Systems and methods for compounding pharmaceutical products

Abstract

To provide a system for preparing a pharmaceutical.SOLUTION: A system for preparing a pharmaceutical comprises: a computing device comprising a user interface providing an operator with instructions for preparing the pharmaceutical and at least one processor operatively connected to the user interface; a scale operatively connected to the at least one processor; and an image capture device operatively connected to the at least one processor and the scale and positioned to capture an image of at least one of the pharmaceutical and a component used in preparing the pharmaceutical.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 047,325, entitled "Visual Document Automation with Minimal User Input," filed on September 8, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 072,160, entitled "Pharmacist Review Expansion Module for a System for Compounding Medication," filed on October 29, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 072,054, entitled "Aerodynamic Streamlined Housing for an Input Device of a Medication Compounding System," filed on October 29, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 078,067, entitled "Aerodynamic Streamlined Housing for an Input Device of a Medication Compounding System," filed on November 11, 2014; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 077,968, entitled "Extended Platen for Medication Compounding," filed on November 11, 2014. the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for compounding and administering prescribed fluid medications, such as chemotherapy agents, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable physicians to fill prescriptions for patients that are subsequently verified for accuracy, compounded based on computer-assisted instructions, verified based on measured weights, provided with visual documentation in a near-automated manner, and administered to the patient. [Background technology]

[0003] Many technical tasks involved in compounding and dispensing medications can be performed in pharmacies by pharmacy technicians or licensed nurses. When non-pharmacists perform these tasks, their work must generally be reviewed by a pharmacist. Various systems have been developed that capture images of the various steps in a non-pharmacy technician's compounding of medications, allowing the pharmacist to later review the compounding. Such systems typically require the technician to perform some type of active step to capture images of the medication compounding steps. For example, the user may have to use a touch screen or a foot pedal to trigger the image capture. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, such systems require an active step by a non-pharmacy technician to capture the appropriate image, which can be error-prone and prevents the supervising pharmacist from properly validating the prescription. Additionally, such prior art systems do not include any other means for validating the prescription and rely entirely on images obtained during the filling of the prescription for validation.

[0005] Additionally, systems have also been developed that utilize procedurally checked weight measurement information to verify proper drug concentrations. However, there are currently no systems that combine information from image verification and weight measurement verification systems to ensure that the drug is properly mixed.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for a system that triggers an image capture step when the conditions for a particular medication compounding are met and moves to the next medication compounding step without any additional user input. A further need exists for a system that displays both image information and weight measurements obtained during a medication compounding step to a reviewing pharmacist in a clear and easily readable manner, allowing the pharmacist to quickly approve or reject a particular medication compounding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for compounding pharmaceutical products, the system comprising: a user interface for providing instructions to an operator for compounding pharmaceutical products; a computing device having at least one processor operably coupled to the user interface; a scale operably coupled to the at least one processor; and an image capture device operably coupled to the at least one processor and the scale and configured to capture images of at least one of the pharmaceutical product and an element used in compounding the pharmaceutical product. In one embodiment, the scale transmits a signal to the at least one processor indicating a corresponding change in detected weight when the at least one element is placed thereon. The at least one processor can cause the image capture device to capture an image of the at least one element based on the signal. Alternatively, the scale can be configured to communicate a signal to at least one processor confirming that a correct amount of at least one element used in compounding the pharmaceutical product has been withdrawn by an operator based on the weight of the at least one element, and when the at least one processor confirms the correct amount of the at least one element, the at least one processor causes an image capture device to capture an image of the at least one element.

[0008] The image capture device can be triggered to capture an image of the at least one element when the weight of the at least one element on the scale is stable. Removal of the at least one element from the scale can cause the at least one processor to receive the image along with a data record associated with the image and instruct the user interface to allow the operator to move to the next step in the instructions for compounding the drug product. The data record and image can be provided to a pharmacist for review. If the image is deemed unacceptable by the operator, the user interface can be configured to provide the operator with the ability to retake an image.

