of request data (consignment data) that has been sent to the dispensing center. On the request screen shown in Figure 16, the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing at pharmacy A are displayed for each request data. In this way, when the dispensing center dispenses the first drug included in the prescription data and pharmacy A dispenses the second drug included in the prescription data, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A on the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A side by side on the same screen on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Also, when a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A selects the request data to be searched on the request screen shown in Figure 16 and presses the "View Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the request details screen (contract data details screen) shown in Figure 17. The request details screen shown in Figure 17 displays detailed information on the dispensing progress at the dispensing center and the dispensing progress at pharmacy A corresponding to the selected request data. The pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A can check the progress to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled.

[0162] Furthermore, in the screen shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17, when a pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A presses the "Check Cargo Tracking" button, the control unit 11 accesses the cargo tracking service site and displays the delivery status. The delivery vehicles that transport medicines from the dispensing center to each pharmacy may be vehicles owned by a delivery company, or vehicles owned or managed by the dispensing center, pharmacy, or the business operator providing the dispensing support system 10 service. The dispensing support system 10 allows tracking of the delivery vehicles on the cargo tracking service site. The pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A can check the delivery status as needed to confirm whether the delivery is proceeding as scheduled.

[0163] [Dispensing support processing in pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 (displaying progress status)] Referring to Figure 18, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to the pharmacy (in this case, pharmacy A).

[0164] <Step S201> First, in step S201, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation to check the progress status. For example, if the control unit 11 receives an operation from a pharmacist at pharmacy A to check the progress status of a prescription that has been requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center (S201: Yes), it proceeds to step S202.

[0165] <Step S202> In step S202, the control unit 11 displays a request screen (see Figure 16) including the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, when the "View Details" button is pressed on the request screen, the control unit 11 displays a request details screen (see Figure 17) containing detailed information about the dispensing request.

[0166] <Step S203> In step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a correction operation for the prescription data (prescription details) that was submitted to the dispensing center. For example, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A may perform a correction operation if they discover an error in the prescription details, delivery address, or scheduled delivery date after submitting the prescription request to the dispensing center. If the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: Yes), it proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: No), it proceeds to step S205.

[0167] <Step S204> In step S204, the control unit 11 determines whether the dispensed medicine dispensed at the dispensing center has been shipped from the dispensing center. If the dispensed medicine has been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the dispensed medicine has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S241.

[0168] <Step S241> In step S241, the control unit 11 outputs a correction instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the correction instruction from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes processing according to the correction instruction. For example, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side changes the prescribed medication or changes the scheduled delivery date based on the correction instruction. After processing in step S241, the control unit 11 moves the processing to step S201. In this way, if the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request (S203: Yes), it outputs a correction instruction to the dispensing center, provided that the dispensed medication has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No). If the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request after the dispensed medication has been shipped from the dispensing center, it does not output a correction instruction to the dispensing center (S204: Yes).

[0169] <Step S205> In step S205, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received the dispensed medicine from the dispensing center. For example, when dispensed medicine shipped from the dispensing center is delivered to pharmacy A, and the staff of pharmacy A perform the receiving process (input operation), the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received. If the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received (S205: Yes), it moves the process to step S206. The control unit 11 repeats the processes in steps S201 to S204 until it has received the dispensed medicine.

[0170] <Step S206> In step S206, the control unit 11 performs an inspection process on the dispensed medications. For example, a staff member at pharmacy A checks the delivery slip and reads the prescription number, QR code, etc., assigned to the dispensed product (medication bag) to confirm the quantity, etc. After the staff member finishes the inspection, they input the inspection results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1.

[0171] Furthermore, the pharmacist at Pharmacy A checks whether there are any problems with the dispensing at the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the received dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information regarding dispensing and inspection registered at the dispensing center, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Similarly, when the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medication directly to the patient's home or residence, the pharmacist checks the dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Figure 19 shows an example of an evidence screen that includes the aforementioned evidence information. The evidence information includes images of the dispensed product, medication information, etc. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds no problems, they press the "Approve" button. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds a problem, they can press the "Register Comment" button and enter and register a comment on the comment registration screen (see Figure 20). After completing the check, the pharmacist enters the check results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0172] <Step S207> In step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center if it determines that there is a problem in the inspection and verification work performed by the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A. If the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: Yes), it moves the process to step S271. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: No), it moves the process to step S208.

