Acquisition method, user terminal and computer program

Abstract

To dispense a medicine dose more appropriately according to an individual difference on a medicine.SOLUTION: An acquisition method includes: a step of acquiring each medicine used by a user and an effect and time thereof related to the body of the user observed after the use by the user to estimate an interaction of a plurality of medicines used by the user; and a step of executing at least one of processing of transmitting the medicine, the effect and the time thus acquired to another device and processing of storing in a storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an acquisition method, Regarding user terminals and computer programs.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when providing drugs to a patient, a pharmacist belonging to a dispensing facility has dispensed the drugs according to a prescription issued by a doctor and provided the drugs to the patient. In order to improve the convenience of dispensing according to a prescription, applications related to drugs are provided. In such applications, there are some in which a medicine diary is electronically implemented (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). By using such an application, a user can easily manage information on the drugs prescribed to himself / herself. In addition, a pharmacist can perform more appropriate dispensing based on the information related to the medicine diary recorded by the application.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, even for the same drug, there are individual differences in the efficacy and the likelihood of side effects of the drug. Conventionally, it has been difficult to perform dispensing according to such individual differences. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables more appropriate dispensing according to individual differences related to drugs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an information providing device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network; and a control unit that determines which of the prescribed drugs for the user requires caution based on information indicating drugs that the user should use with caution, obtained based on information about the user's genes, and information indicating drugs prescribed to the user, and provides information indicating the determination result to other devices.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an information management device comprising: a communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network; a storage unit that stores user gene information, which is information relating to the user's genes; a caution drug information, which is obtained based on the user gene information and indicates drugs that require caution for the user to use; and a control unit that provides the caution drug information to other devices.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a user terminal comprising: a communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network; an output unit that outputs information to a user; and a control unit that acquires information about drugs prescribed to the user that require special attention for use, and outputs the information about the drugs requiring special attention to the user via the output unit.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an acquisition method for estimating the interaction of multiple drugs used by a user, comprising the steps of: acquiring the drugs used by a user, the effects on the user's body after the user used the drugs, and the time; and transmitting the acquired drugs, effects, and time to another device; and storing them in a storage device.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a user interface having a drug input field for receiving information indicating the drug used by the user, an effect input field for receiving information indicating the effect on the user's body after the drug was used, and a transmission decision field for receiving instructions to transmit the information entered by the user.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a database comprising a storage unit that stores, in association with the drugs used by a user, the effects on the user's body after using the drugs, and the time, in order to estimate the interaction of multiple drugs used by the user.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is an information provision method comprising the steps of determining which of the prescribed medications for a user requires caution when used or taken, based on information indicating medications that require caution when used or taken by the user, obtained based on information about the user's genes, and information indicating medications prescribed to the user; and providing information indicating the determination result to another device.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a control method comprising the steps of: acquiring information about a drug prescribed to a user that requires special attention when used or taken by the user; and outputting the information about the drug requiring special attention to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention makes it possible to dispense medications more appropriately according to individual differences in drug needs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the information provision system 100 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drug information database 10. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a specific example of drug information. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the user gene information management device 20. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a specific example of attention drug information. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a specific example of gene-related information. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the information providing server 30. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a specific example of feedback information. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the user terminal 40. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode of prescription information. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode in which gene-related information is displayed. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode in which gene-related information is displayed. [ [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode of prescription information. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode in which gene-related information is displayed. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode of prescription information. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the output mode in which gene-related information is displayed. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage reminder screen. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the questionnaire screen. [Figure 19] It is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information providing system 100. [Figure 20] It is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information providing system 100. [Figure 21] It is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information providing system 100. [Figure 22]This is a schematic block diagram showing a modified system configuration of the information provision system 100 of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of a modified version of the information provision system 100. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] First, let me explain the key points of this embodiment. It is known that there is a correlation between individual differences in response to drugs, namely the ease with which a particular drug works and the side effects caused by that drug, and human genetic polymorphisms. In this embodiment, based on this correlation, appropriate dispensing is performed according to individual differences in response to drugs by utilizing the user's genetic polymorphisms.

