Pharmaceutical sales equipment, pharmaceutical sales method, and pharmaceutical sales program

Abstract

To provide online medication guidance for prescription-only drugs and other medications. [Solution] The pharmaceutical sales device includes: a reception unit that receives requests from users for pharmacists to provide online medication guidance; an acquisition unit that, upon receiving the request, refers to a storage unit and obtains management information associated with the user; a display control unit that, upon obtaining the management information, displays the management information on the pharmacist's terminal during online guidance to the user; an issuing unit that, if the pharmacist authorizes the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user during the online guidance, issues a sales authorization code to the user; a sales control unit that controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user based on the issued sales authorization code; and an update unit that updates the management information about the user in the storage unit when the sale of pharmaceuticals is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical sales device, a pharmaceutical sales method, and a pharmaceutical sales program for supporting the sale of pharmaceuticals online.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a patient recognizes a physical abnormality, it is common for the patient to visit a medical institution such as a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy, undergo medication treatment using pharmaceuticals, and attempt to alleviate the symptoms. At this time, the patient brings the prescription written by the doctor to the dispensing pharmacy, receives face-to-face medication guidance and information provided by the pharmacist at the dispensing pharmacy, has the prescription for the pharmaceuticals described in the prescription issued, and purchases the pharmaceuticals.

[0003] In recent years, there is a technology in which a pharmacist provides online customer service in a non-face-to-face format to those who wish to purchase prescription pharmaceuticals, and sells pharmaceuticals remotely using an automated vending machine. In such a technology, when a patient performs an operation to read the prescription from the automated vending machine for pharmaceuticals and wishes to receive a prescription explanation, the automated vending machine determines the validity of the prescription from the read prescription reading data. When the validity of the prescription is determined, the remote automated vending system for prescription pharmaceuticals sends the prescription reading data and the prescription type data to the server, and receives online customer service by the pharmacist, thereby performing remote sales of prescription pharmaceuticals at the automated vending machine (Prior Art Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By using conventional technology, pharmaceuticals can be sold online. However, the pharmaceuticals sold using conventional technology are those prescribed by a doctor and are not over-the-counter drugs sold at drugstores or other pharmacies. In this disclosure, "over-the-counter drugs" refers to pharmaceuticals sold at drugstores or other pharmacies that require guidance from a pharmacist or face-to-face sales (over-the-counter drugs for which face-to-face guidance from a pharmacist is mandatory, and over-the-counter drugs classified as Category 1 to Category 3, for which handling methods, sellers, and customer service methods are stipulated).

[0006] Drugstores that sell prescription-only medications and similar drugs are rarely open 24 hours a day, and do not have pharmacists on staff to provide medication guidance. Therefore, with conventional technology, it was difficult to easily purchase prescription-only medications and similar drugs that require pharmacist guidance.

[0007] Furthermore, it can be difficult for pharmacists to work permanently at drugstores or pharmacies due to their work arrangements. For example, there may be few applicants for jobs in rural areas, or there may be few people willing to work in remote areas. In major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka, there are many qualified pharmacists, but some may have difficulty finding regular employment or may have circumstances that prevent them from commuting to work. As a result, there is a challenge in that the talent of pharmacists who have spare time is not being utilized.

[0008] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a pharmaceutical sales device, a pharmaceutical sales method, and a pharmaceutical sales program for providing online medication guidance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, a form of pharmaceutical sales device according to this disclosure includes: a reception unit that receives requests from users to a pharmacist to provide online medication guidance; an acquisition unit that, upon receiving the request, refers to a storage unit and obtains management information associated with the user; a display control unit that, upon obtaining the management information, displays the management information on the pharmacist's terminal during online guidance to the user; an issuing unit that, if the pharmacist authorizes the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user during the online guidance, issues a sales authorization code to the user; a sales control unit that controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user based on the issued sales authorization code; and an update unit that updates the management information about the user in the storage unit when the sale of pharmaceuticals is completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the system, medication guidance for prescription drugs and the like can be provided online. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of the pharmaceutical sales system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an overview of the pharmaceutical sales process according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of a pharmaceutical sales device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure (1) shows an example of a management information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure (2) shows an example of a management information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure (3) shows an example of a management information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure (4) shows an example of a management information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a pharmaceutical inventory information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a feedback information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the questionnaire information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a sales permission code issued by the issuing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the procedure of the pharmaceutical sales process according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the pharmaceutical sales apparatus.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] (1. Embodiment) (1-1. Overview of the Pharmaceutical Sales System According to the Embodiment) The pharmaceutical sales process according to the present disclosure is carried out by the pharmaceutical sales system 1 shown in FIG. 1. Using FIG. 1, the configuration of the pharmaceutical sales system 1 according to the embodiment and the overview of the pharmaceutical sales process by the pharmaceutical sales system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overview of the pharmaceutical sales system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the pharmaceutical sales system 1 includes a pharmaceutical sales apparatus 100, a management database 100a, a user terminal 10, and a pharmacist terminal 20. Note that the pharmaceutical sales apparatus 100, the management database 100a, the user terminal 10, and the pharmacist terminal 20 are not limited to the numbers shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] The pharmaceutical sales apparatus 100 is an information processing apparatus that supports the sale of pharmaceuticals to users online. The pharmaceutical sales apparatus 100 is, for example, a server apparatus, a PC (Personal Computer), a cloud server, or the like.

