Work Station Improvements for Medical Dose Preparation Systems

Abstract

To provide work stations which may facilitate efficient work flows that allow an engineer to efficiently prepare a medical dose command while acquiring dose command metadata.SOLUTION: There are provided embodiments of work stations for use in a medical dose preparation management system. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. A base with a removable tray may be provided that includes medical receptacle engagement features.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 719,256, entitled "WORK STATION FOR MEDICAL DOSE PREPARATION SYSTEM," filed on October 26, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Many care providers have pharmacies that prepare medical doses for administration to patients treated by the care provider. In this regard, the pharmacy may use a formulary to prepare medications to fulfill medical dose orders ordered by a care provider (e.g., a physician) for administration to a patient. Some medical doses to be prepared may include compounded sterile products (CSPs), which may be prepared in a specially constructed and controlled environment (e.g., an "IV room") within the pharmacy. The process of preparing medical doses may be performed in accordance with local policies, government regulations, industry associations (e.g., Chapter 797 of the United States Pharmacopeia), or other appropriate policies. For example, preparation of medications may generally be performed in a laminar flow hood, isolator, or biological safety cabinet by an operator (typically a pharmacy technician) tasked with preparing the medical doses. Once a medical dose is prepared, it may be required to be verified by a pharmacist before being dispensed from the pharmacy for administration to a patient.

[0003] In conventional pharmacy management techniques, medical dosage orders may be provided to a printer that prints labels indicating the medical dosage orders to be affixed to the completed doses once the doses are prepared. A pharmacy technician may be required to retrieve the labels from the label printer and use them as a work order traveler in the process of preparing each dose. Once the doses are prepared, the technician may affix the labels to the doses. The completed and labeled doses may be set aside for the pharmacist to verify, for example, the source ingredients, drug containers, and / or other materials used in the course of preparing the doses. In this regard, to verify the doses, the pharmacist may be required to enter the clean room where the doses are prepared and physically observe the materials associated with the dose orders. Verification of the prepared doses may therefore require the pharmacist to wear protective clothing or equipment, which may be time consuming and resource consuming.

[0004] Moreover, the only trigger a pharmacy may have to prepare a medical dose order is the printout of the label. In this regard, if the label is lost or damaged, doses may not be prepared. Additionally, the task of determining priorities is also difficult, since the label stack at the label printer may be the only evidence of what doses have been ordered, prepared, and / or dispensed. Thus, relying solely on physical labels to track doses may result in unprepared, lost, or duplicate doses. In some cases, pharmacies may naturally duplicate labels, and thus, the pharmacy checks each label against other labels already received to determine if the label represents a new dose order that needs to be prepared. This practice may result in increased administrative overhead at the pharmacy, which increases operational costs and reduces pharmacy efficiency.

[0005] Moreover, although instructions for preparation of a drug may be recorded in official documents for the FDA-approved drug, pharmacy technicians will not necessarily consult the documents when preparing a dose. Rather, pharmacy technicians will memorize the steps required for the most common drugs and then generalize those steps to other drugs to be prepared without checking the protocols related to the specific drug. In this regard, if the dose instructions include specific instructions that the pharmacy technician does not recognize, references on the appropriate techniques may not exist or may not be consulted. Thus, dose instructions that include special instructions often must be prepared by or under the guidance of a more experienced technician. In either regard, the protocol used to prepare the dose may not conform to the FDA-approved documents for the drug being prepared.

[0006] Additionally, in traditional pharmacy management techniques, a pharmacy technician may be responsible for creating records maintained regarding the doses prepared and the products from the formulary used to make the doses. For example, a pharmacy technician may be tasked with transcribing information such as lot numbers, expiration dates, serial numbers, etc. Manual record creation requires labor-intensive practices that can lead to inefficiencies in the pharmacy, introduces the potential for recording errors, and paper records can become nearly unsearchable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Described herein are embodiments of a medical dose preparation management system that can aid in the management of medical doses. The embodiments described herein can include one or more work stations used to aid in the preparation of medical dose orders. For example, the work stations can be used to provide guidance to a technician regarding the preparation of a medical dose order, and / or the work order station can be used to capture, collect, or compile data (e.g., metadata) regarding the medical dose order. In this regard, metadata associated with a medical dose order can be stored as a corresponding relationship to the medical dose order such that the metadata can be available to a care provider before or after administration to a patient of a medical dose associated with the medical dose order. The metadata can include data regarding a prepared dose order, components of the dose order, or the manner in which the prepared dose order or components of the dose order were prepared. Thus, the metadata captured, collected, or compiled at the work stations can be used to organize, track, or otherwise manage the medical dose orders. Thus, examples of benefits facilitated by a medical dosage preparation management system may include, among others, improved prioritization, organization, tracking, and record keeping regarding medical dosage orders.

[0008] For example, metadata related to a dose order may include one or more medical dose preparation images associated with components of the medical dose order, steps performed during preparation of the dose order, or the completed dose order. In this regard, the medical dose preparation images may be used to document or evidence the preparation of the medical dose order. It will be appreciated that the quality of the medical dose preparation images acquired by the medical dose preparation management system may be an important consideration in the medical dose preparation management system.

[0009] Accordingly, it is now recognized that features and / or attributes of a work station may contribute to the accuracy, speed, and / or quality with which a medical dose order may be prepared by a technician at the work station while capturing, collecting, and / or compiling metadata (e.g., including medical dose preparation image data). Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to illustrate a work station that facilitates an efficient workflow that allows a technician to efficiently prepare a medical dose order while capturing dose instruction metadata. Additionally, it is an object of the present disclosure to illustrate a work station that facilitates the capture of high quality medical dose preparation images including dose instruction metadata. In this regard, efficient capture of high quality dose instruction metadata during preparation of a medical dose may contribute to patient safety, improve pharmacy efficiency, aid in pharmacy management, and / or provide other benefits that may be appreciated in the description presented herein. Moreover, it is an object of the present disclosure to illustrate a work station that may facilitate benefits associated with administrative tasks performed at the work station, such as cleaning the work station. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Accordingly, several aspects related to a medical dosage order management system are described herein. Various aspects described herein may be implemented separately and / or in combination with one or more other aspects of the aspects presented herein, thereby constituting one or more additional aspects. In this application, the term aspect is used synonymously with the term embodiment. In other words, one or more features of one or more aspects and / or one or more features of one or more embodiments described in this application may be separated from the remaining features of the corresponding aspect and / or embodiment and combined with separate features of one or more aspects and / or embodiments to create new aspects and / or embodiments. In this regard, the aspects described herein may be used in relation to a work station of a medical dosage management system described above. In particular, the work station may be adapted and suitable for use in a system for medical dosage preparation management. One aspect may relate to the use of a work station for medical dosage preparation management. Another aspect may relate to a medical dosage management system, and the work station may be a component of the medical dosage management system.

[0011] Thus, the work station may generally include an imaging device (e.g., a digital camera) supported relative to the drug preparation stage area. The medical dose preparation stage area may be defined at least in part by a base having a length and a width. That is, the base may include a surface for supporting an object, such as a drug container used in preparation of a medical dose order at the work station. The imaging device may have an imaging field that encompasses at least a portion of the drug preparation stage area. The imaging device may be operable to capture digital image data (e.g., a still digital image and / or a video data stream) of the medical dose preparation stage area (e.g., including a drug container used in a medical dose order or prepared by the work station).

[0012] In this regard, one aspect may include an imaging device located at least partially within the housing. The imaging field of the imaging device may then extend through the opening of the housing. Additionally, a transparent shield may be disposed between the imaging device and the drug preparation stage region. In particular, the transparent shield may cover at least a portion of the imaging device (e.g., corresponding to at least a lens of the imaging device). The transparent shield may extend over at least a portion or substantially all of the opening through which the imaging field of the imaging device extends.

[0013] In this latter regard, the transparent shield and the housing can define an enclosed volume. Thus, the transparent shield and the housing can define a continuous exterior surface disposed about the enclosed volume. Thus, the imaging device can be disposed within the enclosed volume. As a result, the imaging device can be protected from the environment outside the enclosed volume (e.g., the camera can be isolated from spills or other potential contact with liquids or harmful substances, such as may occur during dose preparation or during cleaning of the work station).