[0016] The following describes specific examples of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of the information provision system 100 of the present invention. The information provision system 100 is a system for providing information about pharmaceuticals (hereinafter referred to as "pharmaceutical-related information") to users or pharmaceutical personnel, taking into account individual differences such as the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and the likelihood of side effects. Pharmaceutical personnel are those who determine the type and amount of pharmaceuticals to be used on a user. The action of using a pharmaceutical on a user may include administering medication to the user, the user taking it orally, applying it to the user's body, applying it to the user's body, or injecting it. Any action that gives a pharmaceutical to the user's body is acceptable. The pharmaceutical used may be an oral medication, a topical medication, an injectable medication, or any other medication given to the user. Pharmaceutical personnel are, for example, doctors or staff at dispensing facilities (e.g., pharmacists). The effectiveness of a pharmaceutical indicates the degree of change in the user's condition when a predetermined unit amount of a predetermined pharmaceutical is administered. The effectiveness of a pharmaceutical may also be defined as information indicating the degree to which the effect is less likely to appear even when a normal dose is used. If a drug is broken down rapidly by metabolic enzymes produced due to genetic polymorphisms, the administered drug may become less effective. Drug-related information may include the generic name or brand name of a specific drug, information indicating a group of drugs with the same function (such as multiple brand names of drugs with the same active ingredient or brand names of generic drugs), or the name of the active ingredient.

[0017] The information provision system 100 includes a drug information database 10, a user gene information management device 20, an information provision server 30, a user terminal 40, and a dispensing terminal 50. The drug information database 10, the user gene information management device 20, the information provision server 30, the user terminal 40, and the dispensing terminal 50 are connected to each other via a network 90. ​​The network 90 may be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. The network 90 may be composed of a combination of multiple networks.

[0018] The drug information database 10 stores information indicating the relationship between each drug and a gene (hereinafter referred to as "drug information"). The user gene information management device 20 stores information about genes for each user (hereinafter referred to as "user gene information"). The user gene information management device 20 stores drug-related information for each user. Drug-related information is obtained based on drug information and user gene information. Drug-related information includes caution drug information and gene-related information. Caution drug information is information indicating drugs that require caution for each user. Caution drug information may include, for example, information about drugs that require caution regarding side effects beyond a predetermined standard, information about drugs that may produce effects below a predetermined standard even if used, and information about side effects that may occur if used. Gene-related information includes, in addition to caution drug information, information about the gene causing the drug requiring caution. The caution standard may be set appropriately in the information provision system 100 according to the degree of caution determined by the relationship between the user and the drug, and social circumstances. For example, cautionary guidelines may be established based on various criteria, such as the threshold for allergic reactions or the percentage of users who experienced a predetermined level of drowsiness after using the product.

[0019] The user genetic information management device 20 normally provides caution drug information to the information provision server 30. Based on the caution drug information, the information provision server 30 provides information to the user terminal 40 and dispensing terminal 50 regarding medications that require individual attention from the user. For example, if a prescription issued to a user contains a medication that requires attention from that user, an alert may be issued. This caution drug information does not include information about the individual's genes. Therefore, it is possible to provide information tailored to individual differences regarding medications while keeping the individual's genetic information confidential.