[0173] <Step S271> In step S271, the control unit 11 determines whether the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether requesting re-dispensing from the dispensing center will be within the predetermined deadline, such as the patient's start date for taking the medication or the date the patient wishes to receive the medication. If the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline (S271: Yes), it proceeds to step S272. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline (S271: No), it proceeds to step S273.

[0174] <Step S272> In step S272, the control unit 11 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center. The control unit 11 then proceeds to step S201. When the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the re-dispensing request from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes the re-dispensing process for the medication based on the re-dispensing request. While the re-dispensing is being carried out at the dispensing center, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A can check the progress of the re-dispensing.

[0175] <Step S273> In step S273, the control unit 11 instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 1B. Once the dispensing of the medication is complete, the pharmacist at pharmacy A inspects the dispensed medication. In this way, if the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not meet the predetermined deadline, it instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. After step S273, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S208.

[0176] <Step S208> In step S208, the control unit 11 performs the process of handing over the dispensed medication to the patient. For example, the control unit 11 may notify the patient that the prescribed medication is ready, receive a report from the pharmacist that medication guidance has been given to the patient, or perform accounting processing.

[0177] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including processing to display the dispensing progress at the dispensing center.

[0178] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: outputting a dispensing request for part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and, when the dispensing request is output to the dispensing center, outputting the progress of the dispensing corresponding to the dispensing request at the dispensing center to the pharmacy's operating terminal (pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc.).

[0179] According to the above configuration, even if a pharmacy outsources some or all of its dispensing operations to a dispensing center, the pharmacy will still be able to ascertain whether the dispensing of the prescription data is being carried out appropriately.

[0180] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment describes a dispensing support system 20 that allows a single pharmacy to request dispensing from multiple dispensing centers. Note that components similar to those described in the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0181] The dispensing support system 20 is comprised of multiple pharmacies and multiple dispensing centers capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests received from each pharmacy. In the example shown in Figure 21, two dispensing centers P1 and P2 are shown. Each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2 can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the medications based on the prescription data, and can dispense medications based on the dispensing requests. In this embodiment, each pharmacy is assigned to an unspecified number of dispensing centers, and each pharmacy can output dispensing requests to any dispensing center.

[0182] For example, the dispensing support system 20 can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at dispensing center P1, some other medications at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications at pharmacy A. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at dispensing center P1, some medications M2 at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications M3 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A to dispense medications M3, request dispensing of medications M1 from dispensing center P1, and request dispensing of medications M2 from dispensing center P2. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and checking of medications M3, it will hand over the dispensed medications M3 to the patient. Dispensing center P1 will dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once dispensing center P1 has completed dispensing and checking drug M1, it delivers the dispensed drug M1 to pharmacy A. Dispensing center P2, based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A, dispenses drug M2 included in the prescription data. Once dispensing center P2 has completed dispensing and checking drug M2, it delivers the dispensed drug M2 to pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the dispensed drugs M1 and M2 from dispensing centers P1 and P2, performs inspections, and if there are no problems, hands over drugs M1 and M2 to the patient. The patient may receive only drug M3 when visiting the pharmacy and receive drugs M1 and M2 at a later date, or they may receive drugs M1, M2, and M3 all together after they have been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0183] Thus, in this embodiment, each pharmacy can allocate a portion of the prescription data to the first dispensing center and the remaining portion to the second dispensing center.

[0184] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to pharmacy A, extracts from among multiple dispensing centers which will be requested to dispense prescription data acquired by pharmacy A, and outputs a dispensing request to each of the extracted dispensing centers.

[0185] For example, if a pharmacist determines that a prescription data for a patient does not contain any medications the patient immediately needs and that dispensing can be requested from a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 searches for a dispensing destination for that prescription data. For example, the distribution processing unit 113 checks the inventory status of medications at each dispensing center and searches for a dispensing center that can dispense the medication.

