Information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To improve convenience for patients and medical institutions regarding the issuance of prescriptions. [Solution] The information processing system comprises an acquisition unit that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, a confirmation unit that confirms the prescription format and the inventory status of prescription drugs that the dispensing pharmacy corresponds to based on the designation information, and a prescription issuing unit that issues a prescription in the format that the dispensing pharmacy corresponds to.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in addition to conventional paper prescriptions, electronic prescriptions are being used. With electronic prescriptions, patients do not need to take the prescription to the pharmacy themselves, and hospitals do not need to issue paper prescriptions. Therefore, electronic prescriptions are expected to contribute to the improvement of pharmacy operations, such as the immediate transmission of prescription information to the pharmacy.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring prescription data, a processing process for processing the prescription data to change the display mode, and an output process for outputting the prescription data, and in the output process, the output is performed in a mode corresponding to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a pharmacy database system 14 that stores geographical information and inventory information of member pharmacies, a member pharmaceutical company group server 18 that delivers medicines to the member pharmacies and manages the inventory information on a per-pharmacy basis, a web server 10 that constructs an internet site for receiving and transferring electronic prescriptions over the internet based on the information of the pharmacy database system and the pharmaceutical company group server, and a system in which, after a doctor has examined a patient, the prescription record is entered into a patient medical database 13-1 within the hospital, and then patient authentication such as a patient-specific number is used to reflect the patient's wishes regarding pharmacy selection and to protect the patient's medical history. The disclosed electronic prescription system is based on the Internet and includes: a patient-use hospital unmanned terminal group 13-2 that issues and transmits handwritten and electronic prescriptions based on medical results to a pharmacy designated by the patient or the pharmacy closest to the patient's residence via the Internet; a pharmacy terminal group 12 that, when a patient visits the pharmacy, checks whether electronic prescription information has been delivered using the pharmacy's unique number, and if the prescription information has been received, prepares and dispenses the medication based on the prescription and transmits the preparation and dispensing information to the web server; and a patient database 16 that collects dispensing information from the pharmacy terminal group and medical information from the hospital terminal group and stores comprehensive information on the patient's individual information. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-93635 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2003-530650 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, for pharmacies to accept electronic prescriptions, investment and preparation are necessary, and many pharmacies are not yet able to do so. Furthermore, even if a pharmacy accepts electronic prescriptions, if the pharmacy does not have the prescribed medication in stock, it may take a long time for the patient to receive their medication, and the patient may request to go to another pharmacy. In such cases, the pharmacy may have to reissue the electronic prescription as a paper prescription, which can be time-consuming. Moreover, even with electronic prescriptions, hospitals may still issue a copy of the electronic prescription number and give it to the patient, which places a significant burden on hospitals in issuing prescriptions. Furthermore, patients may not have sufficient information about pharmacies, and even if a prescription is issued in the format requested by the patient, the pharmacy the patient wants to use may not be able to handle that prescription format. In such cases, the patient will have to find another pharmacy or have the prescription reissued. Thus, hospitals need to handle various forms of prescriptions, making the prescription issuance process complex and burdensome. The burden increases even further when reissuing prescriptions in different formats is required. This has also been one of the factors hindering the widespread adoption of electronic prescriptions. Thus, there was a problem in that the convenience for patients and medical institutions regarding prescription issuance was not sufficient.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, and program that can improve convenience for patients and medical institutions in issuing prescriptions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires designation information for a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation unit that confirms the prescription format and the inventory status of prescription drugs corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy based on the designation information; and a prescription issuing unit that issues a prescription in the format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a hospital system comprising an information processing system, which includes an acquisition unit that acquires designation information for a dispensing pharmacy, a communication unit that queries an external server for information regarding the dispensing pharmacy based on the designation information, a confirmation unit that confirms the prescription format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy based on the designation information, and a prescription issuing unit that issues a prescription in the format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0010] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires designation information for a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request unit that requests the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format and the inventory status of prescription drugs based on the designation information; and a prescription issuing unit that issues a prescription in the corresponding format to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0011] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires designation information for a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request unit that requests the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format based on the designation information; a communication unit that queries an external server for the content of the confirmation request; and a prescription issuing unit that issues a prescription in the format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0012] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer of an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request step of requesting the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format and the inventory status of prescription drugs based on the designation information; and a prescription issuance step of the dispensing pharmacy issuing a prescription in the corresponding format.