[0020] Furthermore, if certain conditions indicating that user permission has been obtained (hereinafter referred to as "permission conditions") are met, the user gene information management device 20 will provide some or all of the gene-related information to other devices (e.g., user terminal 40 or dispensing terminal 50). The gene-related information includes information about the user's genes, which is more detailed than the caution drug information. The gene-related information provided is partially or entirely permitted by the user. For example, the user may permit only gene-related information concerning a specific disease to be provided. For example, the user may permit only gene-related information concerning a specific drug to be provided. Since such gene-related information is provided only when the permission conditions are met, confidential handling as the user's personal information is ensured. Also, since it is provided to other devices when the permission conditions are met, pharmacists can obtain the gene-related information and perform more appropriate dispensing. The details of the information provision system 100 will be described below.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the drug information database 10. The drug information database 10 is configured using information processing equipment such as a personal computer or a server device. The drug information database 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0022] The communication unit 11 is a communication device. The communication unit 11 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 11 communicates data with other devices via the network 90 in accordance with the control of the control unit 13. The communication unit 11 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0023] The storage unit 12 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 12 stores data used by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, drug information. Figure 3 shows a specific example of drug information. The drug information includes certain gene information and information about drugs that may affect metabolism if that gene information is present. The gene information associated with drugs and effects may be information indicating gene polymorphisms, information indicating genotypes (sets of genes), or information about expressed genes. The drug information includes, for example, information about drugs that may affect metabolism if a mutation such as a deletion occurs in a certain gene. Gene polymorphisms are individual differences in the sequence of DNA that constitutes a gene, and these individual differences affect the metabolism of drugs.

[0024] For example, the drug phenytoin is sometimes used in patients with brain injury to prevent symptomatic epileptic seizures. If the blood concentration of phenytoin becomes too high, it can cause side effects such as dizziness and coma. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the blood concentration of phenytoin from becoming too high. On the other hand, the metabolism of phenytoin involves CYP2C9, a molecular species of CYP, and individuals with mutations in CYP2C9 may not metabolize phenytoin properly. In other words, individuals with mutations in CYP2C9 are likely to show an increase in the area under the blood concentration-time curve and an extension of the half-life. Therefore, caution is required when prescribing phenytoin to such individuals (users). Drug information includes information on drug metabolism that occurs in accordance with genetic polymorphisms. Such drug information is obtained, for example, from papers on drugs and genes, and experimental results. Drug information is updated as needed in accordance with new papers and new experimental results.

[0025] The control unit 13 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The control unit 13 functions as a communication control unit 131 and a database control unit 132 when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 13 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs: Solid State Drives), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0026] The communication control unit 131 controls communication with other devices via the communication unit 11. The database control unit 132 updates the drug information stored in the storage unit 12. For example, if new drug information is obtained from another device, the database control unit 132 updates the drug information based on the obtained information. If another device requests drug information from the database control unit 132, the database control unit 132 provides some or all of the drug information stored in the storage unit 12. The database control unit 132 may be configured to provide some or all of the drug information stored in the storage unit 12 only to devices that have received specific authentication.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the user gene information management device 20. The user gene information management device 20 is configured using information processing equipment such as a personal computer or a server device. It is desirable that the user gene information management device 20 is managed by an organization that is requested by a user to analyze their gene information, or by an organization authorized to manage the gene information. The user gene information management device 20 comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

[0028] The communication unit 21 is a communication device. The communication unit 21 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 21 communicates data with other devices via the network 90 in accordance with the control of the control unit 23. The communication unit 21 may be a wireless communication device or a wired communication device.

[0029] The storage unit 22 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 22 stores data used by the control unit 23. For example, the storage unit 22 stores user genetic information and drug-related information. The storage unit 22 may also store feedback information.

[0030] User genetic information contains genetic information specific to each user. User genetic information may be obtained by analyzing blood samples collected by users at hospitals or other medical facilities. For example, analysis may be performed using microarrays to detect differences of a type called SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), where the DNA sequence differs by only one base. Such analysis may be performed on the user's entire genome or on a specific region of the genome. Such analysis may be performed, for example, by a genotyping company. User genetic information includes information about the genetic polymorphisms each user possesses. User genetic information may also include information about genotypes (sets of genes) and expressed genes. User genetic information may be registered in association with the user ID assigned to each user. The user ID used in the user genetic information management device 20 and the user ID used in the information provision server 30 may be different user IDs. In this case, a table associating each user ID assigned to the same user may be registered in the storage unit 22. Furthermore, each user ID assigned to the same user may be associated with other identifying information assigned to the user, such as an insurance policy number.