[0014] In another aspect, an imaging device having at least one fixed optical setting may be provided. In one embodiment, the fixed optical setting may be preset (e.g., during manufacturing of the work station). The fixed optical setting may result in a depth of field that encompasses substantially the entire medical dose preparation stage area (e.g., such that an image of an object in the medical dose preparation stage area is located within the depth of field). In various embodiments, the at least one fixed optical setting may correspond to at least one of an aperture setting, a focus setting, a magnification setting, and / or other suitable optical setting.

[0015] In another aspect, at least one light source (e.g., one or more LEDs) may be disposed within the housing. The light source may thus be operable to emit light from the housing in a direction toward the drug preparation stage area. The light source may thus also be disposed within the enclosed space such that the light source is also protected from the environment outside the enclosed space.

[0016] In yet another aspect, optical polarizing filters may be used with the light source and the imaging device of the work station (e.g., to reduce glare in the medical dose preparation image captured by the imaging device). For example, the work station may include a first polarizing filter disposed between the imaging device and the drug preparation stage area, and a second polarizing filter disposed between the light source and the drug preparation stage area. In one application, at least a portion of the transparent shield (e.g., as described above) may comprise at least one of the first polarizing filter or the second polarizing filter. In one embodiment, the transparent shield may comprise both, i.e., the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter. In one embodiment, the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter may collectively cover at least a portion of the opening of the housing. The first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter may be disposed in a non-overlapping relationship, and the first polarizing filter and the second polarizing filter may have perpendicular polarization orientations. Thus, the polarizing filters may function in conjunction to reduce glare from objects in the drug dose preparation stage area.

[0017] In one embodiment, the imaging device may be disposed within a central region of the housing opening, and the peripheral region may extend around the central region. The light sources may be disposed within the peripheral region (e.g., spaced apart around the central region). In this regard, the first polarizing filter may cover a portion of the opening corresponding to the camera lens, and the second polarizing filter may cover a portion of the opening corresponding to the light source.

[0018] In one embodiment, the peripheral region may extend at least in a first direction corresponding to a width of the base. The peripheral region may also extend at least in a second direction corresponding to one of a length of the base or a height of the medical dose preparation stage region extending from the base. For example, as described in more detail below, the imaging device may be positioned in a number of positions relative to the medical dose preparation imaging device. Thus, depending on the orientation of the imaging device, the peripheral region may extend in a direction corresponding to a length of the base, and when in the second position, the peripheral region may extend in a direction corresponding to a height of the medical dose preparation stage region (e.g., extending perpendicular to the base).

[0019] In this regard, the support member extends between the base and the housing (e.g., between a plurality of different positions of the imaging device relative to the base) for supportably positioning the imaging device relative to the base. That is, the support member may be selectively positionable at least at a first position and a second position relative to the drug preparation stage region of the base. The support member may be movable between the first position and the second position. Additionally or alternatively, the support member may be selectively positionable at a plurality of different positions relative to the drug preparation stage region.

[0020] In one embodiment, the support member may include a first portion attached to the base and a second portion attached to the imaging device. The second portion may be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the first portion. For example, the first portion may be hingedly connected to the second portion. Thus, the first portion and the second portion may be pivotally positionable between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, the movement between the first position and the second position may be buffered.

[0021] When the support member is in the first position, an imaging field of the imaging device can extend between the imaging device and the base to encompass at least a portion of the medical dose preparation stage area, and when the support member is in the second position, an imaging field of the imaging device can extend in a direction parallel to the support surface of the base to encompass at least a portion of the medical dose preparation stage area.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support member may extend from the base adjacent an edge of the base extending along the width. The work station may be located in a laminar flow hood or the like. Thus, the air flow from the laminar flow hood may be parallel to a direction corresponding to the width of the base. That is, the support may be positioned relative to the base so as not to impede the laminar flow of air across the base (e.g., substantially the entire base may be exposed to a laminar air flow).

[0023] Additionally, it is recognized that the elimination and / or reduction in the number of wires, cables, etc. from a work station can be advantageous. For example, the reduction in wires and / or cables may result in fewer structures and surfaces requiring cleaning. Additionally, where containment structures such as laminar airflow hoods, isolators, or biologically safe cabinets are used, the routing of cables to the environment outside the containment structure may present difficulties in maintaining an adequate containment level of the containment structure. Thus, the reduction and / or elimination of wires, cables, etc. at a work station may improve the ability to clean the work station and may aid in maintaining the level of containment of the containment structure employed at the work station.

[0024] In this regard, in one aspect, an umbilical may be provided that is at least partially disposed within the support member (e.g., to reduce the number of cables, wires, etc., within the work station). The umbilical may include at least one of signal communication material and power communication material. That is, the umbilical may consolidate several conductive members into a single cable to reduce the number of cables that need to be provided. The umbilical is in operative communication with the processor.

[0025] In another embodiment, wireless technology may be incorporated at the work station (e.g., to completely eliminate the need for wires, etc.). That is, the technology may be incorporated at the work station to wirelessly communicate signals between various components and the processor. For example, image data, lighting control data, scale information, or other communication between the work station devices and the processor may be facilitated by wireless communication. Additionally, a battery may be provided with the camera stand to facilitate wireless operation. For example, the battery may be replaceable or rechargeable to facilitate continued wireless operation.

[0026] In one application, the base of the work station may be supportably engageable with a surface having one or more suction cups. In this regard, the camera stand may be securely held on the surface. Additionally, the suction cups may provide some measure of vibration isolation from the external environment.

[0027] In another embodiment, a support platform may be provided that is removably positionable relative to the base. Removal of the support platform may facilitate cleaning of the support platform. The support platform may at least partially define the drug preparation stage area. The support platform may be made of a UV resistant material to resist discoloration or deterioration of the support platform.

[0028] In one aspect, the support surface of the support platform can define a plurality of drug container engagement features. Thus, the support platform can include a reference plane corresponding to the plane of the support surface. In this regard, the support surface can include at least one groove defined therein that can extend a first depth from the reference plane. Additionally, the support surface can include at least one channel defined therein that can extend a second depth from the reference plane. The groove and channel can be operable to engage a drug container disposed within the drug preparation stage area. In one embodiment, the first depth can be less than the second depth.

[0029] Also, in one implementation, the groove can include a first concave surface extending from the reference plane to a first depth. The channel can include a second concave surface extending from the reference plane to a second depth. The first concave surface can have a first radius of curvature greater than a second radius of curvature of the second concave surface. In one embodiment, the support surface can include a plurality of grooves and / or a plurality of channels. At least one of the plurality of grooves can be disposed perpendicular to at least one of the channels. Moreover, at least one of the plurality of grooves can extend in a base first direction corresponding to a width of the support surface. For example, the at least one groove can extend substantially all across the support surface in a first direction corresponding to a width of the support surface. Also, at least one of the plurality of channels can extend in a base second direction corresponding to a length of the support surface. For example, the at least one channel can extend substantially all across the support surface in a second direction corresponding to a length of the support surface.

[0030] Yet another aspect may include a mechanism for notifying a user that a medical dose preparation image has been captured. For example, a user control device (e.g., a foot switch) may be provided that is operable in communication with the processor to initiate capture of the medical dose preparation image from image data acquired by the imaging device in response to a user input received at the user control device. In other words, the user control device may be operable and / or adapted to receive a user input to initiate capture of the medical dose preparation image from a video data stream output by the imaging device. Alternatively or additionally, other methods of triggering capture of the medical dose preparation image may be provided without limitation. In any respect, upon capture of the medical dose preparation image, the intensity of the light source may be automatically modified from a default intensity of the emitted light to a modified intensity of the light. In other words, the light source may be operable and / or adapted such that the intensity of at least one light source is automatically modified from a default intensity of the emitted light to a modified intensity of the emitted light. The change in light intensity may occur at a first predetermined time period following capture of the medical dose preparation image. Moreover, the light source may be automatically reverted from the modified intensity of light to the default intensity of light for a second predetermined period of time after the first predetermined period of time. In other words, the light source may be operable and / or adapted to be automatically reverted from the modified intensity of light to the default intensity of light for a second predetermined period of time after the first predetermined period of time. The light source may be capable of automatically reverting from the modified intensity of light to the default intensity of light. In this regard, the light source may be controlled to "blink" or "flicker" to indicate to the user that the image has been captured so that the user can proceed with the workflow.