[0186] For example, if dispensing center P1 is able to dispense drugs M1 and M4 from the prescription data, and dispensing center P2 is able to dispense drugs M2 and M3 from the prescription data, the distribution processing unit 113 will allocate the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2.

[0187] Here, the method of dispensing medication using multiple dispensing centers for a single prescription data may be performed when certain conditions are met. For example, if a pharmacist presses the "Prescription Split" button on the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8 to 10, the control unit 11 can distribute the dispensing of the prescription data to multiple dispensing centers.

[0188] For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, when a pharmacist presses the "Split Prescription" button, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2. The control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) displays the distribution results on the split screen (prescription split screen) shown in Figure 22. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, "Prescription 1" shows the information of drugs M1 and M4 to be dispensed by dispensing center P1, and "Prescription 2" shows the information of drugs M2 and M3 to be dispensed by dispensing center P2. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, the pharmacist can check the detailed information of prescription 1 and prescription 2 by pressing the "Confirm Split Prescription 1 Details" and "Confirm Split Prescription 2 Details" buttons.

[0189] The pharmacist checks the contents of the divided prescription and, if they determine that there are no problems, presses the "Execute Divided Prescription" button. This causes the control unit 11 to generate prescription data for dispensing requests to the dispensing centers P1 and P2 and register it in the candidate data (see Figure 7). When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Request" button on the execution screen (see Figure 13), the control unit 11 (request processing unit 116) outputs dispensing requests (request data) to each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2.

[0190] In this embodiment, as described above, dispensing is performed at multiple dispensing centers for a single prescription data, and the dispensed medications (medication bags) from each dispensing center are delivered to the requesting pharmacy or the patient's home.

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes a prescription based on one prescription data to two dispensing centers P1 and P2. However, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may distribute the prescription to three or more dispensing centers. In yet another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may select one dispensing center from among multiple dispensing centers and distribute the prescription to the selected dispensing center.

[0192] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the inventory status of each dispensing center, the scheduled delivery date (delivery date), and the location (distance from the pharmacy or patient's home). For example, the distribution processing unit 113 may extract one or more dispensing centers from among multiple dispensing centers that have the medications in stock for the prescription data and are closest to the pharmacy that acquired the prescription data, and then distribute the medication to the extracted dispensing center.

[0193] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the type of medication (e.g., oral medication and topical medication), the destination of the medication, whether the patient is a regular patient, and the address (postal code classification). For example, if the patient's prescription data includes oral medication, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the oral medication to a dispensing center dedicated to oral medication, and if the patient's prescription data includes topical medication, it will distribute the topical medication to a dispensing center dedicated to topical medication. Also, for example, if the destination of the medication is a pharmacy, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to pharmacies, and if the destination of the medication is a facility (such as a nursing home), it will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to facilities.

[0194] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 uses the example of a case where one prescription is issued to the same patient, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription when multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient. For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and multiple prescriptions are issued, the control unit 11 displays an integrated prescription screen (not shown) that integrates the information of the multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. The control unit 11 checks the patient ID associated with each of the multiple prescriptions to avoid integrating prescription information from different patients, and performs the integration process only if the respective patient IDs match, or it displays only the prescription information of the same patient and performs the integration process only after a pharmacist has confirmed it.

[0195] For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and is issued multiple prescriptions, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to package the medications from the multiple separate prescriptions into a single dose. For example, if a patient is issued prescriptions from both an internal medicine department and an otolaryngology department, the control unit 11 displays a screen (not shown) asking whether to package medications that can be packaged together based on the same administration time or meal category into a single dose, and performs the single-dose packaging according to the patient's request.

[0196] The control unit 11 executes the integration process, for example, when a pharmacist presses the "Integrate" button (not shown) on the prescription screen shown in Figure 4. The conditions for executing the integration process are not limited to this. As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the pharmacy's internal regulations. For example, if pharmacy A has an internal regulation that states "integrate prescriptions if the same patient receives treatment from multiple departments," the control unit 11 will automatically execute the integration process when multiple prescriptions are issued for the same patient.