[0031] As mentioned above, drug-related information includes caution drug information and genetic information. Figure 5 shows a specific example of caution drug information. Caution drug information contains information for each user indicating drugs that require caution beyond a predetermined standard regarding handling. The user ID in Figure 5 is unique identification information that identifies each user. For example, the example in Figure 5 indicates that user ID "A1" requires caution regarding phenytoin and warfarin.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a specific example of genetic information. For each user, genetic information includes information indicating which drugs require caution beyond a predetermined standard regarding handling, and information indicating the genetic polymorphism that causes caution with those drugs. The user ID in Figure 6 is unique identification information that identifies each user. For example, the example in Figure 6 shows that user ID "A1" requires caution with phenytoin, and this is due to having a variant of the CYP2C9 gene polymorphism that is involved in the metabolic activity of phenytoin.

[0033] The control unit 23 is composed of a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 23 functions as a communication control unit 231, a database control unit 232, and an information provision unit 233 when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 23 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0034] The communication control unit 231 controls communication with other devices via the communication unit 21. The database control unit 232 updates drug-related information stored in the storage unit 22. For example, if new user genetic information is obtained, the database control unit 232 records the obtained genetic information in the storage unit 32. When new user genetic information is obtained, the database control unit 232 generates drug-related information (cautionary drug information and genetic-related information) based on the obtained genetic information and the drug information recorded in the drug information database 10. For example, the database control unit 232 may compare the newly obtained user genetic information with the genetic polymorphism information in the drug information one by one to see if they match, and if there is matching genetic polymorphism information, it may obtain information on the drug and its effects associated with that genetic polymorphism from the drug information to generate drug-related information. The database control unit 232 records the generated drug-related information in the storage unit 22.

[0035] The information provision unit 233 provides caution drug information to the information provision server 30 only to users who have given prior primary consent. Furthermore, for users who have given prior primary consent and subsequently given secondary consent, the information provision unit 233 provides genetic information to other designated devices. In this case, obtaining both primary and secondary consent is a condition for permission. Primary consent may be obtained electronically, for example, when installing a designated application on the user terminal 40, or it may be obtained in writing. Once primary consent is obtained, it may be maintained as obtained until the user explicitly requests its withdrawal. Information indicating whether or not primary consent has been obtained for each user may be recorded in the storage unit 22.

[0036] Secondary consent may be required each time the user requests the provision of genetic information. That is, even if secondary consent has been obtained once, if the user requests the provision of genetic information again, the information provision unit 233 may ask the user for secondary consent each time. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately protect the user's genetic information.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the information provision server 30. The information provision server 30 is configured using information processing equipment such as a personal computer or server device. The information provision server 30 does not need to be managed by an organization that is requested by a user to analyze genetic information or by an organization authorized to manage genetic information. The information provision server 30 may be managed by an organization that provides a service to users that provides information about prescribed medications. The information provision server 30 comprises a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33.

[0038] The communication unit 31 is a communication device. The communication unit 31 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 31 communicates data with other devices via the network 90 in accordance with the control of the control unit 33. The communication unit 31 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0039] The storage unit 32 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 32 stores data used by the control unit 33. The storage unit 32 stores, for example, caution drug information provided by the user genetic information management device 20. The storage unit 32 may also store, for example, information about medications prescribed in the past for each user (medication prescription history information: for example, information recorded in a medication record book). Such information about medications includes, for example, the type of medication, product name, quantity, and method of use.

[0040] The control unit 33 is configured using a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 33 functions as a communication control unit 331, a database control unit 332, a drug information provision unit 333, and a feedback information provision unit 334 when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 33 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may also be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0041] The communication control unit 331 controls communication with other devices via the communication unit 31. The database control unit 332 updates the caution drug information stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the database control unit 332 may query the user gene information management device 20 at a predetermined timing to see if there is any update information, and if there is, it may obtain the updated caution drug information and record it in the storage unit 32.

[0042] The drug information provision unit 333 manages information on the prescription history of medications recorded for each user. When the drug information provision unit 333 obtains information on newly prescribed medications from the user terminal 40, it registers the obtained information in the drug prescription history information of the storage unit 32. The drug information provision unit 333 determines whether any of the newly prescribed medications are included in the caution medication information for that user. If a medication included in the caution medication information is prescribed, the drug information provision unit 333 sends information indicating a warning (alert) about that medication to the user terminal 40 or the dispensing terminal 50. When the drug information provision unit 333 receives a prescription history request including the user ID from the user terminal 40, it reads the prescription history information registered in the storage unit 32 in association with the received user ID and sends it to the user terminal 40.