[0016] The management database 100a is a database that stores and manages information of users and pharmacists. The management database 100a stores, for example, as user information, name, age, notification destination, purchase history of drugs requiring guidance, etc. Further, the management database 100a stores, for example, as pharmacist information, name, age, information specifying that the pharmacist has qualifications, etc.

[0017] The user terminal 10 is a terminal device used by a user. A user is a person who wishes to purchase drugs requiring guidance, etc. The user terminal 10 is used, for example, to conduct an online consultation with a pharmacist via the pharmacist terminal 20 described later in order to purchase drugs requiring guidance, etc.

[0018] The pharmacist terminal 20 is a terminal device used by a pharmacist. A pharmacist is a pharmacist who provides online medication guidance to users who purchase drugs requiring guidance, etc., and issues a sales permit regarding drugs requiring guidance, etc. The user terminal 10 and the pharmacist terminal 20 are, for example, information processing devices such as a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a notebook PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc. For example, the pharmacist terminal 20 enables online guidance by a pharmacist by executing an application for providing online medication guidance while displaying user information (prescription, medication history in the medicine notebook, purchase history in the present system in the past, etc.) as described later. Note that the processing such as online guidance in the present disclosure may be executed by a dedicated application (native app) or may be executed by a web app executed via a web browser.

[0019] As described above, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 is a device that provides sales support to users who wish to purchase pharmaceuticals online. However, prescription-only medicines sold at drugstores cannot be purchased without medication guidance from a pharmacist. However, few drugstores are open 24 hours a day, and pharmacists who provide medication guidance are not always on-site. Thus, there is a need in society to enable the sale of prescription-only medicines online.

[0020] Furthermore, online purchases of pharmaceuticals present challenges such as the need to verify the identity of the user making the purchase, and the risk of reduced safety due to drug abuse and drug interactions. However, given the current social trend of promoting self-medication, there is a need for safe pharmaceutical sales methods that address the above challenges.

[0021] Therefore, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 according to this embodiment solves the above problem with the following configuration. First, when the pharmaceutical sales device 100 receives a request from a user to sell pharmaceuticals to a pharmacist who sells prescription-only pharmaceuticals online, it obtains the user's information from the management database 100a and displays the obtained information on the pharmacist terminal 20 during online guidance. Next, when the online guidance is completed and the pharmacist authorizes the sale of prescription-only pharmaceuticals to the user, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 issues a sales authorization code to the user. The pharmaceutical sales device 100 then verifies the user's identity using the sales authorization code issued to the user terminal 10, as well as any certificates the user possesses or a management ID stored in the management database 100a. When a pharmaceutical is purchased by the user, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 stores the purchase history as user information in the management database 100a. Subsequently, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 notifies the user terminal 10 that the purchase has been completed and provides feedback information to collect comments from the user, such as their impressions of using the product.

[0022] As a result, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can provide medication guidance from a pharmacist to users who wish to purchase prescription-only medicines online, thereby supporting the sale of prescription-only medicines that users wish to have prescribed.

[0023] (1-2. Overview of Pharmaceutical Sales Processing) Regarding the above process, an overview of the pharmaceutical sales process by the pharmaceutical sales system 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the pharmaceutical sales process according to this embodiment.

[0024] First, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 receives a request from the user terminal 10 for the sale of prescription-only medicines, etc. (Step S1). At this time, the user terminal 10 can request the sale of prescription-only medicines, etc. from anywhere, such as at home or at work. Upon receiving a request from the user terminal 10, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 outputs a message to the pharmacist terminal 20 indicating that there is a request for the sale of prescription-only medicines, etc. (Step S2). At this time, the pharmacist terminal 20 can receive the message from anywhere, such as at home or at work. In order to ensure identity, user authentication, as described later, is required for users to submit sales requests and for pharmacists to accept sales requests.

[0025] Next, the pharmacist terminal 20, which has received the sales request, displays a screen for providing medication guidance, such as prescription drugs, after inquiring about the user's medical condition via the user terminal 10 of the user who wishes to purchase the medication (step S3). For example, the pharmacist terminal 20 displays the user's face on the terminal screen and displays a screen for providing medication guidance, such as prescription drugs, while confirming the user's facial expression. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device 100 to display the user's facial expression and information on the same terminal screen during medication guidance, allowing the pharmacist to confirm them while providing guidance. Furthermore, by providing the pharmacist with user information, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can support the pharmacist in making appropriate prescriptions while confirming the user's past history (which may include not only past purchase history in this system, but also other external data such as prescriptions and medication history in medication notebooks). This allows the pharmacist to ensure the safety of the user from drug interactions and overdoses.

[0026] Next, when the pharmacist has completed medication guidance and the pharmacist has authorized the sale of prescription-only medicines, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 issues a sales authorization code to the user terminal 10 for the user to purchase prescription-only medicines (step S4). The sales authorization code is code information that can be read by pharmaceutical sellers and vending machines, and is, for example, a barcode (one-dimensional barcode information or two-dimensional barcode information, etc.). The identification code may also be a QR code (registered trademark). For example, the sales authorization code contains information about prescription-only medicines prescribed by the pharmacist.