[0031] In one embodiment, a weigh scale may be provided in operative communication with the processor. The weigh scale may be operable to output a weight corresponding to a drug container supportably positioned within the drug preparation stage area. In this regard, the weigh scale may be provided in corresponding relationship to the base (e.g., positioned relative to and / or integral with the base).

[0032] For example, a weighing scale may be generally used to perform a gravimetric analysis of an item disposed within the medical dose preparation stage area. For example, upon capture of a medical dose preparation image, a weight of a medication container may be recorded by the processor from the weighing scale at approximately the same time that the medical dose preparation image is captured. In other words, the processor may be operable and / or adapted to - upon receipt of user input - record a weight from the weighing scale at approximately the same time that the medical dose preparation image is captured. In this regard, the work station may also include a memory in operable communication with the processor for storing the medical dose preparation image and the weight. For example, the weight and the medical dose preparation image may be stored in association with the memory. Thus, the processor may be operable to compare an expected weight of the medication container (e.g., provided within the metadata of the instructions) with an actual weight of the medication container. In this regard, the processor may be operable to calculate a deviation of the actual weight relative to the expected weight. The deviation may be stored in association with the memory along with the weight, the medical dose preparation image, and / or the dose instructions. Moreover, the deviation may be compared to a threshold deviation value. Thus, when the deviation exceeds the threshold deviation, a warning may be provided to the user. In this embodiment, the base, the imaging device, and the weighing scale may be interconnected as a single unit for movement. Further, the processor may be operable and / or adapted to compare the deviation with the threshold deviation and provide a warning to the user.

[0033] Another aspect may relate to a method including the steps of outputting a video data stream of an imaging field, receiving the video data stream of the imaging field, initiating capture of a medical dose preparation image from the video data stream in response to user input received at a user control device, and outputting a weight corresponding to a drug container supportably positioned within a drug preparation stage area. The method may further provide for recording a weight from a weigh scale substantially contemporaneous with the capture of said medical dose preparation image upon receipt of the user input.

[0034] Numerous additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description of the embodiments provided herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a medical dosage preparation management system and an embodiment of its operation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a work station for use in a medical dose preparation management system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a camera stand of a work station. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a housing for the camera stand of FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the housing of the camera stand of FIG. 3, showing the camera and light source disposed within the enclosed space of the housing. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a polarizing filter during production. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates the polarizing filter embodiment of FIG. 6 in a completed and aligned state. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the camera stand of FIG. 3, with the support positioned in a second position. [Figure 9]FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the camera stand of FIG. 3, with the support positioned in a second position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a connection between a first portion and a second portion of a support in a first position, and FIG. 10B illustrates an embodiment of a connection between a first portion and a second portion of a support in a second position. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base of the camera stand of FIG. 3 with the support platform in a removed position. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a support surface of a work station. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of the support surface of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a side view of the support surface of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of mounting the imaging device to a support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the invention have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the specification is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms, but rather, the invention can encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0037] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system 10 that may be used in a care provider pharmacy 12 to aid in the preparation and / or administration of medical doses. The system 10 may include a dose order input 20 to receive medical dose orders. The dose order input 20 may be utilized by a care provider (e.g., a physician, a nurse, etc.) to order a medical dose.

[0038] The medical dosage orders received at the dosage order input 20 may be patient specific or may be orders not related to a patient at the time of the order. In this regard, the medical dosage orders may correspond to a contained medication unit, which may include: Patient-specific units, which comprise a unit of medication designated for administration to a particular patient; a non-patient specific unit that comprises a drug unit that is to be subsequently designated for administration to a specific patient; or Drug substance source units to be used in the preparation of patient-specific or non-patient-specific units (e.g., designated for administration to a particular patient after preparation) Examples of contained drug units that may correspond to drug dosage instructions include: ·Mixed sterile products, Injectable drugs, Chemotherapy drug preparations, or Nutritional supplements that require administration by a patient care provider (e.g., sterile injectable nutritional supplements) There is.

[0039] In this latter regard, the nutritional supplement may include total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or components of TPN. Additionally, the nutritional supplement may include partial nutritional supplements. The nutritional supplement may include premixed bags, bases, and additional ingredients, either individually or in combination, or may include other forms of nutritional supplements or components thereof. The nutritional supplement may be for administration via intravenous injection, may be in the form of food, may be for use with feeding tubes, and the like.

[0040] In any regard, the medical dosage may include one or more pieces of information that may be used to aid in the preparation of a drug dosage, may relate to the administration of dosage instructions to a patient, or may relate to dosage instructions. For example, dosage instructions may include: Medication identifiers, Drug dosage, Drug concentration, Information relating to the patient to whom the drug unit relating to the drug dosage order is to be administered; Scheduling information for drug units associated with a drug dosage order (e.g., time of administration); or Any other pertinent information regarding the medication unit that is relevant to the medication dosage order It may contain information equivalent to.

[0041] In any regard, the medical dose instructions may be communicated to the medical dose preparation management system 30. The medical dose preparation management system 30 may be operable to obtain 50 dose instruction data from the dose instruction information received from the instruction processor 20. The medical dose preparation management system 30 may also pre-process 52 the dose instruction data. Pre-processing 52 may include, for example, generating a digital dose instruction record that is maintained by the medical dose preparation management system 30. The digital dose instruction record may be automatically populated with data that may be obtained from the instruction, for example, any of the information discussed above with respect to the medical dose instruction. In this regard, information may be parsed, deleted, or obtained from the drug dose instruction received at the instruction input 20. Specifically, in one embodiment, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may be operable to delete data from the instruction input 20 that is destined for a human readable output (e.g., a printer) and populate the medical dose instruction record with data corresponding to the medical dose instruction.

[0042] In one embodiment, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may be in operative communication with a drug dose order database 32. In this regard, the drug dose order database 32 may be at the care provider facility (i.e., on-site with respect to the care provider hospital 12). The medical dose preparation management system 30 may additionally or alternatively be operable to communicate with a remote drug dose order database 34. In this regard, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may communicate with the remote drug dose order database 34 via a network or the like. In either regard, the drug dose order database 32 or 34 may be operable to store drug dose order records in the drug dose order database 32 and / or 34. Additionally, the drug dose order database 32 or 34 may store dose order metadata as a corresponding relationship for each of the stored drug dose orders. The drug dose order database 32 or 34 may store active dose orders (e.g., corresponding to dose orders that have been generated but not yet administered to a patient) or archived dose orders (e.g., corresponding to dose orders that have been administered to a patient). Redundant data may be stored in the onsite medical dosage order database 32 and the offsite medical dosage order database 34. For example, the offsite medical dosage order database 34 may be a backup version of the onsite medical dosage order database 32.

[0043] In any regard, the medical dosage order metadata may be stored in a corresponding relationship to the medication dosage orders. The medical dosage order metadata may include, for example, the following types of data: Drug source data indicating at least one of the following: - the manufacturer of the components of the contained drug unit that correspond to the drug dosage instructions; - the lot number of the component of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - expiry dates of the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instructions; - the serial number of the component of the contained drug unit that corresponds to the drug dosage instruction; - A drug code indicating the identity of the component of the contained drug unit that corresponds to the drug dosage order. A chain of stored data indicative of at least one of the following: - a list of entities that own components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage order or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage order; - a list of users who have taken action with respect to the contained drug units corresponding to the drug dosage order, the list of users correlating with the specific actions taken by each user; or - tracking information corresponding to the physical movement of the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command Fulfillment data indicating at least one of the following: - image data corresponding to components of a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - scanned data obtained from components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - analytical data relating to the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - pharmacist check data corresponding to at least one pharmacist check of a component of a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage order or a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage order; - compliance data corresponding to best practices related to components of a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dosage instruction or a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dosage instruction; - sterility evaluation data corresponding to the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - a list of components of a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or actions corresponding to a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - time stamp data corresponding to a component of a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dosage command or an action corresponding to a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dosage command; - a list of life cycle events that have taken place on the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or on the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; - weight data corresponding to the actual and / or expected weights of the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction; or Environmental data indicating at least one of the following: - the temperature to which the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command are exposed; - the temperature and corresponding time period to which the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage instruction are exposed; - whether the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command are cooled; - whether the components of the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command or the contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command are frozen; - the temperature profile experienced by a component of a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command or a contained drug unit corresponding to the drug dosage command; or - Accelerometer data corresponding to forces experienced by a component of a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dose command or a contained drug unit corresponding to a drug dose command.