[0009] A top surface of the scale may provide a visual indication to an operator of the center of an image produced by the image capture device. The visual indication may be an intersection recess formed in the top surface of the scale. A scanner may be operably connected to the user interface. The scanner may be configured to scan a barcode provided on the at least one element and provide information regarding the at least one element to the at least one processor.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for compounding pharmaceutical products, the system comprising: a user interface for providing instructions to an operator for compounding pharmaceutical products; a computing device having at least one processor operably coupled to the user interface; a scale operably coupled to the at least one processor; and a housing having an image capture device having a field of view positioned to capture an image of an item placed on the scale during compounding of the pharmaceutical product. The image capture device is operably coupled to the at least one processor. The scale communicates a signal to the at least one processor to confirm the correct amount of at least one component of the pharmaceutical product based on the weight of the at least one component. The image capture device captures an image of the item placed on the scale when the at least one processor confirms the correct amount of the at least one component.

[0011] The housing can be positioned above a scale and can further include a barcode scanner, the barcode scanner including a sensor offset relative to the scale, and the housing can have a streamlined shape to minimize flow disturbance within a flow hood.

[0012] Another objective of the system of the present disclosure is for the system to display both image information and weight measurements acquired during the drug compounding steps to the pharmacist in a clear and easily readable manner, allowing the pharmacist to accurately identify the steps taken by the technician compounding the prescribed liquid drug, so that the pharmacist can quickly approve or reject a particular drug compounding. The overlay of two different types of information (i.e., image and weight measurement information) gives the pharmacist valuable insight into this combined action and the opportunity for better judgment of the quality of the compounding and the technician performing the compounding.

[0013] Such systems guide a pharmacist or technician through the different mixing steps at the pharmacy by providing step-by-step instructions on a computer screen and identifying the different mixing steps by measuring the weight of the mixed liquid using a scale. The measured weight is then analyzed using mathematical methods to determine whether the required mixing accuracy has been achieved. Each time an item is placed on the scale, an image of the scale is captured to create a visual documentation trail of the mixing process. The image is stored along with the recorded measurements from the scale and the resulting procedure, resulting in a log file. If the measured weight of the medication is not within a preset tolerance range of the expected weight, the software generates instructions to modify the amount of medication to bring it within the acceptable tolerance range. The software will not move on to the next mixing step unless the required tolerance is achieved at the current step.

[0014] In particular, the system includes a pharmacist review module that allows a pharmacist to review images of a particular compounded medication and either approve or disapprove the compounding for release to the patient. The captured image is displayed along with corresponding mixing instructions and an indication of whether the medication concentration is within or outside acceptable tolerances as established by mathematical methods. Thus, the pharmacist review module provides visual information (i.e., images of each compounding step) that is overlaid with metrological measurements collected using a scale and verified by mathematical methods for compliance with predefined acceptance criteria.

[0015] More particularly, provided is a system for checking pharmaceutical compounding verification. The system includes a processor configured to receive information regarding the compounding of the pharmaceutical product, the information including at least one image of at least one compounding step of the pharmaceutical product and weight measurement information provided by a scale during the at least one compounding step of the pharmaceutical product. The system also includes a user interface operably coupled to the processor and configured, upon instruction from the processor, to display the at least one image of the at least one compounding step of the pharmaceutical product and an indication of whether the concentration of the pharmaceutical product is within acceptable tolerances based on the weight measurement information.

[0016] The at least one image of the at least one pharmaceutical compounding step includes an image of each pharmaceutical compounding step, and the user interface can include an area displaying a thumbnail image of each step. Graphical instructions can be overlaid on each thumbnail image to verify whether the pharmaceutical concentration for the pharmaceutical compounding step depicted in each thumbnail image is within the acceptable tolerance range. The user interface can also include an area displaying instructions for compounding the pharmaceutical compound corresponding to the at least one image of the at least one pharmaceutical compounding step displayed.