[0013] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method executed by a computer of an information processing device, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request step of requesting the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format based on the designation information; a communication step of querying an external server for the content of the confirmation request; and a prescription issuance step of the dispensing pharmacy issuing a prescription of the corresponding format.

[0014] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the computer of an information processing device to execute an acquisition step of acquiring designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request step of requesting the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format and the inventory status of the prescribed drug based on the designation information; and a prescription issuance step of issuing a prescription in the corresponding format to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0015] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the computer of an information processing device to execute an acquisition step of acquiring designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy; a confirmation request step of requesting the dispensing pharmacy to confirm the corresponding prescription format based on the designation information; a communication step of querying an external server for the content of the confirmation request; and a prescription issuance step of the dispensing pharmacy issuing a prescription of the corresponding format. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, the present invention can improve convenience for patients and medical institutions involved in the issuance of prescriptions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the server system 200 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pharmacy system 300 according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This sequence diagram shows an example of information processing in the SYS information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing an example of information processing in the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system SYS according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the information processing system SYS includes a hospital system 100, a server system 200, and a pharmacy system 300. The hospital system 100, the server system 200, and the pharmacy system 300 are connected by wire or wirelessly so as to be communicable.

[0020] The hospital system 100 is a server device, a terminal device, etc. used in medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics. The hospital system 100 includes a doctor terminal device used by doctors, a medical staff terminal device used by nurses, medical clerks, etc., and a patient terminal device used by patients. The hospital system 100 receives an input of electronic medical record information corresponding to a doctor's examination of a patient. The electronic medical record information also includes prescription information for the patient. The hospital system 100 issues a prescription to the patient based on the doctor's examination.

[0021] Note that the patient terminal device may be a mobile terminal device owned by the patient. In this case, the mobile terminal device may be connected to the hospital system 100 or the server system 200 via an Internet line or the like.

[0022] Server system 200 is a server system that manages information about dispensing pharmacies, including pharmacy information, the types of medicines handled by each dispensing pharmacy, and medicine inventory.

[0023] The Pharmacy System 300 consists of terminal devices used by pharmacists and other staff in dispensing pharmacies, as well as server devices for managing pharmaceuticals. The Pharmacy System 300 manages pharmaceutical information such as information on medications prescribed to patients, information on medication guidance given to patients, types of medications handled, and inventory.

[0024] Next, we will explain the configuration of the hospital system 100 in detail.

[0025] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment. The hospital system 100 is comprised of a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, an output unit 130, a control unit 140, and a storage unit 150. The communication unit 110 has the function of communicating with the server system 200 and the function of communicating with the pharmacy system 300. The input unit 120 receives operation inputs from input devices such as a mouse and keyboard connected to the hospital system 100. The output unit 130 is equipped with a display device such as a display and outputs various types of information.

[0026] The memory unit 150 stores various types of data. The storage unit 150 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access read / write Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or any combination of these storage media. This storage unit 150 can, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0027] The control unit 140 has the function of controlling the hospital system 100. The control unit 140 includes a designated information acquisition unit 141, a confirmation request unit 142, and a prescription issuance unit 143.

[0028] The designated information acquisition unit 141 acquires designated information for specifying a dispensing pharmacy. The designated information is, for example, information that specifies a dispensing pharmacy entered from the input unit 120 based on the patient's wishes, or information that specifies a dispensing pharmacy that was designated (selected) by the input unit 120 from among dispensing pharmacy candidates extracted based on the patient's wishes such as whether online medication guidance is available, whether medicine delivery is available, and the disease specialization of the dispensing pharmacy, as well as the patient's address, hospital location, etc.

[0029] The designated information acquisition unit 141 may also acquire the designated information from the patient's smartphone or other terminal device. Furthermore, the designation of a dispensing pharmacy is not limited to one pharmacy; multiple pharmacies can be designated. Additionally, the designation can be based on the patient's preferred criteria for a dispensing pharmacy. By designating multiple pharmacies or specifying criteria for a dispensing pharmacy, patients can choose the most suitable pharmacy from a pool of options that meet their specific needs. Furthermore, the designated information acquisition unit 141 may acquire information about the dispensing pharmacy the patient used last time as designated information. In this case, the patient or doctor can avoid the trouble of having to specify the dispensing pharmacy again.