[0044] As can be appreciated from the above description of medical dosage order metadata, a medical dosage order may inherit metadata from components used in the preparation of the medical dosage order. In a simple example, a medical dosage order may include a first component (e.g., a drug) to be mixed with a second component (e.g., a diluent). This first component may have one or more portions of the metadata described above associated with the first component. Additionally, the second component may have one or more portions of the metadata described above associated with the second component. Thus, a medical dosage order prepared using a first component and a second component may inherit metadata from each of the first component and the second component. In this regard, multiple generations of metadata may be compiled and attributed to a given medical dosage order. In one embodiment, metadata for every component used to prepare the dose order may be compiled and attributed to a given medical dosage order. Thus, metadata information regarding a medical dosage order may include metadata originating from a source component provided by a manufacturer of the component of the dose order.

[0045] The medical dose preparation management system 30 is also operable to organize 54 the dose orders. The organization 54 may include prioritization, scheduling, or other operations related to organizing or managing dose orders. The medical dose preparation management system 30 is also operable to route 56 the dose orders to an appropriate work station 40 for use in fulfilling the dose orders. In this regard, a plurality of work stations 40 may be provided in communication with the medical dose preparation management system 30. Different work stations 40 of the plurality of work stations 40 may each be suitable for different operations related to medical dose order management. Thus, depending on the nature of the medical dose, a particular type of work station 40 may be used to prepare the dose. The work stations 40 may be on-site or off-site with respect to the care provider hospital 12 shown in FIG. 1. In this regard, the routing 56 may include communication over a network to a remote work station 40. Moreover, the system 10 may include a combination of on-site work stations 40 as well as off-site work stations 40 to which the dose orders may be routed 56.

[0046] In any regard, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may be in operative communication with one or more work stations 40. The routing 56 of the dose order may be based at least in part on one or more factors related to the dose order or preparation of the dose order. For example, as noted above, the nature of the contained drug unit corresponding to the dose order (e.g., whether the dose order is a chemotherapy drug dose order, a parenteral dose order, or other specialty dose order) may factor into the decision regarding routing 56 of the dose order. Additionally or alternatively, the capabilities of the various work stations 40 with respect to the manner in which the dose order is to be prepared may be considered. For example, some orders may require different levels of containment, hooding, or other precautions that may or may not be provided at each work station 40. In one embodiment, other parameters, such as technician schedules, work station schedules, work station locations, drug dose order scheduling information, or other information, may be used alone or in combination to route 56 the dose order to a particular work station 40.

[0047] At the work station 40, a workflow corresponding to the preparation of a medical dose order may be displayed 58. In this regard, the workflow specific to the medical dose order currently being prepared at the work station 40 may be presented to the technician at the work station 40 to assist or provide guidance to the technician in preparing the dose order. Thus, the technician may follow a series of steps to prepare the medical dose based on the displayed 58 workflow associated with the dose order.

[0048] During and / or after preparation of the dose order, the work station 40 may be used to aid in obtaining 60 dose order metadata associated with the medical dose order. For example, the work station 40 may enable recording of paperwork related to the preparation of the medical dose, such as, for example, obtaining a bar code scan of the product, capturing a medical dose preparation image of the medical dose order container during or after use in preparing the dose, or obtaining other information related to the preparation of the dose. In one embodiment, one or more of the types of data described above with respect to drug dose metadata may be obtained in connection with preparation of the medical dose order at the work station 40.

[0049] At least a portion of the dose metadata acquired 60 regarding the drug dose may be stored for viewing by appropriate personnel (e.g., a pharmacist). In this regard, the dose metadata may be utilized to verify 62 the prepared dose before the dose is dispensed from the pharmacy 12. In one embodiment, the metadata collected at the work station 40 may be available to the pharmacist over a network. In this regard, a pharmacist tasked with verifying 62 the dose order may access the information and / or data remotely (e.g., at a location within the hospital but outside the IV room, or at a location entirely separate from the hospital campus over a network). The ability to remotely access the metadata may enable the pharmacist to avoid having to enter the IV room to verify 62 the dose order (i.e., thus avoiding the potentially cumbersome dressing procedures typically associated with entering the controlled environment of an IV room). The verifying 62 may include the pharmacist's inspection of medical dose preparation images, acquired information, or other data regarding the medical dose order. For example, the pharmacist may verify that the correct medication has been prepared in the correct format and / or in the correct amount based on metadata collected and stored during preparation of the medical dosage order. If the medication dosage order is incorrect in any way, the pharmacist may request that the medication dosage order be reprocessed or restarted.

[0050] Once the dose order has been prepared and confirmed 62, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may distribute 64 the dose order. When distributing 64 the dose order, the dose order may be sent from the pharmacy 12 for administration to the patient by the care provider. For example, the dose may be administered at the care provider hospital 12 or at an off-site location under the care provider's guidance or supervision.

[0051] The medical dosage preparation management system 30 also facilitates tracking 66 of dosage orders for administration to patients. The pharmacy workflow manager 30 can also maintain records associated with each dose, which may be stored or archived. For example, the records may be stored digitally in an electronically indexed and searchable form. The records may include at least a portion, and preferably all, of the metadata regarding each dose.

[0052] With further reference to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the work station 40 is shown. The work station 40 may include a processor 70 operatively in communication with an imaging device 80. The imaging device 80 may be a digital camera operative to output digital image data. The digital image data may include still images and / or digital video. In this regard, the imaging device 80 may output a video data stream 82 that is received by the processor 70. In this regard, the processor 70 may include a video data stream processing module 72 for processing the video data stream 82 that is received at the processor 70 from the imaging device 80. Although the various components shown in FIG. 2 are shown in direct communication, these various components may also be in operative communication by a network interface or the like.

[0053] The imaging device 80 may include an imaging field 84. The imaging field 84 may encompass a medical dose preparation stage area 86. The imaging device 80 may be supportably mounted to a base 90. For example, a support 92 may extend from the base 90 to the imaging device 80 to support the imaging device 80 relative to the base 80. In this regard, in one embodiment, the medical dose preparation stage area 86 may include a support surface 94 of the base 90. The medical dose preparation stage area 86 may also include a space above the surface 94 (e.g., extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface and / or toward the imaging device 80). In either regard, the imaging field 84 of the imaging device 80 may encompass the medical dose preparation stage area 86 that may supportably receive a medication container 100. The imaging device 80, the support 92, and the base 90 may then collectively define a camera stand 200. Thus, the camera stand 200 may be used in the work station 40 to support the imaging device 80 relative to the base 90 for the purpose of acquiring medical dose preparation images and / or other metadata during preparation of a medical dose order.

[0054] A drug container 100 supportable by the base 90 in the medical dose preparation staging area 86 may include any material, container, device, or other object used in the preparation of a dose. For example, the drug container 100 may be or include a source receptacle, a shipping container, or a dosing container. A source receptacle may store a drug product that is stored at a pharmacy prior to compounding or dose preparation. In this regard, a source container may be a container that is packaged by and received from a drug manufacturer. Thus, the source container may include information thereon regarding the drug. For example, product name, concentration, amount, lot information, expiration date information, serial number, other manufacturing information, or other information may be associated with the drug and / or may appear on the source container. The medical dose preparation management system 30 may be operable to store metadata regarding the source container, including any of the aforementioned portions of data that may appear on the source container. In this regard, the source container may be identifiable by work station 40 (eg, through the use of machine-readable indicium such as a bar code).