[0027] Next, the user terminal 10 uses the issued sales authorization code to purchase prescription drugs, etc. (Step S5). Places where prescription drugs, etc. can be purchased include, for example, drugstores, pharmacies, and other store-type pharmacies, or vending machines that sell medicines remotely. The medicine sales device 100 allows users to freely choose where to purchase prescription drugs, etc., and reduces the effort required for users to make a purchase. As a result, the medicine sales device 100 can ensure that it can provide prescription drugs, etc. to users in any location.

[0028] Then, when a user purchases a prescription drug or similar product, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 stores a record of the purchase in the management database 100a (step S6). After the user purchases the prescription drug or similar product, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 sends feedback on the prescription drug or similar product and a questionnaire from the pharmaceutical company to the user terminal 10 (step S7). In this disclosure, feedback refers to a certain number of post-sales surveys necessary for the transition from a switch OTC (Over The Counter) drug, which is in the process of transitioning from a prescription drug to an over-the-counter drug. The questionnaire is a questionnaire created by the pharmaceutical company to ask users who have used the prescription drug for their impressions of its use, etc. Upon receiving feedback or a questionnaire, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 sends the received feedback or questionnaire to the user terminal 10 (step S8). By answering the feedback or questionnaire, the user can use the information to help with future medical consultations and the manufacturing of the drug.

[0029] The pharmaceutical sales device 100 determines whether or not there is stock of prescription drugs, etc., in pharmacies or vending machines based on information stored in the management database 100a. If the stock of prescription drugs, etc., is low or nonexistent, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 notifies the pharmaceutical company or the pharmaceutical wholesaler that distributes the drugs (Step S9). If the pharmaceutical company receives the notification, the pharmaceutical company requests the pharmaceutical wholesaler to deliver the prescription drugs, etc. (Step S10). For example, the pharmaceutical company requests the delivery of prescription drugs, etc., to stores or vending machines. The pharmaceutical wholesaler, upon receiving the delivery request, then replenishes the stock of prescription drugs, etc., in pharmacies or vending machines (Step S11).

[0030] (1-3. Configuration of the pharmaceutical sales device according to the embodiment) Next, the configuration of the pharmaceutical sales device 100 that performs the pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pharmaceutical sales device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a network interface controller. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network (e.g., the Internet) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with user terminals 10, pharmacist terminals 20, etc., via the Internet. For example, the communication unit 110 may transmit and receive information using any communication standard or technology such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0032] The memory unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs.

[0033] The memory unit 120 includes a management information memory unit 121, a pharmaceutical inventory information memory unit 122, a feedback information memory unit 123, and a questionnaire information memory unit 124. The information stored in the memory unit 120 will be explained below using Figures 4 to 10. In the examples shown in Figures 4 to 10, the information stored in the memory unit 120 may be conceptually represented as "A01," but in reality, each of the information described later will be stored in the memory unit 120.

[0034] The management information storage unit 121 stores information about the user and the pharmacist, which is among the information used in the pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram (1) showing an example of the management information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the management information storage unit 121a stores the following items: "User ID", "Name", "Age", and "Notification Recipient". "User ID" is an identification number assigned to each user. "Name" is the user's name. "Age" is the user's age. "Notification Recipient" is a contact person who can contact the user.

[0036] As illustrated in the example in Figure 4, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 remembers that the user ID is "A01", the name is "A", the age is "43", and the recipient of the notification is "a01".

[0037] Figure 5 is Figure (2) showing an example of the management information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the management information storage unit 121b stores the following items: "User ID", "Medication Record ID", "Method of Identity Verification", and "Date of Identity Verification". The "Medication Record ID" is the identification number of the digitized medication record. The "Method of Identity Verification" is the means used by the user to prove their identity when using the pharmaceutical sales system 1. Identity verification is performed, for example, by the submission of an official identification document or by the administrator of the pharmaceutical sales system 1 confirming the identity verification process using a My Number Card. The "Date of Identity Verification" is the date on which the user's identity was verified.

[0038] As illustrated in the example in Figure 5, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 stores that the user ID is "A01", the medication record ID is "xx01", and the certificate information is "D01". In addition to the information shown in Figures 4 and 5, the management information storage unit 121 may also store various attribute information such as the user's date of birth and address. Furthermore, in addition to the information written in the medication record, the management information storage unit 121 may also store information such as the user's medical institution usage information linked to their My Number Card. This information may be stored in the management information storage unit 121 or in a predetermined external storage device.

[0039] Figure 6 is a diagram (3) showing an example of the management information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the management information storage unit 121c stores the following items: "User ID", "Purchase Permission ID", "Date and Time", "Pharmacist ID", "Purchase History", "Purchase Location", and "Quantity Purchased". The "Purchase Permission ID" is identification information issued for purchase permission when a pharmacist authorizes the sale based on online guidance. The "Date and Time" is the date and time when the purchase permission was issued. The "Pharmacist ID" is identification information of the pharmacist who authorized the issuance of the purchase permission. The "Purchase History" is the history of whether or not the user purchased the authorized medicine. The "Purchase Location" is the place where the user purchased the medicine. The "Quantity Purchased" is the quantity of medicine purchased by the user. Although not shown in Figure 6, the purchase permission may also include identification information to identify the medicine and information such as the quantity for which purchase was authorized. Furthermore, the management information storage unit 121 may also store information linked to the identification information for identifying the pharmaceutical product, such as the pharmaceutical company that sells the pharmaceutical product and a classification flag indicating the classification of the pharmaceutical product (e.g., whether it is a prescription-only drug or a Class 1 drug).