[0197] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the patient master. For example, information (flags) identifying whether or not to execute the integration process may be set for each patient. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process if multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to execute the integration process is set for that patient.

[0198] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the facility master. For example, information (flags) may be set for each facility to identify whether or not the residents of that facility or the residents of a specific room in that facility will perform the integration process. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process when multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to perform the integration process is set for the patient's facility or room.

[0199] Figure 23 shows an example of the procedure for the integration process. The control unit 11 may execute the integration process in step S2 (see Figure 6A) of the dispensing support process (dispensing distribution process). For example, when the control unit 11 obtains the patient's prescription data (S1 in Figure 6A), it displays the prescription details (see Figure 3) (S211). Next, in step S212, the control unit 11 determines whether the patient has prescriptions from other medical departments. If the control unit 11 has prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: Yes), in step S213, it asks whether to integrate the prescriptions. If the pharmacist confirms multiple prescriptions for the same patient and gives an instruction to integrate them (S213: Yes), the control unit 11 executes the prescription integration process in step S214. After step S214, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S3 in Figure 6A. Furthermore, if the patient does not have prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: No), or if the pharmacist did not issue the integrated instruction (S213: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S3 in Figure 6A.

[0200] In the embodiments described above, the dispensing center is configured to dispense medication in response to dispensing requests transmitted from pharmacies, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the dispensing request may be transmitted from a patient. For example, when a patient selects a pharmacy on their operating terminal (mobile terminal), the operating terminal transmits the dispensing request to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. When the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 receives the dispensing request from the patient's operating terminal, it processes the medication to be dispensed. Once the medication has been dispensed, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the patient's dispensing request. Thus, the source of the dispensing request obtained by the dispensing center may be a pharmacy or a patient.

[0201] Furthermore, the dispensing support system, dispensing support method, and dispensing support program according to the present invention make it possible to outsource the dispensing work that has been carried out conventionally in pharmacies to a specialized dispensing institution or facility that can centrally manage dispensing work, such as a dispensing center or dispensing factory. As a result, in pharmacies visited by patients, pharmacists can move away from the object-oriented task of dispensing as much as possible and create an environment in which they can dedicate their time to interpersonal tasks such as providing medication guidance to patients, checking on patients' conditions on a daily basis, and engaging in various health-related communications with patients, thereby enhancing the role of a "family pharmacy." Therefore, it is possible not only to contribute to healthcare DX (digital transformation), including online healthcare, but also to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of "ensuring healthy lives for all."

[0202] [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.

[0203] <Note 1> A distribution processing unit that distributes part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing facility capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy, A first output processing unit that outputs the distribution results from the distribution processing unit, A dispensing support system equipped with the following features.

[0204] <Note 2> The distribution processing unit, based on user operations, distributes part or all of the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy to either the pharmacy or the dispensing facility. The dispensing support system described in Appendix 1.

[0205] <Note 3> The distribution processing unit, based on the prescription data, distributes part or all of the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy to either the pharmacy or the dispensing facility. The dispensing support system described in Appendix 1.

[0206] <Note 4> The distribution processing unit distributes, based on the type of drug included in the prescription data, a portion or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy to either the pharmacy or the dispensing facility. The dispensing support system described in Appendix 3.

[0207] <Note 5> The distribution processing unit, based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing facility, distributes the dispensing of the first drug included in the prescription data to the dispensing facility if the dispensing facility can secure the first drug. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 4.

[0208] <Note 6> The system further includes a suggestion processing unit that proposes to allocate the dispensing of the first drug included in the prescription data to the dispensing facility based on the inventory status of the drugs stored at the dispensing facility. The distribution processing unit, when the user accepts the proposal from the proposal processing unit, distributes the dispensing of the first drug to the dispensing facility. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5.

[0209] <Note 7> The suggestion processing unit proposes, when the first drug included in the prescription data cannot be secured at the dispensing facility, but a generic version of the first drug can be secured at the dispensing facility, to substitute the first drug with the generic drug and allocate the dispensing of the first drug to the dispensing facility. The dispensing support system described in Appendix 6.