[0030] The confirmation request unit 142 includes a prescription format confirmation request unit 1421 and an inventory status confirmation request unit 1422. The prescription type confirmation request unit 1421 transmits a request to the server system 200 via the communication unit 110 to confirm the prescription type handled by the dispensing pharmacy specified in the designated information, based on the designated information. In response to the confirmation request, the prescription type confirmation request unit 1421 obtains information on the prescription type handled by the dispensing pharmacy specified in the designated information from the server system 200.

[0031] Here, prescription format information refers to information about the types of prescriptions that a pharmacy can receive, including, for example, whether electronic prescriptions are accepted, whether online medication guidance is available, whether a copy of the electronic prescription number is required, whether fax transmission is possible, whether CSV data transmission is possible, and whether medication delivery is possible. By reviewing this detailed prescription information, unnecessary steps such as paper printing can be eliminated, contributing to reductions in time, cost, and resources.

[0032] The inventory status confirmation request unit 1422 retrieves the inventory status of prescription drugs at the designated pharmacy from the server system 200 as a response to the confirmation request.

[0033] If the prescription issuing unit 143 indicates that the prescription drug is in stock at the dispensing pharmacy, it issues a prescription in the prescription format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy specified in the designated information. If the prescription issuing unit 143 indicates that the prescription drug is out of stock at the dispensing pharmacy, it causes the designated information acquisition unit 141 to reacquire the designated information, for example. The prescription issuing unit 143 transmits the prescription to the pharmacy system 300 via the communication unit 110, or prints it out on paper and provides it to the patient.

[0034] Furthermore, each of the functions of the hospital system 100 described above may be implemented by using a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0035] Next, we will describe the configuration of server system 200.

[0036] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server system 200 according to this embodiment. The server system 200 includes a communication unit 210, an input unit 220, an output unit 230, a control unit 240, and a storage unit 250. The communication unit 210 has the function of communicating with the hospital system 100 and the function of communicating with the pharmacy system 300. The input unit 220 receives operation inputs from input devices such as a mouse and keyboard connected to the server system 200. The output unit 230 is equipped with a display device such as a display and outputs various types of information.

[0037] The memory unit 250 stores various types of data. The storage unit 250 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination thereof. This storage unit 250 can, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0038] The memory unit 250 stores pharmacy information 251. Pharmacy information 251 includes the types of prescriptions each pharmacy handles, the types of medications each pharmacy carries, and information on medication inventory.

[0039] The control unit 240 has the function of controlling the server system 200. The control unit 240 includes a verification unit 241. The verification unit 241 includes a prescription format verification unit 2411 and an inventory status verification unit 2412. When the prescription format verification unit 2411 receives a prescription format verification request from the hospital system 100, it refers to the pharmacy information 251 stored in the memory unit 250 and obtains the prescription format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy specified in the designated information. In response to the verification request, the prescription format verification unit 2411 transmits the prescription format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy to the hospital system 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0040] When the inventory status confirmation unit 2412 receives a request from the hospital system 100 to check the inventory status of prescription drugs, it refers to the pharmacy information stored in the memory unit 250 and obtains the inventory information of prescription drugs. In response to the confirmation request, the inventory status confirmation unit 2412 transmits the inventory status of prescription drugs to the hospital system 100 via the communication unit 210.

[0041] Furthermore, each of the functions of the server system 200 described above may be implemented by, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated electronic circuit. By centralizing information on server system 200, it becomes possible to support the numerous pharmacies and hospitals, while reducing system load, communication load, and memory load. Furthermore, because information updates are easy, information lag can be reduced.

[0042] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the pharmacy system 300.

[0043] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the pharmacy system 300 according to this embodiment. The pharmacy system 300 comprises a communication unit 310, an input unit 320, an output unit 330, a control unit 340, and a storage unit 350. The communication unit 310 has the function of communicating with the hospital system 100 and the function of communicating with the server system 200. The input unit 320 receives operation inputs from input devices such as a mouse and keyboard connected to the pharmacy system 300. The output unit 330 is equipped with a display device such as a display and outputs various types of information.