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 6, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 remembers that user ID "A01" received a purchase authorization on "April 1, 2024" identified by purchase authorization ID "KA01," and that the pharmacist in charge was "AA01." Furthermore, when user A01 actually purchases pharmaceuticals, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 registers "Purchased" in the purchase history and also remembers that the purchase location was "Tokyo" and the number of purchases was "3 sheets."

[0041] Figure 7 is a diagram (4) showing an example of the management information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the management information storage unit 121d stores the following items: "Pharmacist ID", "Name", "Age", "Notification Recipient", "Pharmacist Certificate", and "Date of Identity Verification". "Pharmacist ID" is an identification number assigned to each pharmacist. "Name" is the name of the pharmacist. "Age" is the age of the pharmacist. "Notification Recipient" is the contact information to which the pharmacist can be contacted. "Pharmacist Certificate" is information indicating whether or not the person has been certified as a pharmacist. For example, a pharmacist can perform pharmacist certification and identity verification by presenting a certificate that identifies that they are a pharmacist to the administrator. "Date of Identity Verification" is the date on which pharmacist certification and identity verification of the pharmacist were performed. A pharmacist can provide online medication guidance by registering that they possess a pharmacist qualification certificate with the drug sales device 100 using the pharmacist terminal 20.

[0042] As illustrated in Figure 7, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 stores the following information about a pharmacist whose pharmacist ID is "AA01," whose name is "AA," whose age is "45 years old," whose notification recipient is "aa01," whose pharmacist certificate is "authenticated," and whose authentication date is "October 1, 2023." In addition to the information shown in Figure 7, the management information storage unit 121 may also store various attribute information such as the pharmacist's date of birth and address.

[0043] The pharmaceutical inventory information storage unit 122 stores information on the inventory of pharmaceuticals in a store or vending machine, which is among the information used in the pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8 shows an example of a pharmaceutical inventory information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the pharmaceutical inventory information storage unit 122 stores the following items: "location," "sales method," "drug name," and "inventory status." "Sales method" refers to information on whether prescription drugs, etc., are sold in stores or vending machines. "Inventory status" refers to information on whether a particular prescription drug, etc., is in stock at a store or vending machine.

[0045] As illustrated in the example in Figure 8, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 remembers that the location is "Tokyo," the sales format is "store," and the name of the prescription drug, etc., in the store is "G01," and that there is "stock" of prescription drugs, etc. For example, in vending machines and store storage boxes, pharmaceuticals are managed in inventory by drug ID, and the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can check inventory information in real time for each drug or store.

[0046] The feedback information storage unit 123 stores information used in the pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment, specifically information regarding feedback from users who have used prescription drugs, etc.

[0047] Figure 9 shows an example of a feedback information storage unit 123 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the feedback information storage unit 123 stores the following items: "User ID", "Purchase Permission ID", "Drug Name", and "Feedback". "Feedback" refers to the response to feedback from users who have used the purchased prescription-only medicine, etc.

[0048] As illustrated in the example in Figure 9, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 remembers that after a user with user ID "A01" purchases a prescription-only drug named "G01" based on a purchase permission ID "KA11," the feedback form for the post-sales survey is "completed." By requesting feedback from the user, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can collect survey results from online purchasers when seeking approval for a switch OTC drug. For example, each feedback is assigned an ID, and the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can deliver pre-registered feedback to user IDs that have purchased a drug with a corresponding feedback ID. The pharmaceutical sales device 100 can then allow the pharmaceutical company, the seller of the drug, to download aggregated tabular data for each feedback ID. In this way, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 allows pharmaceutical companies to easily obtain a large amount of feedback.

[0049] The questionnaire information storage unit 124 stores information from questionnaires sent from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture prescription drugs, etc., to users, which is among the information used in the pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment.

[0050] Figure 10 shows an example of the questionnaire information storage unit 124 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the questionnaire information storage unit 124 stores the following items: "User ID," "Drug Name," and "Questionnaire." The "Questionnaire" is a questionnaire for users to fill in their impressions of using prescription drugs, etc., from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture prescription drugs, etc.

[0051] As illustrated in the example in Figure 10, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 remembers that when a user with user ID "J01" uses prescription-only medicines such as "O01", the questionnaire sent by the pharmaceutical company is in a "blank" state. The pharmaceutical sales device 100 may also use the purchase authorization ID to identify the drug name, etc., in order to identify the target of the questionnaire, as in Figure 9.

[0052] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation of the control unit 130. The control unit 130 is implemented by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc., executing a program stored inside the pharmaceutical sales device 100 using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 130 is also a controller and is implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 includes a reception unit 131, an acquisition unit 132, a display control unit 133, an issuance unit 134, a sales control unit 135, a determination unit 136, and an update unit 137.

[0054] The reception unit 131 receives requests from users for pharmacists who sell pharmaceuticals online. For example, the reception unit 131 receives requests from user terminals 10 for the sale of prescription-only medicines and for pharmacists who provide medication guidance online. In addition, the reception unit 131 also receives user information when receiving requests. Specifically, the reception unit 131 receives information such as the user's allergies, lifestyle, and health checkup results.