[0055] Moreover, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may be operable to attribute metadata from a source container to a dose order for which the source container is used as described above. When the source container includes a pre-prepared drug that has been compounded at a pharmacy and placed in the source container for later use in preparing a dose, the source container metadata may be attributed or even appended to the metadata for the medical dose order. In this regard, metadata for several generations of components used to prepare the medical dose order (e.g., originating from an original source component received from a manufacturer such as Manufacturer Drugs) may be attributed to the medical dose order. Thus, the medical dose order metadata may include information regarding all components used in the medical dose order, including inherited metadata. Metadata for the various components may be retrieved upon identification of the container 100 at the work station 40 (e.g., by scanning a machine-readable indicia). In various embodiments, the source container may be a vial, syringe, bottle, bag, or other suitable drug container known in the art.

[0056] The dosing container may be any container used during administration of a medical dose to a patient. The dosing container may contain any medication, diluent, adjuvant, or any other material to be administered to a patient. In various embodiments, the dosing container may be a syringe, an IV bag, or other suitable medication container used in administering a substance to a patient. The dosing container may also include metadata that is included in the metadata for the prepared medical dose order.

[0057] The transfer container can be used to transfer the substance from the source container to the administration container. For example, the transfer container can be a syringe or any other suitable container known in the art capable of transferring the substance from the source container to the administration container. The transfer container can also include metadata that is included in the metadata for the prepared medical dosage instructions.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 2, the processor 70 may further be in operative communication with the display 110. In this regard, the video data stream 82 received from the imaging device 80 may be displayed on the display 110 in a manner perceivable by a user. The video data stream 82 displayed on the display 110 may be processed by the video data stream processing module 72. For example, the video data stream processing module 72 may be operable to capture still images from the video data stream 82. The video data stream 82 may include a series of images that are displayed at a given frame rate. For example, the frame rate may be 5-10 frames per second.

[0059] The medical dose preparation images captured by the video data stream processing module 72 may include one or more drug containers 100 used during the preparation of the medical dose order. In this regard, the preparation of the medical dose order may be documented by capturing images of the drug containers 100 used to prepare the dose. The medical dose preparation images may be stored as metadata about the medical dose order. The medical dose preparation images may include one or more drug containers at various stages during the preparation of the dose. For example, a source container, a delivery container, or a dispensing container may be imaged before, during, or after the preparation of the dose.

[0060] The medical dose preparation images captured by the video data stream processing module 72 may be stored in a memory 120 in operable communication with the processor 70. In this regard, the medical dose preparation images may be stored locally in the memory 120 at the work station 40. Additionally or alternatively, the medical dose preparation images may be communicated to a remote location (e.g., to the on-site drug dose order database 32 or the off-site drug dose order database 34 shown in FIG. 1) by a network interface 140 in operable communication with the processor 70. In either regard, the medical dose preparation images may be accessible so that the images may be later reviewed during validation of a medical dose order (e.g., validation 62, discussed above with respect to FIG. 1) and / or for maintaining records regarding dose orders prepared by the work station 40 and / or the hospital pharmacy 12 generally.

[0061] The processor 70 is also in operable communication with a user control device 130. The user control device 130 may be operable to receive input from a user (e.g., a pharmacy technician preparing a dose). The user control device 130 may be, for example, a foot pedal, a button, a touch screen, a mouse, a keyboard, or other user input device known in the art. The user may utilize the user control device 130 to trigger the capture of a medical dose preparation image from the video data stream 82. For example, the medication container 100 may be viewed by the user by observing the display 110, which displays the video data stream 82 captured by the imaging device 80 of an imaging field 86 that includes the medication container 100. Once the image displayed on the display 110 is acceptable to the user, the user may use the user control device 130 to trigger the capture of the medical dose preparation image for storage in the memory 120 or in a remote database, as described above.

[0062] The work station 40 may also include a printer 150 operable to print dosage labels, ongoing dosages, and / or completed dosages associated with the medical products. In this regard, the printer 150 may be a label printer operable to print labels for use in the pharmacy 12 and / or hospital in association with medical dosage orders and / or medical dosage orders.

[0063] With further reference to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a camera stand 200 is shown. As described above, the camera stand 200 can include the imaging device 80, the support 92, and the base 90. With respect to the imaging device 80, the imaging device housing 210 can include a camera 212 (shown in FIG. 5). With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the housing 210 can define an opening 214. The opening 214 can be positioned relative to the housing 210 such that the camera 212 can be directed through the opening 214 toward the medical dose preparation stage area 86. A transparent shield 216 can be positioned within the opening 214. For example, the transparent shield 216 can be secured to the housing 210.

[0064] The transparent shield 216 can extend across at least a portion of the opening 214 (e.g., in corresponding relationship to the lens 226). In one embodiment, the transparent shield 216 can extend across substantially the entirety of the opening 214. In this regard, the housing 210 and the transparent shield 216 can collectively define an enclosed space 218 (best shown in FIG. 5 ) in which the camera 212 can be disposed. In this regard, the transparent shield 216 and the housing 210 can also define a continuous outer surface 220 that extends around the enclosed space 218. As such, the continuous outer surface 220 can facilitate easy cleaning of the housing 210 and the transparent shield 216. For example, the continuous outer surface 220 can be wipeable by an operator to facilitate cleaning. The continuous outer surface 220 can be resistant to fluid passing through the enclosed space 218 such that components disposed within the enclosed space 218 can remain dry when the outer surface 220 is exposed to a fluid (e.g., a cleaning product). Further aspects of the camera stand 200 described below may also aid in cleaning the work station 40.

[0065] A light source board 228 may also be disposed within the enclosed space 218. The light source board 228 may include one or more light sources 230 connected thereto. The light sources 230 may comprise individual light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light sources 230 may be mounted to the light source board 228 such that power and / or control signals used in the operation of the light sources 230 are provided to the light sources 230 by the light source board 228. In this regard, the light source board 228 may provide a physical mounting board for supportably engaging the light sources 230 as well as providing electrical communication between the light sources 230 and the light source board 228. In this regard, the light source board 228 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) including mounting locations and suitable electrical communication paths (e.g., conductive traces) to facilitate mounting and electrical communication between the light sources 230 and the light source board 228.

[0066] The light source board 228 may include an aperture 232. The lens 226 of the camera 212 may be aligned with the aperture 232 such that the field of view 84 of the camera 212 defined by the lens 226 extends through the aperture 232. The aperture 232 may also be aligned with a central region of the opening 214 of the housing 210. Thus, a peripheral region extending around the central region of the opening 214 may be occupied by the light source board 228, and thus the light source 230. In this regard, the light source 230 may be provided peripherally around the aperture 232 of the light source board 228, and thus the lens 226 of the camera 212. The light source 230 may emit light through the opening 214. Thus, light emitted from the light source 230 may occupy at least a portion of the same space as the field of view 84 of the camera 212. In this regard, the distribution of light sources 230 shown in FIG. 4, in which the light sources 230 are distributed around the lens 226 and aperture 232 throughout the peripheral region of the opening 214, may facilitate a relatively uniform distribution of light from the light sources 230.

[0067] With further reference to FIG. 5, the camera 212 may be contained within an enclosed space 218 defined by the housing 210 and a transparent shield 216 .

[0068] As can be further appreciated in FIG. 5 , one or more polarizing filters 222 and 224 may be provided. As shown, a peripheral polarizing filter 222 and a central polarizing filter 224 may be provided. At least a portion of the peripheral polarizing filter 222 and at least a portion of the central polarizing filter 224 may be disposed in a non-overlapping relationship. For example, the peripheral polarizing filter 222 may be disposed in a peripheral region of the aperture 214 in a corresponding relationship to the light source substrate 228 and the light source 230. The central polarizing filter 224 may be disposed in a central region of the aperture 214 in a corresponding relationship to the lens 226 of the camera 212.

[0069] In this regard, the peripheral polarizing filter 222 and the central polarizing filter 224 may be positioned such that the directions of polarization of the filters are oriented perpendicular to one another.