[0017] These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the function and method of operation of the associated elements, combination of parts and economy of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements in the various drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart of sequential processing computer-executable modules for compounding and administering prescribed fluid medications according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weighing scale and enclosure housing within a flow hood according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scale and enclosure housing of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart describing a method by which a pharmaceutical product may be compounded according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 5B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 5C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 5D] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 6A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 6B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 6C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 6D] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 7A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 7B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 8A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 8B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 8C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 8D] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 9A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 9B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 9C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 9D] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 10A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 10B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 10C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 11A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 11B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 11C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 11D] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 12A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 12B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 12C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 13A] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 13B] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 13C] 4 is a representative screenshot of the user interface of the system of FIG. 3 presented during the compounding of a pharmaceutical product. [Figure 14A] 1 is a flow chart describing a method by which a pharmaceutical product may be compounded according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B]14B is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 14A describing how a pharmaceutical product may be compounded according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a pharmacy final verification module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 10 is an exemplary screenshot provided in a pharmacy final review module that allows a pharmacist to review the compounding of a drug product according to the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 10 is another exemplary screenshot provided in the pharmacy final validation module according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, for purposes of explanation, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "distal," "proximal," "lateral," "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof, shall be understood to refer to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, unless otherwise expressly stated, it should be understood that the present invention can employ various alternatives to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1 , the disclosed system employs several sequentially processed, computer-executed modules for compounding and administering prescribed fluid medications, such as chemotherapy drugs. These modules each include code that allows for user input, generates output, and calculates and determines instructions for compounding and administering the medication, and can be executed on one or more processors 101 of one or more suitable computing devices. More specifically, the system allows physicians to fill prescriptions for patients, which are then verified to be correctly compounded based on computer-assisted instructions, correctly verified based on measured weights, and correctly administered to the patient. Such a system includes certain modules, described in detail below. These modules include: (A) Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) module 100; (B) Pharmacist Verification module 200; (C) Pharmacy Filling module 300; (D) Pharmacy Final Verification module 400; and (E) Clinical (e.g., Administration) module 500. These modules may each be executed on a single processor or multiple processors located on a single computing device, or may each be executed on independent computing devices having their own processors, with data and instructions being communicated between the computing devices using any suitable wired or wireless communication protocol, such as, but not limited to, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc.

[0021] A. CPOE module The CPOE module 100 allows a physician to input prescription medication types for a patient, including prescribed medications associated with a particular patient. In particular, the physician inputs prescription information for the patient into a computer, and this data is transmitted throughout the hospital network, stored for retrieval, and used in subsequent modules described herein. The prescription information may include one or more prescription medications and corresponding dosages / quantities for those medications. This CPOE module 100 is an optional component and may not be used in all implementations of the overall system.

[0022] B. Pharmacist Verification Module The system's pharmacist verification module 200 allows a pharmacist to view prescription order data entered by a physician from CPOE module 100 or from some other source if CPOE module 100 is not utilized, and manually verify the prescribed medication for a particular patient. As noted above, the pharmacist verification module 200 can execute on the same computing device as CPOE module 100. Alternatively, the pharmacist verification module 200 can execute on a computing device remote from the computing device executing CPOE module 100.

[0023] C. Pharmacy Compounding Module Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pharmacy compounding module 300 includes software, such as a pharmacy compounding system 1, and associated hardware to guide a pharmacist or non-pharmacy technician through the steps of compounding a prescribed fluid medication, such as a chemotherapy drug. The pharmacy compounding system 1 assists a pharmacist or non-pharmacy technician in compounding one or more prescribed medications into a syringe or intravenous (IV) bag. The pharmacy compounding system 1 is operably coupled to a computing device 4 including a user interface 3 having a display 5 and a user input device 7, such as a keyboard or mouse. If desired, the display 5 of the user interface 3 can be used as a small LED projector mounted as part of the pharmacy compounding system 1 to project displayed instructions onto the wall behind the laminar flow hood 25, thereby eliminating the need for a monitor for the display 5, as shown in FIG. 2. A scale 9 having a scale output interface 11 can be operably coupled to the user interface 3. The scale 9 can be any suitable device for detecting a change in mass, i.e., weight, when an item is placed thereon. Thus, the scale 9 can simply be configured as an instrument that sends a signal when the mass or weight of an item is greater or less than a pre-set threshold or a high precision scale that gives an accurate reading of the weight of an item placed thereon.