[0055] When the acquisition unit 132 receives a request, it refers to the storage unit 120 and retrieves management information associated with the user. For example, when the acquisition unit 132 receives a request from the user terminal 10, it retrieves information about the user stored in the storage unit 120. Specifically, the acquisition unit 132 retrieves information about the user stored in the storage unit 120, such as information from the medication record book, certificate information, and purchase history of prescription drugs, etc.

[0056] The acquisition unit 132 acquires feedback information when a response is made to the feedback information displayed by the display control unit 133, which will be described later. For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires feedback information in which the user has completed entering their response to the feedback information displayed on the user terminal 10. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device 100 to easily acquire the results of post-sales surveys of users who have used prescription drugs, etc.

[0057] The acquisition unit 132 acquires survey information when a response is made to the survey information displayed by the display control unit 133. For example, the acquisition unit 132 acquires survey information created by a pharmaceutical company and displayed on the user terminal 10, once the user has completed filling in the responses. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device 100 to easily acquire user feedback on prescription drugs and other products created by pharmaceutical companies, which can be used to improve future services.

[0058] When the display control unit 133 acquires management information, it displays the management information on the pharmacist terminal 20 during online instruction to the user. For example, the display control unit 133 connects the user terminal 10 and the pharmacist terminal 20 and displays the user's information on the pharmacist terminal 20. Specifically, the display control unit 133 displays on the pharmacist terminal 20 both a screen for interacting with the user and a screen displaying information such as the user's past medical history and prescription history, all on the same screen.

[0059] The display control unit 133 displays the user's history as management information. For example, the display control unit 133 displays the user's past history on the screen of the pharmacist terminal 20. Specifically, the display control unit 133 displays the user's history, including past medical visits, prescription drug history, system access history, sales permit history for prescription drugs, and purchase history for sales permit numbers. In addition, if external data is available, the display control unit 133 may display prescription history linked to the My Number Card, contents of the medication record book, and user questionnaire contents. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device 100 to suggest appropriate drug combinations for prescribed medications based on the user's past purchase history of prescription drugs. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can consider the content of medication guidance based on information such as the user's allergy information, lifestyle information, and health checkup results.

[0060] Here, an example of the connection between the user terminal 10 and the pharmacist terminal 20 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit 133 according to the embodiment. In Figure 11, the overall screen 300, which is displayed on the pharmacist terminal 20, includes a pharmacist camera screen 301, a user camera screen 302, and a user information screen 303.

[0061] The pharmacist camera screen 301 and the user camera screen 302 capture and display their respective states in real time for online communication between the user and the pharmacist. The pharmacist terminal 20 can adjust the size of the pharmacist camera screen 301 and the user camera screen 302 as needed. The user information screen 303 displays information about the user's past medical history and prescriptions, which is shown on the user camera screen 302. In Figure 11, the user information screen 303 shows that the user's past medical history includes a visit on March 23, 2024, for initial symptoms of a cold, and that cold medicine was prescribed.

[0062] When the pharmaceutical sales device 100 connects the user terminal 10 and the pharmacist terminal 20, it first verifies the identity of both the user and the pharmacist. For example, the user can hold their My Number Card over the user terminal 10, allowing the terminal 10 to read the information from the IC chip embedded in the My Number Card, and then verify their identity by querying a public institution for this information. Various methods may be used for identity verification, as long as the accuracy of the authentication is ensured. As another example, the display control unit 133 displays the overall screen 300 shown in Figure 11 as a screen for identity verification. Subsequently, when the user and the pharmacist see their faces displayed on their respective terminal screens by the display control unit 133, they are instructed to present their identification documents to the camera. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device 100 to confirm that the user and the pharmacist are indeed the same person, preventing fraudulent online purchases. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 ensures that the user receives medication guidance from a pharmacist who is reliably qualified, as the user and the pharmacist can each verify the same person.

[0063] Next, once the identity verification is complete, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 provides medication guidance from a pharmacist. For example, the display control unit 133 displays the overall screen 300 shown in Figure 11 as the screen for providing medication guidance. The display control unit 133 then continues to display the screen until the medication guidance is completed.

[0064] The display control unit 133 displays feedback information about the sold medicine on the user terminal 10 after the user has used the medicine. This feedback information is, for example, used to collect user feedback on their experience using the medicine in order to seek approval for switch OTC medicine status. In order to be approved as a switch OTC medicine, certain conditions and reviews must be met. In this process, the opinions of users who have used the medicine for which switch OTC approval is sought are important. Furthermore, since the number of users who actually use the medicine for which switch OTC approval is sought may be limited, collecting feedback information has traditionally been difficult. With the processing described in this disclosure, feedback information can be collected from a large number of users via the internet, making collection easy.

[0065] For example, the display control unit 133 displays a feedback screen on the user terminal 10 for the user to enter their impressions of using the prescribed prescription medicine after using it. Specifically, when the management information is updated after the user has completed purchasing the prescription medicine, the display control unit 133 displays a screen on the user terminal 10 for entering feedback information and prompts the user to fill it out. This ensures that the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can reliably collect feedback information from the user. The pharmaceutical sales device 100 may also deliver feedback to the user not only by displaying it on the user terminal 10, but also by means such as push notifications or email distribution. Furthermore, if the pharmaceutical sales device 100 does not receive a response to the feedback, it may further prompt the user to respond by sending a notification or making a phone call.