[0044] The memory unit 350 stores various types of data. The storage unit 350 is composed of a storage medium, such as an HDD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination thereof. This storage unit 350 can, for example, use non-volatile memory.

[0045] The memory unit 350 stores the drug information 351. Drug information 351 includes the types of medicines handled by the dispensing pharmacy, inventory information for each medicine, etc.

[0046] The control unit 340 has the function of controlling the pharmacy system 300. The control unit 340 is comprised of a dispensing management unit 341 and a medication guidance management unit 342. The dispensing management department 341 manages dispensing information, such as the dispensing history for each patient. The Medication Guidance Management Department 342 manages medication guidance information, such as each patient's medication guidance history.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the functions of the pharmacy system 300 described above may be implemented by, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0048] Next, we will explain the information processing flow in the SYS information processing system.

[0049] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information processing in the SYS information processing system according to this embodiment. In step ST101, the dispensing pharmacy registers information such as the types of prescriptions it handles, whether online medication guidance is available, the pharmaceuticals it handles, its location, and whether it delivers pharmaceuticals to the server system 200 as a pre-processing step. In step ST102, the pharmacy system 300 transmits the inventory status of the pharmaceuticals it handles to the server system 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0050] In step ST103, the patient visits a medical institution. In step ST104, the doctor examines the patient. In step ST105, the physician decides on the prescription of medication for the patient.

[0051] In step ST106, the patient specifies their preferred pharmacy to the doctor. The hospital system 100 may obtain the specified pharmacy information entered by the patient from a terminal device, or the doctor may input the information into the hospital system 100 after receiving it from the patient.

[0052] In step ST107, the hospital system 100 makes an inquiry by sending information to the server system 200 regarding the prescription format and inventory status of the prescribed drugs handled by the dispensing pharmacy, based on the specified information.

[0053] In step ST108, the hospital system 100 retrieves the prescription format and the inventory status of the prescribed drugs handled by the dispensing pharmacy from the server system 200 as a response to the inquiry.

[0054] In step ST109, at the hospital, the hospital system 100 presents the physician with the prescription types and drug inventory status that the dispensing pharmacy can handle. The physician checks the prescription types and drug inventory status that the dispensing pharmacy can handle and decides on the prescription type.

[0055] In step ST110, the hospital system 100 issues a prescription based on the physician's actions.

[0056] In step ST111, the hospital system 100 transmits prescription information to the pharmacy system 300. The prescription information is transmitted via electronic prescription, CSV, fax, etc.

[0057] In step ST112, the pharmacy system 300 stores prescription information.

[0058] In step ST113, if the hospital system 100 has issued a paper prescription, it provides the paper prescription to the patient.

[0059] In step ST114, the patient receives a paper prescription and submits it to the pharmacy. The prescription may be a paper prescription or an electronic version of a paper prescription.

[0060] In step ST115, the pharmacy (pharmacy system 300) receives a prescription from a patient and stores the prescription.

[0061] In step ST116, the pharmacy system 300 dispenses prescription drugs by a pharmacist, receives input of dispensing information, and stores the dispensing information.

[0062] In Step ST117, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient in person or online.

[0063] In step ST118, the pharmacy system 300 provides the patient with prescription medication. The provision of prescription medication may be by delivery or in person.

[0064] In step ST119, if the pharmacy system 300 received an electronically processed paper prescription in step ST111 or step ST114, it receives the original paper prescription from the patient or hospital.

[0065] In step ST120, the pharmacy system 300 stores paper prescriptions.

[0066] In this context, regarding the inventory status of prescription drugs, having a drug in stock at a dispensing pharmacy does not necessarily mean that the pharmacy itself holds the drug in stock, as long as it can be obtained quickly from distribution centers, warehouses, wholesalers, etc., and delivered (provided) to the patient by the time requested by the patient.