[0024] In one embodiment, a barcode scanner 13 can be operably coupled to at least one of the user interface 3 and the scale 9, and the barcode scanner 13 can scan a pharmaceutical processing vial that has a barcode located on a portion of the scale 9. In another embodiment, an image capture device 15 can be operably coupled to at least one of the user interface 3 and the scale 9, and the image capture device 15 can obtain images of an item, such as a pharmaceutical processing vial, IV bag, or syringe, that is placed on the portion of the scale 9. In one embodiment, the image capture device 15 can capture multiple still or video images of an item that is placed on the portion of the scale 9 throughout the pharmaceutical mixing process for operation and / or subsequent inspection of the pharmaceutical mixing process.

[0025] In yet other embodiments, at least one of the barcode scanner 13 and the image capture device 15 may be at least partially contained within the enclosure housing 17. In certain configurations, the housing 17 may completely contain the barcode scanner 13 and the image capture device 15. If desired, the housing 17 may contain only one of the barcode scanner 13 and the image capture device 15.

[0026] Housing 17 may be positioned above a portion of weigher 9, such as by support arm 19. As shown in FIG. 2, pharmacy compounding system 1 may be positioned within laminar flow hood 25, which has an inlet air supply 23 and an outlet air port 27 for creating a laminar flow of air within its interior 29. Exterior surface 21 of housing 17 may have a streamlined shape and / or contour optimized to reduce airflow disturbances within laminar flow hood 25.

[0027] The aerodynamically streamlined housing 17, as shown in Figure 3, is designed to minimize airflow disturbances created by having the device in a laminar airflow. This configuration allows the device to be placed near upstream of the scale, yet still have acceptable weight measurement accuracy (i.e., + / - 0.05g) and stabilization time (i.e., no additional time beyond 2 seconds) to confirm the target drug dispensing.

[0028] A smaller and / or more streamlined housing 17 results in less flow disturbance and therefore a higher likelihood of meeting accuracy and stability requirements. This streamlined housing 17 has a shape that minimizes flow disturbance and resistance, enabling stable and accurate weight readings required for targeted drug compounding. In addition, the housing 17 allows for the required gravimetric scale accuracy and stability and allows for the placement of input devices (i.e., image capture device 15 and barcode scanner 13) in proximity to the upstream airflow relative to the scale 9. The proximity of these items within the scale 9 is generally an ideal area for a number of reasons. A second advantage of the streamlined housing 17 is to provide and maintain a clean working environment for the sterile compounding of drug treatments. The purpose of the airflow in a flow hood during use is to create a clean area for sanitary reasons. Turbulent areas created by the upstream airflow or near the items can result in potential contamination hazards during drug compounding. As a result, having an aerodynamically shaped housing for the input implement minimizes the amount of disturbance to the laminar airflow and reduces the likelihood of contamination of any kind.

[0029] 3 , the scale 9 can include a platen 31, as part of the weighing surface of the scale 9, which can provide visual information to the technician, such as a central intersecting recess 35 in the image captured by the image capture device 15. This allows the technician to properly position the associated supply within the field of view of the image capture device 15, such as an image capture device housed in a housing 17 disposed above the platen 31 of the scale 9, along with a pharmaceutical treatment 37 associated with the pharmaceutical mixture. The upper surface 41 of the platen 31 can define a plurality of recesses 39 and / or protrusions extending from the surface of the platen 31 for frictionally retaining the associated supply on the upper surface 41 of the platen 31, along with the pharmaceutical treatment 37 associated with the pharmaceutical mixture. In other configurations, the upper surface 41 of the platen 31 can include an adhesive or other friction-enhancing surface for similarly retaining the associated supply on the upper surface 41 of the platen 31, along with the pharmaceutical treatment 37 associated with the pharmaceutical mixture. The configuration of grooves 39 and / or protrusions may easily indicate to a user the center of platen 31 that is configured to coincide with the center of the field of view of image capture device 15 .