[0066] The display control unit 133 displays survey information from the pharmaceutical company that sells the medicine on the user terminal 10 after the user has used the medicine that was sold to the user. For example, after the user has used the prescription medicine that requires guidance, the display control unit 133 displays a survey screen created by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the prescription medicine on the screen of the user terminal 10. Such a survey may be displayed in conjunction with the feedback (post-sales survey) described above.

[0067] The display control unit 133 estimates the location where the drug can be purchased based on the user's current location, and displays the location where the drug is in stock based on the estimation result. For example, the display control unit 133 displays the stock status of prescription drugs, etc., on the user terminal 10. Specifically, the display control unit 133 estimates the location of stores or vending machines within a predetermined range from the user's current location and displays the location where the prescription drugs, etc., prescribed to the user are in stock on the user terminal 10.

[0068] The issuing unit 134 issues a sales authorization code to the user if the pharmacist authorizes the user to purchase pharmaceuticals during online guidance. For example, when online medication guidance is completed, the issuing unit 134 issues a sales authorization code to the user that allows the pharmacist to purchase prescription-only pharmaceuticals, etc.

[0069] Here, we will explain the sales authorization code issued by the issuing unit 134 using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a sales authorization code issued by the issuing unit 134 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the user terminal screen 400 includes a sales authorization code 401. The sales authorization code 401 is an identification code issued to the user when the pharmacist has completed medication guidance to the user. The sales authorization code 401 contains information about the prescription-only medicines, etc. that the user wishes to purchase. The sales authorization code 401 may also include information arbitrarily set by the pharmacist when authorizing the purchase (for example, the period during which prescription-only medicines, etc. can be purchased).

[0070] When purchasing prescription-only medicines, the user terminal 10 displays the sales authorization code 401 on its screen and presents the sales authorization code 401 to a store-type pharmacy or vending machine to purchase the prescription-only medicines. At this time, the store-type pharmacy or vending machine reads the sales authorization code 401 displayed on the user terminal 10 and proceeds with the procedure to provide the prescription-only medicines.

[0071] The sales control unit 135 controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to users based on the issued sales authorization code. For example, the sales control unit 135 controls the sale of prescription-only pharmaceuticals to users based on the information of prescription-only pharmaceuticals linked to the issued sales authorization code. Also, for example, the sales control unit 135 sells prescription-only pharmaceuticals to users who display a sales authorization code that has not yet expired. As a result, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can sell prescription-only pharmaceuticals only to users who have an issued sales authorization code, and can prevent purchases that exceed the validity period of the authorization. Furthermore, by using the issued sales authorization code, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 can prevent fraudulent acts such as attempts to purchase prescription-only pharmaceuticals using a sales authorization code that has already been used.

[0072] The determination unit 136 uses a certificate issued by a designated institution to verify the identity of the user during medication guidance, or to determine if the user has received online guidance when purchasing medicines using an issued sales authorization code. An example of a certificate issued by a designated institution is a My Number Card. For example, when a user purchases prescription-only medicines using an issued sales authorization code, the determination unit 136 determines that the user has received online guidance by presenting their My Number Card. This prevents the medicine sales device 100 from selling prescription-only medicines to users who have not received online guidance. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, the determination unit 136 may also perform identity verification of the person involved in medication guidance based on the My Number Card or pharmacist's certificate to determine their identity. This allows the determination unit 136 to guarantee that the person receiving medication guidance is not an imposter, enabling appropriate medication guidance to be provided. Note that the certificate is not limited to the My Number Card; any certificate used to ensure strict identity verification, such as an electronic certificate issued by a public institution, may be used.

[0073] The update unit 137 updates the user management information in the storage unit 120 when the sale of pharmaceuticals is completed. For example, if a user purchases prescription-only pharmaceuticals, the update unit 137 updates the information stored in the management information storage unit 121.

[0074] (1-4. Procedures for pharmaceutical sales processing according to the embodiment) The procedure for the pharmaceutical sales process according to the above embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the pharmaceutical sales process according to the embodiment.

[0075] As shown in Figure 13, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 determines whether or not it has received a request from a user to purchase prescription drugs, etc. from a pharmacist who sells pharmaceuticals online (step S101). If the pharmaceutical sales device 100 has not received a request from a user to purchase prescription drugs, etc. from a pharmacist who sells pharmaceuticals online (step S101; No), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 waits until it receives a request. On the other hand, if the pharmaceutical sales device 100 has received a request from a user to purchase prescription drugs, etc. from a pharmacist who sells pharmaceuticals online (step S101; Yes), it determines whether or not it has obtained information about the user who made the request (step S102).

[0076] If the information of the user who made the request has not been obtained (Step S102; No), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 waits until the user's information is obtained. On the other hand, if the information of the user who made the request has been obtained (Step S102; Yes), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 connects the user terminal 10 and the pharmacist terminal 20 (Step S103).

[0077] Next, once connected, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 determines whether or not it has verified the identity of both the user and the pharmacist (step S104). If the identity verification of both the user and the pharmacist has not been completed (step S104; No), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 waits until the identity verification is completed. On the other hand, if the identity verification of both the user and the pharmacist has been completed (step S104; Yes), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 displays the user's information on the pharmacist terminal 20 (step S105).