[0067] Furthermore, if timely inventory checks are unnecessary or impossible due to sufficient supply of pharmaceuticals, sufficient inventory levels at the pharmacy, insufficient communication environment or status, or the pharmacy system being unable to handle them, the pharmacy may issue a prescription based only on information regarding the prescription format it handles, without checking the inventory status of the prescribed medications. Checking the stock status of prescription drugs has the advantage of allowing patients to receive their medication without waiting. Furthermore, if the stock status of prescription drugs is not checked, the load on the pharmacy system 300 is reduced, which can lower the cost and time required for system development.

[0068] Furthermore, even when checking the inventory status of prescription drugs, it is not necessary to check the inventory of all registered pharmacies; it is sufficient to check the inventory status of prescription drugs only for pharmacies whose systems are compatible with the system. Furthermore, information on the pharmaceuticals handled by each pharmacy can be pre-registered in the server system 200. When events such as low stock levels, lack of stock, or difficulty in obtaining a particular pharmaceutical occur, the server system 200 can be updated accordingly. In this case, there is no need to contact the pharmacy each time, which has the advantage of reducing the system load.

[0069] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of information processing in the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment. In step S101, the hospital system 100 checks whether the patient wishes to receive online medication guidance. If the patient does not wish to receive online medication guidance (step S101 NO), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S102. If the patient wishes to receive online medication guidance (step S101 YES), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S110.

[0070] In step S102, the hospital system 100, referring to pharmacy information stored in the server system 200, presents to the doctor and / or patient information regarding the prescription format and inventory status of the prescribed drug that the designated pharmacy, specified based on the patient's preferences, handles.

[0071] In step S103, the hospital system 100 checks whether the pharmacy specified in the patient's preference information supports electronic prescriptions. If the pharmacy specified in the patient's preference information supports electronic prescriptions (step S103 YES), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S107. If the pharmacy specified in the patient's preference information does not support electronic prescriptions (step S103 NO), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S105.

[0072] Alternatively, in step S103, the hospital system 100 asks the doctor whether the patient wants an electronic prescription. If the patient wants an electronic prescription (step S103 YES), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S107. If the patient does not want an electronic prescription (step S103 NO), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S105.

[0073] In step S104, the hospital system 100 issues a paper prescription.

[0074] In step S105, the hospital system 100 provides the patient with a paper prescription.

[0075] In step S106, the hospital system 100 instructs the patient to submit a paper prescription to the pharmacy. The prescription may be submitted in person or by mail.

[0076] In step S107, the hospital system 100 issues an electronic prescription.

[0077] In step S108, the hospital system 100 registers the electronic prescription in the electronic prescription registration system (electronic prescription management service) (not shown). In step S109, the hospital system 100 provides the patient with a numbered copy.

[0078] In step S110, the hospital system 100 accepts the input of specified information. If the patient does not specify a preferred pharmacy, the hospital system 100 obtains a list of pharmacy candidates from the server system 200 based on information such as the type of disease, the medicines handled by the pharmacy, the delivery conditions for the medicines, and the patient's address or the hospital's location, and accepts the specified information by allowing the patient to select a pharmacy from the list of candidates.

[0079] In step S111, the hospital system 100 queries the server system 200 for information on the prescription types and drug inventory status of the dispensing pharmacy specified in the specified information, based on the specified information. In response to the query, the hospital system 100 obtains information from the server system 200 for the prescription types and drug inventory status of the dispensing pharmacy specified in the specified information.

[0080] In step S112, the hospital system 100 asks the doctor whether or not to change the dispensing pharmacy based on the inventory status of the prescribed drugs. If the doctor chooses to change the dispensing pharmacy (step S112 YES), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S110. If the doctor chooses not to change the dispensing pharmacy (step S112 NO), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S113.

[0081] In step S113, the hospital system 100 checks whether the prescription format handled by the dispensing pharmacy specified in the specified information is compatible with electronic prescriptions. If the prescription format handled by the dispensing pharmacy specified in the specified information is compatible with electronic prescriptions (step S113 YES), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S116. If the prescription format handled by the dispensing pharmacy specified in the specified information is not compatible with electronic prescriptions (step S113 NO), the hospital system 100 executes the process in step S114.

[0082] In step S114, the hospital system 100 issues a paper prescription. The paper prescription includes a comment indicating the patient's desire for online medication guidance.