[0210] <Note 8> The aforementioned proposal processing unit proposes to allocate the dispensing of the first drug to the dispensing facility if, with respect to the first drug included in the prescription data, the pharmacy can secure fractional tablets less than one tablet, while the dispensing facility can secure whole tablets. The dispensing support system described in Appendix 6.

[0211] <Note 9> The system further includes a second output processing unit that outputs dispensing information for one or more drugs included in the prescription data to the operating terminal of the pharmacy. The second output processing unit outputs to the operation terminal the drugs that have been allocated to the dispensing facility from among the multiple drugs included in the prescription data, so as to be identifiable. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 8.

[0212] <Note 10> The system further includes a third output processing unit that outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing facility to the operating terminal of the pharmacy when the first output processing unit outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing facility. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 9.

[0213] <Note 11> The distribution processing unit distributes the dispensing of the first drug included in the prescription data to the dispensing facility, and distributes the dispensing of the second drug included in the prescription data to the pharmacy. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 10.

[0214] <Note 12> The first output processing unit outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing facility regarding the medications to be dispensed at the dispensing facility in the prescription data when the distribution processing unit has allocated part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy to the dispensing facility. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 11.

[0215] <Note 13> The distribution processing unit distributes a portion of the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy to a first dispensing facility, and distributes the remaining portion of the said dispensing to a second dispensing facility different from the first dispensing facility. A dispensing support system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0216] 1: Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1A: In-pharmacy terminal 1B: Dispensing equipment 5: Center-side dispensing support device 5A: Terminal within the center 5B: Dispensing equipment 10: Dispensing support system 20: Pharmacy support system 111: Acquisition Processing Unit 112: Reception Processing Section 113: Distribution Processing Unit 114: Proposal Processing Section 115: Dispensing labeling processing unit 116: Request Processing Unit 117: Progress display processing unit 118: Correction Processing Unit 119: Determination Processing Unit

Claims

1. A dispensing support system that determines the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support system that, when a first drug included in prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs cannot be secured at the dispensing facility, but a generic version of the first drug can be secured at the dispensing facility, replaces the first drug with the generic version and determines the dispensing destination for the first drug to be the dispensing facility.

2. A dispensing support system that determines the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support system that, for a first drug included in prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs, determines that the dispensing destination for the first drug is the dispensing facility when the pharmacy can secure fractional tablets (less than one tablet) while the dispensing facility can secure whole tablets.

3. When a request is made to dispense the first drug at the dispensing facility, the dispensing information for the first drug is output to the operating terminal of the pharmacy. The dispensing support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When a request is made to dispense the first drug at the dispensing facility, the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing facility is output to the pharmacy's operating terminal. The dispensing support system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The dispensing of the first drug included in the prescription data is allocated to the dispensing facility, and the dispensing of the second drug included in the prescription data is allocated to the pharmacy. The dispensing support system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A dispensing support method for determining the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support method in which, when a first drug included in prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs cannot be secured at the dispensing facility, and a generic version of the first drug can be secured at the dispensing facility, one or more processors substitute the first drug with the generic version and determine the dispensing destination for the first drug to be the dispensing facility.

7. A dispensing support method for determining the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support method in which, with respect to prescription data for a first drug that corresponds to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs, if the pharmacy can secure fractional tablets of less than one tablet, while the dispensing facility can secure whole tablets, one or more processors request the dispensing facility to dispense the first drug.

8. A dispensing support program that determines the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to perform the action of substituting the first drug with the generic drug and determining the dispensing destination for the first drug to be the dispensing facility, when the dispensing facility cannot secure a first drug included in prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs, but the dispensing facility can secure a generic version of the first drug.

9. A dispensing support program that determines the dispensing destination for medications included in prescription data, A dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to determine the dispensing destination for a first drug, when the pharmacy can secure fractional tablets of less than one tablet, while the dispensing facility can secure whole tablets, in prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs.

Images