[0043] When the feedback information provision unit 334 acquires feedback information, it provides the acquired feedback information to other devices. The feedback information provision unit 334 may, for example, provide feedback information to the user gene information management device 20. Feedback information is information provided by the user who has used the prescribed medication. Feedback information may be acquired to estimate the interaction of multiple medications used by the user. Feedback information is information about what the user felt after using the medication, changes in physical condition, etc. Feedback information may also be quantitative information (for example, information that can be acquired by sensors such as heart rate, ECG (electrocardiogram), pulse, or changes in specific components of the blood). Feedback information may be any information that indicates changes in the user's body as a result of using the medication. Feedback information may further include the following information: Information indicating the medication used and the timing of medication use (for example, date and time). Time taken from medication use to changes in the user's physical condition. Time during which changes in the user's physical condition occurred (duration of effect). Information indicating the presence or absence of side effects. Information indicating the presence or absence of symptom recovery trend. Information indicating food and beverages consumed by the user within a predetermined time before and after taking the medication. Information indicating the food and beverages consumed by the user, and information indicating the timing of consumption (e.g., date and time). For example, by acquiring information indicating the food and beverages consumed by the user, it becomes possible to estimate the interaction between the medication used by the user and the food and beverages consumed. Feedback information may be input by the user to the user terminal 40, for example, and transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the information provision server 30 via the network 90. ​​Each value of the feedback information may be directly input by the user at the user terminal 40, or it may be input by the user selecting from predefined options. The feedback information provision unit 334 may record the acquired feedback information in the storage unit 32.

[0044] Figure 8 shows a specific example of feedback information. Feedback information includes, for example, the user's relevant genetic polymorphisms, the medication used, the amount used, the date and time of use, and the user's impressions at the time of use (usage notes). Here, we will explain one of the purposes of acquiring feedback information. Information on the side effects, effects, and mechanisms of action of individual drugs is often accumulated through experiments conducted by pharmaceutical companies and as know-how from doctors and pharmacists. However, it is assumed that very little information has been accumulated regarding the side effects, effects, and mechanisms of action of multiple drugs administered simultaneously or within a time frame in which they can interact with each other, compared to information on individual drugs. This is especially true when the drugs are from different pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, by accumulating and managing this kind of feedback information, it is possible to accumulate drug interactions that occur for each genotype. Alternatively, the interactions may be accumulated without considering genotype.

[0045] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a user terminal 40. The user terminal 40 is configured using information processing equipment such as a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, portable game console, or wearable computer. The user terminal 40 includes a communication unit 41, an input unit 42, an output unit 43, a storage unit 44, and a control unit 45.

[0046] The communication unit 41 is a communication device. The communication unit 41 may be configured, for example, as a network interface. The communication unit 41 communicates data with other devices via the network 90 in accordance with the control of the control unit 45. The communication unit 41 may be a device that performs wireless communication or a device that performs wired communication.

[0047] The input unit 42 is configured using existing input devices such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or touch panel. The input unit 42 is operated by the user when inputting user instructions to the user terminal 40. The input unit 42 may also be an interface for connecting the input device to the user terminal 40. In this case, the input unit 42 inputs the input signal generated in the input device in response to the user's input to the user terminal 40. The input unit 42 may also be configured using a microphone and a speech recognition device. In this case, the input unit 42 recognizes the words spoken by the user and inputs the recognized string information to the user terminal 40. The input unit 42 may be configured in any way that allows user instructions to be input to the user terminal 40.

[0048] The output unit 43 is configured using an output device and outputs data to the user of the user terminal 40. The output device may be configured using, for example, a device that outputs images or characters to a screen. For example, the output device can be configured using a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescent) display. Alternatively, the output device may be configured using a device that converts characters into speech and outputs it. In this case, the output device can be configured using a speech synthesizer and a speech output device (speaker). The output unit 43 may also be an interface for connecting the output device to the user terminal 40.