[0083] In step S115, the hospital system sends the paper prescription to the pharmacy (pharmacy system 300) via fax, CSV, or by digitizing the paper prescription.

[0084] In step S116, the hospital system 100 issues an electronic prescription.

[0085] In step S117, the hospital system 100 registers the electronic prescription in the electronic prescription registration system (electronic prescription management service) (not shown).

[0086] Next, we will describe the hardware configuration of the hospital system 100.

[0087] Figure 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the hospital system 100 according to this embodiment. The hospital system 100 is comprised of a CPU 101, a drive unit 102, a storage medium 103, an input unit 104, an output unit 105, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 106, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 107, an auxiliary storage unit 108, and an interface unit 109.

[0088] The CPU 101, drive unit 102, input unit 104, output unit 105, ROM 106, RAM 107, auxiliary storage unit 108, and interface unit 109 are interconnected via a bus. In this context, "CPU101" refers to a processor in general, and includes not only devices commonly known as CPUs in the narrow sense, but also, for example, GPUs and DSPs. Furthermore, "CPU101" is not limited to being implemented by a single processor, but may be implemented by combining multiple processors of the same or different types.

[0089] The CPU 101 controls the hospital system 100 by reading and executing programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 108, ROM 106, and RAM 107, and by reading various data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 108, ROM 106, and RAM 107 and writing various data to the auxiliary storage unit 108 and RAM 107. The CPU 101 also reads various data stored in the storage medium 103 via the drive unit 102 and writes various data to the storage medium 103. The storage medium 103 is a portable storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk, flexible disk, or flash memory, and stores various data. The drive unit 102 is a device that reads and writes to storage media 103 such as optical disc drives, flexible disk drives, and flash memory.

[0090] The input unit 104 includes input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, power button, settings button, and infrared receiver. The output unit 105 is an output device such as a display unit or speaker. ROM 106 and RAM 107 store programs and various data necessary to operate each functional unit of the hospital system 100.

[0091] The auxiliary storage unit 108 is a hard disk drive, flash memory, etc., and stores programs and various data for operating each functional unit of the hospital system 100. The interface unit 109 has a communication interface and is connected to other devices in the network NW or information processing system SYS by wired or wireless means.

[0092] For example, in the functional configuration of the hospital system 100 in Figure 2, the communication unit 110 corresponds to the interface unit 109 in Figure 7, the input unit 120 in Figure 2 corresponds to the input unit 104 in Figure 7, the output unit 130 in Figure 2 corresponds to the output unit 105 in Figure 7, the control unit 140 in Figure 2 corresponds to the CPU 101 in Figure 7, and the storage unit 150 in Figure 2 corresponds to the storage medium 103, ROM 106, RAM 107, and auxiliary storage unit 108 in Figure 7.

[0093] Thus, the information processing system SYS according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (designation information acquisition unit 141) that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, a confirmation unit 241 that confirms the prescription format and the inventory status of prescription drugs corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy based on the designation information, and a prescription issuing unit 143 that issues a prescription in the format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy.

[0094] This approach reduces the burden associated with reissuing prescriptions. Furthermore, patients can obtain their prescribed medications through their preferred method, such as in-person medication guidance, online medication guidance, in-person pickup, or delivery. Pharmacies can also increase the number of patients they can serve. Therefore, convenience for both patients and medical institutions regarding prescription issuance can be improved.

[0095] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0096] Furthermore, the programs that operate in the hospital system 100, server system 200, and pharmacy system 300 in one aspect of the present invention may be programs that control one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) (programs that make a computer function) in order to realize the functions shown in the above embodiments and modifications relating to one aspect of the present invention. The term "computer" here includes quantum computers. The information handled by each of these devices may be temporarily stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) during processing, and then stored in various storage devices such as flash memory and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and may be read, modified, and written by the CPU or the like as needed.

[0097] Furthermore, some or all of the hospital system 100, server system 200, and pharmacy system 300 in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented using a computer equipped with one or more processors. In that case, the program for implementing this control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read by the computer system and executed.

[0098] Furthermore, the term "computer system" as used herein refers to the computer systems embedded in the hospital system 100, server system 200, and pharmacy system 300, and includes hardware such as the operating system and peripheral devices. Also, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks embedded in computer systems.