[0030] A plurality of grooves 39 and / or protrusions may be configured extending from the surface of the platen 31 to retain any liquid material that is accidentally spilled onto the upper surface 41 of the platen 31 during the drug mixing process. The plurality of grooves 39 may define containment recesses 47 that serve to collect and retain accidentally spilled material in a limited area within the platen 31 until a suitable removal means can be used. The surface of the platen 31 may be coated with a durable composition that resists deterioration caused by exposure to corrosive agents such as chemotherapy agents and pharmaceuticals, as well as cleaning agents such as bleach and isopropyl alcohol. In certain configurations, the durable composition may be an epoxy or an epoxy-based paint or coating.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4, 14A, and 14B, the pharmacist / technician is prompted to perform the following steps for compounding a medication via a series of display screens provided on the display 5 of the user interface 3, such as those shown in one or more of Figures 5A-5D, 6A-6D, 7A-7B, 8A-8D, 9A-9D, 10A-10C, 11A-11D, 12A-12C, and 13A-13C. Figure 4 provides a flowchart of the first stage of compounding, in which the active ingredient is reconstituted. First, the operator scans with barcode scanner 13 a first barcode on a medication processing container containing the medication to be reconstituted to compound the prescribed medication (block 301), as shown in Figure 5C. The medication processing container is then placed on weighing scale 9 (block 302). A diagram of this step is displayed on the display 5 of the user interface 3, as shown in Figure 6A. Once the weight has stabilized, the system verifies that the measured weight meets the target weight plus or minus a preset tolerance. In addition, the image capture device 15 captures an image of the drug processing container, as shown in Figure 6B, and displays it to the user on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 304). The user then removes the drug processing container, and this image is saved in the drug compounding data record (block 306).

[0032] The technician then scans a second barcode on a fluid container of the fluid to be mixed with the reconstituted medication (block 308), as shown in Figure 6C. The fluid container is then placed on the scale 9 (block 310), and once the weight has stabilized, the image capture device 15 captures an image of the fluid container and displays it to the user on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 312), as shown in Figure 6D. The user then removes the fluid container, and the image is saved in the medication compounding data record (block 314).

[0033] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7A, the user injects fluid from the fluid container into the drug processing container, thereby mixing the drug to be reconstituted with the fluid in the fluid container (block 316). The drug processing container is then returned to the scale 9, and the weight of the drug processing container is confirmed (block 318), as shown in FIG. 7B. Once the weight is stable and confirmed (block 320), the image capture device 15 automatically captures an image of the drug processing container based on the signal received from the scale and displays this image on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 322). If the technician determines that this image does not meet the predetermined requirements, they have the option to request new or additional images (block 324). Requesting another image will automatically switch the image capture device 15 to a "live video mode" displayed on the user interface 3 (block 326). The technician can then move the drug processing container to the desired position on the scale 9 and trigger image capture via the user interface 3 (block 328). By removing the item from the scale 9, the image captured as described above will be shown on the user interface 3, and the technician will accept the image and the system will automatically move to the next mixing step (block 330).

[0034] Once the medication is dispensed, the system prints a barcode label to attach to the reconstituted medication.

[0035] 14A and 14B, the second step in dispensing a medication using the pharmacy dispensing module 300 will be described. First, the operator scans the barcode of the reconstituted medication with the barcode scanner 13 (block 332), as shown in FIG. 8A. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, the reconstituted medication is placed on the scale 9 (block 334), and an empty syringe is added to the scale 9 (block 336). Once the weight stabilizes, the system verifies that the measured weight meets the weight target plus or minus a preset tolerance. Additionally, the image capture device 15 captures an image of the medication dispensing container, as shown in FIG. 8D, and displays it to the user on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 338). The user then removes the reconstituted medication and the empty syringe, and this image is saved in the medication dispensing data record (block 340).

[0036] The technician is then instructed to withdraw a predetermined amount of the reconstituted pharmaceutical formulation using a syringe (block 342), as shown in Figure 9A, and place the syringe back on the scale (block 344). The weight is then confirmed (block 346), as shown in Figure 9B, and an image is captured (block 348). If the weight is determined to be too low, as shown in the flowcharts of Figures 14A and 14B, the technician is instructed to remove the syringe (block 350 and Figure 9C) and withdraw an additional amount of the reconstituted pharmaceutical formulation (block 352 and Figure 9D).

[0037] Once the additional amount of reconstituted pharmaceutical formulation has been drawn into the syringe, the syringe is returned to the scale 9 (block 354), as shown in Figure 10A, and the weight is verified (block 356) and an image is captured (block 358), as shown in Figure 10B, and the syringe is then removed from the scale (block 360).