[0070] Thus, when light is emitted from the light source 230, the emitted light may pass through the peripheral polarizing filter 222 and thus be polarized with a first direction of polarization associated with the peripheral polarizing filter 222. The light then travels towards the medical dose preparation stage area 86, which may be illuminated by the emitted light polarized in the first direction. The emitted light emanating from the light source 230 may be reflected from the medical dose preparation stage area 86. In turn, the emitted light then passes through the central polarizing filter 224, and the reflected light is then polarized in a second direction of polarization by the central polarizing filter 224 perpendicular to the first direction of polarization associated with the polarizing filter 222. In this regard, the emitted light from the housing 210 may be polarized in a first direction of polarization by the peripheral polarizing filter 222, reflected from the medical dose preparation area 86 and polarized in a second direction of polarization by the central polarizing filter 224 such that at least some polarization of the light is altered. As a result, glare on an object placed in the medical dose preparation stage area 86 may be reduced. For example, light that strikes an object in the medical dose preparation stage area 86 perpendicular to the surface may not undergo a change in polarization, especially for shiny materials such as glass. Thus, light that strikes an object perpendicularly, which may cause glare, will not experience a change in polarization from the first direction. The introduction of a central polarizing filter 224 with a second direction of polarization can completely block the reflected light that is still in the first polarization direction because the light was reflected perpendicular to the surface, thus reducing the glare of light of the first polarization direction that it may otherwise cause.

[0071] To achieve the aforementioned relative orientations of polarization of the peripheral polarizing filters 222 and the central polarizing filters 224, each filter may be fabricated from a single sheet of polarized material. With reference to FIG. 6, the central polarizing filter 224 may be cut from a single sheet of polarizing material 246 having a single polarization orientation. The central polarizing filter 224 may include vanes 248a and 248b, each vane 248a and 248b having mounting holes 250a and 250b, respectively. With further reference to FIG. 7, once the central polarizing filter 224 is separated from the single sheet of polarizing material 246, the central polarizing filter 224 may be rotated 90° relative to the remainder of the single sheet of polarizing material 246, which now comprises the peripheral polarizing filters 222. In this regard, the polarization direction of the central polarizing filter 224 may be perpendicular to the peripheral polarizing filters. Moreover, separation of the central polarizing filter 224 from the peripheral polarizing filters 222 may provide a non-overlapping relationship between the peripheral polarizing filters 222 and the central polarizing filter 224 (e.g., except for the vanes 248a and 248b of the central polarizing filter 224). In other embodiments, completely separate portions defining the central polarizing filter 224 and the peripheral polarizing filters 222 may be provided. Thus, the polarization directions of the separate portions may be tested and appropriately aligned to achieve a perpendicular relative orientation of the polarization directions.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, other optical filters may be provided other than the polarizing filters described above. For example, a diffusion filter may be provided that may provide a more uniform light distribution in the medical dose preparation stage region 86. Other optical filters, such as high pass, low pass, band pass, or any other suitable optical filters, may be used to selectively control the emission of light from the light source. Additionally, light sources that emit specific wavelengths of light may also be used. Additionally, light sources operable to controllably emit different wavelengths of light may be used (e.g., the color of the light may be controlled).

[0073] 5, it will be appreciated that the camera 212 is housed in an enclosed space 218. In this regard, access to the camera 212 may be limited. Thus, the optical settings associated with the camera 212 may not be directly modifiable by a user through manipulation of the camera 212. It has been found that in many cases, an operator may adjust the optical settings of the camera 212 in an effort to improve image quality. However, the resulting adjustments may ultimately degrade the quality of the images resulting in suboptimal focus and / or aperture settings for various images to be captured using the camera 212.

[0074] Thus, in one embodiment, the camera 212 includes at least one fixed optical setting. For example, the one or more optical settings may be fixed such that the depth of field of the camera 212 defined by the lens 226 includes at least a portion of the medical dose preparation stage area 86. In one embodiment, at least a majority of the medical dose preparation stage area 86 is encompassed by the depth of field of the camera 212. In one embodiment, substantially all of the medical dose preparation stage area 86 is encompassed by the depth of field of the camera 212. The fixed optical settings of the camera 212 may include a focus setting, an aperture setting, a magnification, or another optical setting that affects the depth of field of the camera 212.

[0075] In another embodiment, the optical settings of the camera 212 may be adjustable (e.g., by a user). For example, the focal length, magnification, or other optical parameters of the camera 212 may be adjusted. Adjustment of the optical settings may be accomplished manually by a user manipulating a portion of the camera 212. In one application, an electronic signal may be provided to the camera 212 to adjust the optical settings of the camera 212. In one embodiment, the camera 212 may be continuously adjustable through a series of settings associated with one or more optical parameters. In another embodiment, a plurality of discrete optical parameters may be selectable. For example, the optical parameters of the camera 212 may be selected from among at least two different optical parameter settings. For example, the corresponding optical parameter setting may be selected based on a selected position of the camera 212 relative to the base 90. In this regard, the camera 212 may be positioned at different distances relative to the base for different positions of the support 92 and / or for different configurations of the camera stand 200. In this regard, for the variety of different configurations available, discrete optical settings can be provided for each position of the imaging device 80 relative to the base 90 such that the optical parameters associated with the camera 212 produce a clear image of the drug container 100 being imaged by the camera 212.

[0076] In one embodiment, the light sources 230 may be used to indicate when a medical dose preparation image has been captured. That is, as explained above, the user control device 130 may be used to initiate the capture of a medical dose preparation image from the video data stream 82. At a first predetermined period of time after the capture of the medical dose preparation image, the intensity of at least one of the light sources 230 may be changed. The change in intensity may indicate to the user that the image has been successfully captured. In this regard, the luminosity of the light sources 230 may change from a default level to a modified intensity (e.g., stronger or lower). The light sources 230 may then return to the default intensity after a second predetermined period of time. In this regard, the light sources 230 may "blink" or "flicker" or momentarily change from a default intensity to a modified intensity and then back to the default intensity). The variation in intensity may be easily perceived by the user to indicate that the image has been captured and that the medical dose preparation stage area 86 may be cleared and, for example, prepared for the next image.

[0077] Returning to Figure 3, the housing imaging device 80 may be supportably engaged by a support 92. The support 92 may enable selective positioning of the support 92 in at least a first position and a second position relative to the drug preparation stage region 86. For example, the support 92 may be selectively positionable between the orientation shown in Figure 3 (referred to herein as the first position) and the orientation shown in Figures 8 and 9 (referred to herein as the second position).

[0078] In this regard, the support arm 92 may include a first portion 234 and a second portion 236. The first portion 234 may be supportably engaged with the housing 210, and the second portion 236 may be supportably engaged with the base 90. The first portion 234 may be positionably attached to the second portion 236 at a connection 238. For example, the first portion 234 may be movably attached to the second portion 236 such that the first portion 234 may undergo relative movement with respect to the second portion 236 to move between a first position shown in FIG. 3 and a second position shown in FIG. 10. In this regard, the connection 238 may comprise a hinge to provide pivoting between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 between the first and second positions.

[0079] Movement of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236 may be dampened and / or dampenable. In this regard, the connection 238 may include a dampener that dampens movement of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236. In one embodiment, the dampener may include tailoring elliptical profiles provided on each of the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 at the connection 238. The elliptical profiles may be provided as tailoring surfaces of the first portion 234 and the second portion 236. Profiles of other shapes besides elliptical profiles may be provided, such as, for example, non-uniform contoured shapes (e.g., profiles defining one or more cam lobes).

[0080] An embodiment illustrating the use of adjusting ellipsoids to achieve buffering of movement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 is shown in Figures 10A and 10B. For example, a first ellipsoid 240 may be provided on the first portion 234 and a second ellipsoid 242 may be provided on the second portion 236. The ellipsoids 240 and 242 may be concentrically disposed and separated by a resilient material 244 (e.g., an elastic o-ring, etc.). As the first portion 234 pivots relative to the second portion 236, the ellipsoids 240 and 242 may move toward each other, resulting in compression of the resilient material 244, thus buffering movement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236. Adjusting detent mechanism 252 may also be provided for registration of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236 in the first position 234 and the second position 236. The damping may be non-uniform with movement of the first portion 234 and the second portion 236. For example, the damping force acting in response to movement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 may be less as the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 move toward the first position (shown in FIG. 3). Thus, positioning of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236 may be more accurate, given that the damping force is less near this point than at other points in the range of movement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236.