[0078] Next, once the online guidance by the pharmacist is complete, the pharmaceutical sales device 100 issues a sales authorization code to the user terminal 10 for purchasing pharmaceuticals (step S106). The pharmaceutical sales device 100 then uses the issued sales authorization code to determine whether or not the user has purchased pharmaceuticals (step S107). If the user has not purchased pharmaceuticals (step S107; No), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 waits until the user purchases pharmaceuticals. On the other hand, if the user has purchased pharmaceuticals (step S107; Yes), the pharmaceutical sales device 100 updates the management information, including the user's purchase history (step S108), and terminates the process.

[0079] (2. Other Embodiments) The processing according to the above-described embodiment may be carried out in various other forms besides those described above.

[0080] For example, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0081] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0082] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0083] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting; other effects may also occur.

[0084] (3. Effects of the pharmaceutical sales device related to this disclosure) As described above, the pharmaceutical sales device according to this disclosure (pharmaceutical sales device 100 in the embodiment) comprises a reception unit (reception unit 131 in the embodiment), an acquisition unit (acquisition unit 132 in the embodiment), a display control unit (display control unit 133 in the embodiment), an issuing unit (issuing unit 134 in the embodiment), a sales control unit (sales control unit 135 in the embodiment), and an update unit (update unit 137 in the embodiment). The reception unit receives requests from users to pharmacists who will provide online medication guidance. Upon receiving a request, the acquisition unit refers to the storage unit (storage unit 120 in the embodiment) and acquires management information associated with the user. Upon acquiring the management information, the display control unit displays the management information on the pharmacist terminal (pharmacist terminal 20 in the embodiment) during online guidance to the user. If the pharmacist authorizes the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user during online guidance, the issuing unit issues a sales authorization code to the user. The sales control unit controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user based on the issued sales authorization code. When the sale of pharmaceuticals is completed, the update unit updates the management information about the user in the storage unit. This allows the pharmaceutical sales system to provide online medication guidance from pharmacists and to easily obtain prescription-only medications. Furthermore, the system enables pharmacists who are qualified but unable to work permanently at pharmacies or other locations to provide medication guidance regardless of location.

[0085] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device is further equipped with a determination unit (determination unit 136 in this embodiment) that performs a determination using a certificate issued by a designated institution as a means of verifying the user's identity during medication guidance, or as a means of determining whether the user is a user who has received online guidance when purchasing pharmaceuticals using the issued sales authorization code. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device to determine whether the user is a user who has been issued a sales authorization code by having the user present a certificate issued by a designated institution. In addition, by having the user present a certificate issued by a designated institution, the pharmaceutical sales device can prevent users other than those who have been issued a sales authorization code from purchasing prescription drugs, etc. Furthermore, by having the user present both a certificate issued by a designated institution and a sales authorization code, the pharmaceutical sales device can prevent the bulk purchase of prescription drugs, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device sets a predetermined expiration date for the sales authorization code and issues the said sales authorization code. By setting an expiration date for the sales authorization code, the pharmaceutical sales device can prevent fraudulent activities such as purchasing prescription drugs using a sales authorization code that has already been used.

[0087] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device displays the user's history as management information. Specifically, the pharmaceutical sales device displays at least one piece of information as the user's history, including the user's drug purchase history, prescription information, and medication history. External data such as prescription information and medication history are obtained, for example, from medical information linked to the user's My Number Card. The pharmaceutical sales device can, for example, display the user's past medical visit history and prescription history along with the user's face on the pharmacist's terminal, enabling more appropriate prescriptions for prescription drugs and other medications requiring guidance.

[0088] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device displays feedback information about the sold medication on the user's terminal after the user has used it, and acquires the feedback information when a response is made to the displayed feedback information. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device to tailor future visits and prescriptions to the user by soliciting feedback on the prescribed medication. The pharmaceutical sales device can also accumulate information to prescribe medications more suitable for the user by soliciting feedback on the prescribed medication. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device can improve the medications created by pharmaceutical companies by soliciting feedback on the prescribed medication. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device can contribute to improving the services provided by pharmaceutical companies by soliciting feedback on the prescribed medication.

[0089] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sales device displays questionnaire information from the pharmaceutical company that sold the medicine on the user's terminal after the user has used the medicine sold. If the user responds to the displayed questionnaire, the device acquires the questionnaire information. This allows the pharmaceutical sales device to request users who have used prescribed prescription medicines to complete questionnaires from the pharmaceutical company, which can then be used as reference for the pharmaceutical company to create prescription medicines. Additionally, by requesting users who have used prescribed prescription medicines to complete questionnaires from the pharmaceutical company, the pharmaceutical sales device can view user preferences and use this information to make improvements.

[0090] Furthermore, the pharmaceutical vending machine estimates the purchase location of the drug based on the user's current location, and displays the purchase location where the drug is in stock, based on the estimation result. In this way, the pharmaceutical vending machine estimates a purchase location within a predetermined range from the user's current location based on the inventory status of prescription drugs, etc., thereby saving the user the trouble of searching for a physical pharmacy or vending machine.

[0091] (4. Hardware Configuration) The information equipment such as the pharmaceutical sales device 100 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 14. The following explanation will use the pharmaceutical sales device 100 according to the embodiment as an example. Figure 14 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 1000 that realizes the functions of the pharmaceutical sales device 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, RAM 1200, ROM (Read Only Memory) 1300, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 1400, communication interface 1500, and input / output interface 1600. The various parts of the computer 1000 are connected by a bus 1050.