[0038] The technician then scans the barcode of a fluid container, such as an IV bag, that has saline solution therein (block 362). The fluid container is then placed on the scale 9 (block 364), and once its weight has stabilized, the image capture device 15 acquires an image of the fluid container and displays it to the user on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 366). If the technician determines that this image does not meet the predetermined requirements, there is an option to request a new or additional image (block 368). Requesting another image will automatically switch the camera to a "live video mode" displayed on the user interface 3 (block 370). The technician can then move the medication processing container on the scale 9 to a preferred position and trigger image capture via the user interface 3 (block 372). By removing the item from the scale 9, the captured image will be displayed on the user interface 3 as described above, the technician will accept the image (block 374), and the system will automatically await authorization from the pharmacist to proceed (block 376). The screenshots in Figures 11A-11C illustrate this process.

[0039] Once the pharmacist's authorization is provided (block 378), the user injects the contents of the syringe into the fluid container (block 380), as shown in FIG. 12A. The drug processing container is then returned to the scale 9, and the weight of the drug processing container is confirmed (block 382). Once the weight is stable and confirmed (block 384), as shown in FIG. 12B, the image capture device 15 automatically captures an image of the drug processing container based on the signal received from the scale and displays the image on the display 5 of the user interface 3 (block 386), as shown in FIG. 12C. Upon removal of the item from the scale 9, the captured image is displayed on the user interface 3, as previously described, and the technician accepts the image (block 388). Upon completion of the drug preparation, the system prints a barcode label containing encoded information representing the name of the medication and patient information for attachment to the completed drug preparation.

[0040] Pharmacy dispensing module 300 also includes software instructions that cause the processor of computing device 4 to perform the following actions during medication dispensing: (i) retrieve prescription order data entered into CPOE module 100 by the physician from the hospital network; (ii) verify that the scanned barcode corresponds to the prescription information; (iii) determine whether the weight of the syringe and / or IV bag is within a preset threshold accuracy level with respect to the amount of medication to be administered; (iv) determine that an adjustment must be made if the weight is not accurate; and (v) transmit data related to the weight of the syringe and / or IV bag back to the hospital network.

[0041] D. Pharmacy Final Verification Module Following filling the prescribed medication, the pharmacy final review module 400 allows a pharmacist to review the data and / or documents created by the pharmacy filling module 300, including the images captured by the image capture device 15, and either approve or disapprove the filling for release to the patient. As described above, the pharmacist final review module 400 can execute on the same computing device as the pharmacy filling module 300. Alternatively, the pharmacist final review module 400 can execute on a computing device remote from the computing device of the pharmacy filling module 300. Such a remote configuration is illustrated schematically in FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 15, the pharmacist final review module 400 includes a system 401 having a processor 402 configured to receive information related to the filling of the medication from the pharmacy filling module 300. This information includes at least one image of at least one step of the filling of the medication and weight measurement information provided by the scale 9 during at least one step of the filling of the medication. The system 401 also includes a user interface 403 operably coupled to the processor 402 and configured to display, based on instructions from the processor 402, at least one image of at least one step of compounding the drug and indicating whether the concentration of the drug is within an acceptable tolerance range based on the weight measurement information.

[0042] An exemplary screenshot produced by pharmacy final validation module 400 is provided in Figure 16. For this exemplary image, the captured image is shown along with the corresponding mixing instructions and an indication of whether the drug concentration is inside or outside the acceptable tolerance range as mathematically established. Thus, pharmacy final validation module 400 provides visual information (i.e., images of each step of the compounding) that is overlaid with the weighing measurements collected on the scale and mathematically verified to comply with predefined acceptance criteria.