[0081] 3 and 8-9, in a first position of the support 92 (shown in FIG. 3), the imaging device 80 may be positioned such that the imaging field 84 of the imaging device 80 is oriented in a manner such that the drug preparation stage area 86 is disposed between the imaging device 80 and the base 90. That is, the camera 212 may be oriented at the base 90 such that the drug preparation stage area 86 defined by the base is within the imaging field 84 of the camera 212 between the camera 212 and the base 90. In this regard, the medical dose preparation images captured by the camera 212 may include images whose dimensions correspond to the length and width of the drug preparation stage area 86.

[0082] In a second position (shown in FIG. 10 ), the imaging device 80 may be oriented relative to the base 90 such that the imaging field 84 of the imaging device 80 extends parallel to a plane defined by a support surface 262 of the base 90, which will be described in more detail below. That is, the camera 212 may be oriented perpendicular to the base 90 such that the imaging field 84 extends in a direction parallel to the support surface of the base to encompass at least a portion of the medical dose preparation stage area that extends perpendicular to the base 90.

[0083] The support 92 may also include at least a portion of an umbilical 268 that may be operable to establish communication between components (e.g., the camera 212, the light source board 228, the light source 230, etc.) disposed within the enclosed space 218. In this regard, the umbilical 268 may establish an electrical communication path between the components within the enclosed space 218 and the processor 70. In some embodiments, the umbilical 268 may include one or more bundled or consolidated cables, one or more conductive traces, a number of wires, or other suitable conductors for establishing electrical communication between the components within the enclosed space 218 and the processor 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the umbilical 268 may extend from the camera 212 and / or the light source board 228 and enter a passageway 270 defined within the first portion 234. The passageway 270 may extend from the first portion 234 to the second portion 236. In this regard, the connector 238 may facilitate the passage of the umbilical 268 therethrough. For example, the umbilical 268 may pass through and exit the second portion 236. The umbilical 268 may have a connector at an end opposite an end that communicates with components within the enclosed space 218 that may be used to establish electrical communication with the processor 70. For example, the connector may be a proprietary connector or a standard connector (e.g., a USB connector, etc.).

[0084] It should be noted that the umbilical 268 may provide electrical communication paths for multiple functions. For example, signal and / or power paths may be provided in the umbilical 268. In this regard, multiple discrete electrical communication paths may be consolidated into a single cord extending from the camera support 200. With respect to the work station 40, and particularly with respect to cleaning the work station 40, benefits may be provided by minimizing wires in the work area. That is, the fewer wires in the work area (such as a laminar flow hood, isolator, or biological safety cabinet), the easier it may be to clean the work station 40.

[0085] Moreover, it will be appreciated that with respect to, for example, a biologically secure cabinet, it may be particularly advantageous to entirely eliminate wires or cables extending from the camera stand. For example, a biologically secure cabinet may provide complete isolation from the outside environment. In this regard, if the camera stand 200 includes a cord, the cord may be required to pass through a wall of the biologically secure cabinet. However, a minimum level of containment must also be maintained, which may be difficult or costly to achieve while facilitating the passage of the cord through the cabinet wall. In this regard, it is contemplated that the camera stand 200 may be completely wireless. For example, wireless technology may be incorporated into the camera stand 200 to facilitate communication of electronic signals between the camera stand 200 and the processor 70. Examples of such wireless technology include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless vacation technologies. Moreover, the camera stand 200 may be equipped with a battery to provide operating power to the camera stand 200. The battery may be removable, replaceable, and / or rechargeable to facilitate wireless operation of the camera stand 200. For example, a lithium ion battery or other suitable type of battery may be provided within the camera stand 200. The battery may be provided in any portion of the camera stand 200, including, but not limited to, the base 90, the support 92, and / or the enclosed space 218, for example.

[0086] With further reference to FIG. 15, a mechanism for mounting the camera 212 to the first portion 234 of the support 92 is shown. It will be appreciated that the camera 212 is subject to image tolerances associated with the alignment of the camera 212 to the base 90. Misalignment between the cameras 212 at the base 90 may result in image distortions, such as key stoning. In this regard, image tolerances associated with the alignment between the cameras 212 at the base 90 may be important to obtaining high quality medical dose preparation images using the camera 212. However, manufacturing considerations associated with providing connection tolerances between various components including the camera stand 200 may make it difficult to achieve image tolerances to provide accurate camera alignment during manufacturing. That is, the camera 212 may include imaging tolerances that are more restrictive than the connection tolerances provided in the mounting of the camera 212 to the camera stand 200. For example, connection tolerances may be introduced between the interfaces, between the base and the second portion 236 of the support 92, between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236, between the attachment portion of the mounting plate 300 and the first portion 234, and between the interfaces and associated mounting structures to the camera 212, among others. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the tolerances associated with each of these interfaces may present tolerance stack-up issues that may result in misalignment of the camera 212 relative to the base 90.

[0087] 15 , the mounting plate 300 may be secured to the mounting member 304 by fasteners 302. The mounting member 304 may be secured to the first portion 234 by fasteners 306. The mounting structure 310 may be secured to the mounting plate 300. The camera 212 may be mounted to the mounting structure 310. The interface between the mounting structure 310 and the mounting plate 300 may define a gimbal 320. The gimbal 320 may allow for adjustable movement of the camera 212 in at least a first (and potentially two, three, or more) directions. The gimbal 320 may include one or more jack nuts 322, which may allow for adjustably positioning the mounting structure 310 relative to the mounting plate 300. For example, jack nut 322 may include a pair of adjustment nuts provided on threaded weld stud 323 such that the attachment of mounting structure 310 to mounting plate 300 may be adjusted up and down along threaded weld stud 323 (e.g., in the three locations shown in FIG. 15 to control movement of camera 212 in at least two directions). Thus, once secured to mounting structure 310, camera 212 may be adjusted or aimed by manipulating jack nut 322 to modify the orientation of camera 212.

[0088] In this regard, it will be appreciated that once the mounting member 304 is secured to the first portion 234, the mounting plate 300 is secured to the mounting member 304, the mounting structure 310 is secured to the mounting plate 300, and the camera 212 is secured to the mounting structure 310, the alignment of the camera 212 may not be perpendicular to the base 90 (i.e., the imaging tolerance may not be achieved). In this regard, the jack nut 322 may be manipulated to align the camera 212 to be approximately perpendicular to the base 90, and thus, any image distortion, such as key stoning, may be eliminated from the resulting image acquired by the camera 212. In other words, the imaging tolerance may be achieved through adjustment of the gimbal 320. Thus, the amount of adjustment provided by the gimbal 320 may correspond to at least the difference between the connection tolerance and the imaging tolerance associated with the alignment of the camera 212 relative to the base 90.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the mounting plate 300 and / or the mounting structure 310 may be fabricated from sheet material. In this regard, manufacturers of these components may be provided at significantly lower costs than other manufacturing techniques that may be used when relatively high tolerances are required. In this regard, the use of the gimbal 320, which once secured to the mounting structure provides adjustability for the alignment of the camera 212, may allow for lower cost manufacturing techniques to be used in the manufacture of the camera stand 200.

[0090] 15 , it will be appreciated that the housing 210 and / or the transparent shield 216 may be secured to the mounting plate 300 and / or the mounting member 304. In this regard, the housing 210 and / or the transparent shield 216 may be secured to the mounting plate 300 and / or the mounting member 304 to define the sealed area 218.

[0091] With further reference to FIG. 12 , the base 90 of the camera stand 200 can include a platform base 254 and a support platform 256 that can be removably positioned relative to the platform base 254. In this regard, the support platform 256 can be removed, for example, to receive cleaning or the like. The platform base 254 can include one or more feet 258 that can engage with a surface on which the platform base 254 is positioned. For example, the platform base 254 can include one or more suction cup bases 276 that can be used to secure the base 90, and thus the camera stand 200, to a surface. The suction cup base 276 can provide a secure attachment to the surface and provide stable operation of the camera stand 200. That is, the suction cup base 276 can at least partially isolate vibrations to improve images acquired by the camera 212 when capturing the medical dose preparation images described above. The support platform 256 can be constructed from a UV resistant material.

[0092] The support platform 256 can have a length 272 and a width 274. In this regard, when the support platform 256 is disposed on the platform base 254, the length 272 and the width 274 can define the dimensions of the base 90. The length 272 and the width 274 can also correspond to the medical conditioning stage area 86 that is at least partially defined by the support platform 256.