[0099] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" may include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, as well as those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. In addition, the above-mentioned program may be for the purpose of realizing some of the functions described above, and may also be a program that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0100] Furthermore, some or all of the hospital system 100, server system 200, and pharmacy system 300 in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented as LSIs, which are typically integrated circuits, or as chipsets. Also, each functional block of the hospital system 100, server system 200, and pharmacy system 300 in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be individually chipped, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single chip. Moreover, the method of implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits and / or general-purpose processors. Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit implementation technologies that can replace LSIs, it is also possible to use integrated circuits based on those technologies.

[0101] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings as one aspect of this invention, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and modifications, and includes design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this invention. Furthermore, various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims for one aspect of this invention, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this invention. In addition, configurations in which elements described in the above embodiments and modifications that produce similar effects are substituted for each other are also included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 100 Hospital Systems 101 CPU 102 Drive Unit 103 Storage medium 104 Input section 105 Output section 106 ROM 107 RAM 108 Auxiliary storage 109 Interface section 110 Communications Department 120 Input section 130 Output section 140 Control Unit 141 Specified information acquisition unit 142 Confirmation Request Department 1421 Prescription Format Verification Request Department 1422 Inventory Status Inquiry Department 143 Prescription Issuance Department 150 Storage section 200 Server Systems 210 Communications Department 220 Input section 230 Output section 240 Control Unit 241 Verification Section 2411 Prescription Format Verification Department 2412 Inventory Status Confirmation Department 250 Storage section 251 Pharmacy Information 300 Pharmacy System 310 Communications Department 320 Input section 330 Output section 340 Control Unit 341 Pharmacy Management Department 342 Medication Guidance and Management Department 350 Storage section 351 Drug Information SYS Information Processing System

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation unit that, based on the specified information, confirms the prescription format and the inventory status of the prescribed drug that the dispensing pharmacy handles, The aforementioned dispensing pharmacy has a prescription issuing department that issues prescriptions in the format it is authorized to issue, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, A communication unit that queries an external server for information regarding the dispensing pharmacy based on the specified information, A confirmation unit that confirms the prescription format corresponding to the dispensing pharmacy based on the specified information, The aforementioned dispensing pharmacy has a prescription issuing department that issues prescriptions in the format it is authorized to issue, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

3. An acquisition unit that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request unit that requests confirmation of the prescription format and drug inventory status of the dispensing pharmacy based on the specified information, The aforementioned dispensing pharmacy has a prescription issuing department that issues prescriptions in the format it is authorized to issue, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

4. An acquisition unit that acquires designation information to specify a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request unit that requests confirmation of the prescription format to be handled by the dispensing pharmacy based on the specified information, The communications unit queries an external server for the details of the aforementioned confirmation request, The aforementioned dispensing pharmacy has a prescription issuing department that issues prescriptions in the format it is authorized to issue, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

5. An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device, The acquisition step involves obtaining the designated information for specifying a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request step is made to request confirmation of the prescription format and the inventory status of the prescribed drug that the dispensing pharmacy handles, based on the specified information. A prescription issuance step in which the aforementioned pharmacy issues a prescription in the appropriate format, An information processing method having

6. An information processing method performed by a computer in an information processing device, The acquisition step involves obtaining the designated information for specifying a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request step in which the dispensing pharmacy requests confirmation of the prescription format it will handle based on the specified information, A communication step that queries an external server for the details of the confirmation request, A prescription issuance step in which the aforementioned pharmacy issues a prescription in the appropriate format, An information processing method having

7. In the computer of the information processing device, The acquisition step involves obtaining the designated information for specifying a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request step is made to request confirmation of the prescription format and the inventory status of the prescribed drug that the dispensing pharmacy handles, based on the specified information. A prescription issuance step in which the aforementioned pharmacy issues a prescription in the appropriate format, A program to execute.

8. In the computer of the information processing device, The acquisition step involves obtaining the designated information for specifying a dispensing pharmacy, A confirmation request step in which the dispensing pharmacy requests confirmation of the prescription format it will handle based on the specified information, A communication step that queries an external server for the details of the confirmation request, A prescription issuance step in which the aforementioned pharmacy issues a prescription in the appropriate format, A program to execute.

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