[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the pharmacy final review module 400 includes an inspection window 420 having a first portion 422 displaying a selected image 424 of a particular drug compounding step, a second portion 426 displaying thumbnail images of each of the drug compounding steps, and a third portion 428 displaying mixing instructions for the particular drug compounding step along with weight measurements provided by a scale and an indication, provided by a mathematical method, of whether the drug concentration is within or outside the acceptable tolerances. Additionally, an icon 430 can be associated with the thumbnail of a particular drug compounding step to indicate to the pharmacist that the tolerance requirements for that particular drug compounding step have not been met. For example, a green check mark can indicate whether the tolerance requirements have been met, or a red exclamation point can indicate whether the tolerance requirements have not been met. The inspection window 420 also includes a fourth portion 432 displaying an icon 434 that allows the pharmacist to approve or reject the drug compounding.

[0044] 16 and 17, the mouse pointer is positioned over the fifth thumbnail from the left in the second portion 426 of the inspection window 420. For this particular thumbnail, an enlarged image is shown above the row of thumbnails in the first portion 422 of the inspection window 420 and below this thumbnail, and the corresponding mixing command 435 is shown in the third portion 428 of the inspection window 420, along with the results of the metrology measurements 436 and procedural checks 438 (see also the representative screenshot provided in FIG. 2). The third portion 428 may also include other statistical information about the drug compounding, such as, but not limited to, how often a mixing step had to be repeated to meet tolerance targets, or whether a particular mixing step was taking more time than usual compared to others.

[0045] Additionally, the thumbnail icon 430 indicates whether the tolerance requirements for a particular blending step were met, providing a quick indication to the pharmacist that a problem occurred in the compounding process. The gray box (not shown) surrounding many of the thumbnails indicates to the pharmacist that the image representing this blending step has been recaptured.

[0046] The overlay of the captured image and the confirmatory information mathematically generated from the weight measurement data allows the pharmacist to quickly review significantly different types of information. The amount of visual information in the image is not limited, but allows the pharmacist to check very specific information such as the color of the medication, the type of syringe, or whether the system was used improperly (e.g., the user used additional items to create the required weight to pass the tolerance requirement procedure). The thumbnail icon 430 representing the result of the procedure check is binary information that tells the pharmacist that the medication amount was either inside or outside the tolerance requirement for the particular blending step. The accumulation of icon 430 in the thumbnail in the form of a red exclamation point gives the pharmacist a quick indication that the technician needed several iterations to meet the tolerance requirement, which can trigger additional scrutiny when reviewing such medication compounding.

[0047] E. Clinical Module Before administering the prescribed medication to the patient, the clinical module 500 allows for a final check. A barcode scanner located in proximity to the patient is used by a nurse or other technician to scan the barcode label on the syringe and / or IV bag. The barcode scanner communicates with a computer that verifies the encoded information of the second barcode with patient and / or prescription information retrieved from the hospital network.

[0048] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and alternatives to these details may be formulated in light of the overall teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, the particular configurations disclosed are intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting, with the scope of the invention to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. 1. A system for compounding pharmaceutical products, comprising: a user interface for providing instructions to an operator for compounding a pharmaceutical product, the instructions including at least two compounding steps, and a computing device having at least one processor operably coupled to the user interface; a scale operably coupled to the at least one processor; an image capture device operably coupled to the at least one processor and the scale, the image capture device configured to capture an image of at least one container used during compounding of the pharmaceutical product; Equipped with the scale transmits a signal to the at least one processor indicating a change in weight detected by the scale when the at least one container is placed on the scale during the at least one compounding step, and the at least one processor causes the image capture device to capture an image of the at least one container including the weight based on the signal; the image of the at least one container is displayed on the user interface for inspection by an operator; Verifying that the captured weight meets the target weight plus or minus a preset tolerance; Upon removal of the at least one container from the scale, the at least one processor receives the image, associates the image with a data record, and displays instructions on the user interface to enable an operator to proceed to the next compounding step in an instruction to compound the pharmaceutical product.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the data record and image are provided to a pharmacist for review.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein if the image is deemed unacceptable by an operator, the user interface is configured to give the operator the ability to re-acquire the image.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a scanner operably connected to the user interface.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the scanner is configured to scan a bar code provided on the at least one container and provide information regarding the at least one container to the at least one processor.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the image capture device is positioned above a scale.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the image capture device is disposed within a housing, the housing further comprising a barcode scanner.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the barcode scanner is angled relative to the scale.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the enclosure has a streamlined shape to minimize flow disturbance within the flow hood.

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