[0092] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. For example, the CPU 1100 loads the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400 into the RAM 1200 and executes processing corresponding to the various programs.

[0093] ROM1300 stores boot programs such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) executed by CPU1100 when computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0094] HDD1400 is a computer-readable recording medium that non-temporarily records programs executed by CPU1100 and data used by such programs. Specifically, HDD1400 is a recording medium that records a program that performs the calculation processing related to this disclosure, which is an example of program data 1450.

[0095] The communication interface 1500 is an interface for the computer 1000 to connect to an external network 1550 (e.g., the Internet). For example, the CPU 1100 can receive data from other devices or transmit data it generates to other devices via the communication interface 1500.

[0096] The input / output interface 1600 is an interface for connecting the input / output device 1650 and the computer 1000. For example, the CPU 1100 receives data from input devices such as a keyboard or mouse via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also transmits data to output devices such as a display, speaker, or printer via the input / output interface 1600. The input / output interface 1600 may also function as a media interface for reading programs recorded on a predetermined recording medium (media). Examples of media include optical recording media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical Disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory.

[0097] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as a pharmaceutical sales device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes functions such as the control unit 130 by executing a management program loaded on the RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores programs that perform the management processing related to this disclosure, as well as data in the storage unit 120. The CPU 1100 reads and executes program data 1450 from the HDD 1400, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via an external network 1550.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present application have been described in detail based on the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1. Pharmaceutical sales system 10. User terminals 20 Pharmacist terminals 100 Pharmaceutical sales equipment 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Management information storage unit 122 Pharmaceutical Inventory Information Storage Unit 123 Feedback Information Storage Unit 124 Questionnaire Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Reception Department 132 Acquisition Department 133 Display Control Unit 134 Publishing Department 135 Sales Control Unit 136 Judgment section 137 Update Department

Claims

1. A reception desk that receives requests from users for pharmacists to provide online medication guidance, Upon receiving the aforementioned request, the acquisition unit refers to the memory unit and obtains management information associated with the user, Upon acquiring the aforementioned management information, a display control unit is provided to display the management information on the pharmacist's terminal during online instruction to the user. In the aforementioned online instruction, if the pharmacist authorizes the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user, an issuing unit issues a sales authorization code to the user. Based on the issued sales authorization code, a sales control unit controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user, When the sale of the aforementioned pharmaceutical product is completed, an update unit updates the management information concerning the user in the storage unit, A pharmaceutical sales device equipped with the following features.

2. A determination unit that performs a determination using a certificate issued by a designated institution as a means of verifying the identity of the user in the aforementioned medication guidance, or as a means of determining whether the user is the user who received the aforementioned online guidance when purchasing pharmaceuticals using the sales authorization code issued to the user, The pharmaceutical sales device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The aforementioned issuing department, A predetermined expiration date is set for the sales authorization code, and the sales authorization code is issued accordingly. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 1.

4. The display control unit, The aforementioned management information includes displaying the user's history. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 1.

5. The display control unit, The user's history includes displaying at least one of the following: the user's drug purchase history, prescription information, and medication history. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 4.

6. The display control unit, After the user has used the sold medicine, feedback information regarding the medicine will be displayed on the user's terminal. The acquisition unit is, If a response is made to the displayed feedback information, the feedback information will be acquired. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 1.

7. The display control unit, After the user has used the medicine that was sold to them, the pharmaceutical company that sold the medicine will display survey information on the user's terminal. The acquisition unit is, If a response is made to the displayed survey information, the survey information will be acquired. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 1.

8. The display control unit, Based on the availability of pharmaceuticals, the system estimates the purchase location of the pharmaceutical based on the user's current location and displays the purchase locations where the pharmaceutical is in stock based on the estimation results. The pharmaceutical sales device according to feature 1.

9. Computers We receive requests from users for pharmacists to provide online medication guidance. Upon receiving the aforementioned request, the system will refer to the memory unit and retrieve the management information associated with the user. Upon obtaining the aforementioned management information, the pharmacist's terminal, which is currently providing online instruction to the user, displays the management information. In the aforementioned online instruction, if the pharmacist authorizes the user to sell pharmaceuticals, the pharmacist will issue a sales authorization code to the user. Based on the issued sales authorization code, the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user is controlled. When the sale of the aforementioned pharmaceutical product is completed, the management information concerning the user in the storage unit is updated. A method for selling pharmaceuticals, characterized by including the following.

10. Computers, A reception desk that receives requests from users for pharmacists to provide online medication guidance, Upon receiving the aforementioned request, the acquisition unit refers to the memory unit and obtains management information associated with the user, Upon acquiring the aforementioned management information, a display control unit is provided to display the management information on the pharmacist's terminal during online instruction to the user. In the aforementioned online instruction, if the pharmacist authorizes the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user, an issuing unit issues a sales authorization code to the user. Based on the issued sales authorization code, a sales control unit controls the sale of pharmaceuticals to the user, When the sale of the aforementioned pharmaceutical product is completed, an update unit updates the management information concerning the user in the storage unit, A pharmaceutical sales program characterized by functioning as a pharmaceutical sales device equipped with the necessary components.

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