[0093] 4, it will be appreciated that a peripheral region of the opening 214 of the housing 210 can extend in a first direction corresponding to a length 274 of the support platform 90. The peripheral region can extend in a first direction corresponding to a length 274 of the base 90 when the support 92 is in both a first position shown in FIG. 3 and a second position shown in FIGS. 8-9. The peripheral region can extend in a second direction corresponding to a width 274 of the support platform 256 when the support 92 is in the first position. When the support is in the second position (best shown in FIG. 9), the peripheral region can extend in a direction corresponding to a height of the medical dose preparation region 86 extending perpendicular to the support platform 256.

[0094] The platform base 254 may include a weighing scale such that an item placed on the support platform 256 may be weighed when placed on the platform base 254. For example, the weight measured by the weighing scale may be captured substantially simultaneously with the capture of the medical dose preparation image by the imaging device 80. Thus, the weight obtained by the weighing scale may be added to the dose instruction metadata. In one embodiment, the processor 70 in the processor or a remote processor having access to the metadata may perform a weight analysis using the weight measured by the weighing scale, for example, comparing the actual weight to an expected weight of the medical dose. The weighing scale may comprise a load cell located within the platform base 254 (e.g., at each foot 258 of the platform base 258 or adjacent where the support platform 256 is supported).

[0095] In this regard, the expected weight of the medical dose may be included in the metadata to aid in gravimetric analysis of the medication container 100. The processor 70 at the work station 40 may associate and store the expected weight and the actual weight. Additionally, the processor may be operable to compare the expected weight to the actual weight. In one embodiment, a deviation of the actual weight from the expected weight may be calculated and an alarm may be provided to a user if the deviation exceeds a threshold.

[0096] The support platform 256 can at least partially define the drug preparation stage area 86. For example, the drug preparation stage area 86 can encompass a space extending in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 262 of the support platform 254. Thus, a container supportably engaged by the support platform 254 can be encompassed by the drug preparation stage area 86 such that the container is positioned within the imaging field of the imaging device 80.

[0097] The support platform 254 may also include one or more medicament container engagement features that may engage with a medical container supportably disposed relative to the support platform 254. For example, the medicament container engagement features may include at least one groove 264 and at least one channel 266. With further reference to FIGS. 13-15, the described features comprising the support platform 254 may be further appreciated. The groove 264 may extend a first depth from the support surface 262. The channel 266 may extend a second depth from the support surface 262. The first depth may be less than the second depth. That is, the groove 264 may be shallower than the channel 266 with respect to the depth to which it extends from the support surface 262. The engagement features described herein may extend across substantially all of the support platform 254, and the medicament preparation stage area 86 may then be at least partially defined by the support platform 254. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the groove 264 extends in a different direction than at least a portion of the channel 266. For example, at least a portion of the groove 264 may extend perpendicular to the channel 266. Further, at least a portion of the groove 264 may extend in a direction corresponding to the channel 266.

[0098] The groove 264 can have a first radius of curvature in a direction corresponding to a first depth to which the groove 264 extends from the support surface 262. In this regard, the groove 264 can have a generally concave profile. For example, a concave surface profile may be defined along the groove 264. Similarly, the channel 266 can include a second radius of curvature in a direction corresponding to a second depth. In this regard, the channel 266 can also have a generally concave profile (e.g., a concave surface profile). The first radius of curvature can be greater than the second radius of curvature such that the groove 264 includes a shallower outer diameter relative to the steeper outer diameter of the channel 266.

[0099] In one embodiment, the groove 264 can be adapted to engage a first portion of a drug container. For example, the concave surface profile of the groove 264 can match the circumference of a syringe barrel. In this regard, the syringe barrel can be received in the groove 264 such that when placed on the support platform 256 and engaged by the groove 264, movement of the syringe barrel corresponding to a rotation of the syringe can be limited. In a similar regard, the channel 266 can be adapted to engage a second portion of a drug container. For example, the concave surface profile of the channel 266 can match the finger plate of the syringe. Additionally or alternatively, the concave surface profile of the channel 266 can match the plunger end. In this regard, when the syringe barrel is placed in the groove 264, the finger plate and / or plunger end of the syringe can be engaged by the channel 266 which can limit movement of the syringe along the length of the groove 264. Thus, the syringe may be constrained in at least two degrees of freedom to reduce the likelihood of the syringe being inadvertently moved (e.g., sliding, breaking, or otherwise dislodged) from the support platform 256. It will also be appreciated that the concave surface profile of groove 264 and / or channel 266 may be operable to retain a cylindrical body (e.g., a vial, bottle, or other cylindrical container) to prevent rotational movement thereof.

[0100] The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Moreover, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Thus, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments are further intended to describe known modes of carrying out the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such or other embodiments with various modifications as required by the particular application or use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims

1. 1. A work station apparatus for use in a medical dose preparation and administration system, the apparatus comprising: a platform base containing a weighing scale and a drug preparation stage area; housing; a support member that engages the housing and the platform base to suspend the housing above the pharmaceutical preparation stage area; an imaging device having an imaging field that encompasses at least a portion of the pharmaceutical preparation stage area, the imaging device being at least partially disposed within the housing; at least one light source disposed within the housing, the at least one light source operable to emit light from the housing in a direction toward the pharmaceutical preparation stage area; Memory; A processor in operable communication with the memory; and a display in operable communication with the processor; The processor, receiving a dose instruction workflow from a medical dose preparation management system over a network, the workflow specifying a sequence of steps for preparing the medical dose; displaying operator instructions based on said dose order workflow on said display; (i) recording digital image data of a pharmaceutical preparation object disposed on the pharmaceutical preparation stage area using the imaging device and the at least one light source, and simultaneously, (ii) recording weight data from the weighing scale for appending to dose order metadata including the digital image data; Displaying at least (i) on the display; and and configured to store (i) and (ii) in said memory for confirmation of readiness based on a dose command in said dose command work flow and proceed to the next step in said step sequence.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to record the digital image data after receiving a trigger.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform a gravimetric analysis based on the weight data.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical preparation object comprises at least one of a source container, a delivery container, or a dispensing container.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical preparation object comprises a syringe or an IV bag.

6. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical preparation object includes a label indicating information including at least one of a product name, a concentration, a quantity, lot information, expiration date information, or a serial number.

7. The processor, comparing the weight data to expected weight data specified in the dose order workflow and calculating deviations; and The apparatus of claim 1 , further configured to generate an alert when the calculated deviation exceeds a threshold deviation.

8. 1. A work station apparatus for use in a medical dose preparation and administration system, the apparatus comprising: a platform base containing a weighing scale and a drug preparation stage area; housing; a support member that engages the housing and the platform base to suspend the housing above the pharmaceutical preparation stage area; an imaging device having an imaging field that encompasses at least a portion of the pharmaceutical preparation stage area, the imaging device being at least partially disposed within the housing; Memory; A processor in operable communication with the memory; and a display in operable communication with the processor; The processor, receiving a dose instruction workflow from a medical dose preparation management system over a network, the workflow specifying a sequence of steps for preparing the medical dose; displaying operator instructions based on said dose order workflow on said display; (i) recording digital image data of a pharmaceutical preparation object placed on the pharmaceutical preparation stage area using the imaging device, and simultaneously, (ii) recording weight data from the weighing scale regarding a weight of the pharmaceutical preparation object to be appended to dose order metadata including the digital image data; Displaying at least (i) on the display; and storing (i) and (ii) in said memory and proceeding to the next step in said step sequence.

9. 9. The device of claim 8 located in a hospital pharmacy.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to record the digital image data after receiving a trigger.

11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the display includes a touch screen for receiving the trigger.

12. 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the pharmaceutical preparation object includes a label indicating information including at least one of a product name, a concentration, a quantity, lot information, expiration date information, or a serial number.

13. The processor, comparing the weight data to expected weight data specified in the dose order workflow and calculating deviations; and The apparatus of claim 8 , further configured to generate an alert when the calculated deviation exceeds a threshold deviation.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform a gravimetric analysis based on the weight data.

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