[0049] The storage unit 44 is configured using a storage device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 44 stores data used by the control unit 45. The storage unit 44 may also store data for a predetermined application installed on the user terminal 40, for example.

[0050] The control unit 45 is composed of a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit 45 functions as a communication control unit 451, a prescription information control unit 452, a genetic information control unit 453, and a feedback information control unit 454 when the processor executes a program. Note that all or part of the functions of the control unit 45 may be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA. The above program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include, for example, portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor storage devices (e.g., SSDs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks and semiconductor storage devices built into computer systems. The above program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0051] The communication control unit 451 controls communication that takes place with other devices via the communication unit 41. The prescription information control unit 452 manages information about newly prescribed medications and information about medications previously prescribed to the user. The following describes the process for acquiring information about newly prescribed medications and the process for acquiring information about medications previously prescribed to the user.

[0052] The prescription information control unit 452 acquires information about newly prescribed medications to the user (type, product name, quantity, usage instructions, etc.) and transmits it to the information provision server 30 along with the user ID. Information about prescribed medications may be input by the user operating the input unit 42, or by acquiring encoded information such as a barcode printed on the prescription. In this case, the encoded information such as a barcode may be information that encodes the information about the prescribed medications themselves, or it may be information that encodes information (e.g., a URL) for accessing a server that stores information about prescribed medications to acquire the information. The encoded information such as a barcode may be acquired by a device such as a barcode reader or imaging device provided on the user terminal 40. Based on the encoded information such as a barcode, the prescription information control unit 452 acquires information about newly prescribed medications to the user.

[0053] The prescription information control unit 452 obtains information about medications previously prescribed to the user (medication prescription history information) by accessing the information provision server 30. For example, the prescription information control unit 452 sends a prescription history request including the user ID to the information provision server 30. Upon receiving the prescription history request, the information provision server 30 sends information indicating the prescription history for a predetermined period, which is registered in association with the user ID, to the user terminal 40. The prescription information control unit 452 outputs the obtained information from the output unit 43.

[0054] The gene-related information control unit 453 requests gene-related information from the user gene information management device 20 in response to user operations. When the gene-related information control unit 453 receives gene-related information from the user gene information management device 20, it outputs the received gene-related information from the output unit 43.

[0055] The feedback information control unit 454 requests the user to input feedback information. Such a request may be made, for example, by outputting predetermined information from the output unit 43. For example, a request for feedback information input may be made by displaying a screen on the image display device (output unit 43) that allows for feedback information input. For example, a request for feedback information input may be made by displaying a screen on the image display device (output unit 43) that allows for feedback information input, and simultaneously outputting a voice prompting the user to input feedback information from the speaker (output unit 43). The request may be made in any manner. When feedback information is input by the user, the feedback information control unit 454 transmits the input feedback information to another device.

[0056] If the feedback information does not include information about the user's genes, the feedback information may be sent to the information provision server 30. In this case, the feedback information may be sent along with a user ID that identifies the user. A device that has acquired the feedback information via the information provision server 30 (for example, a user gene information management device 20) may record the user's gene information and the feedback information in association based on the user ID. By performing this process, it is possible to keep the gene information, which is personal information, confidential from the information provision server 30, while the user gene information management device 20 can manage the gene information and feedback information in association.

[0057] If the feedback information includes information about the user's genes, the feedback information may not be sent to the information provision server 30, but rather to a specific device that manages genetic information, such as the user genetic information management device 20.

[0058] Figures 10 to 18 show examples of output from the output unit 43 of the user terminal 40. Figure 10 shows an example of how prescription information is output. As shown in Figure 10, the drug information provision unit 333 of the user terminal 40 may display on its display the name of each prescribed drug (drug name), information indicating whether or not there is an alert regarding that drug, and, if an alert is issued, an operation target for outputting information related to the gene that is the basis for the alert. Operation on the operation target indicates that secondary consent has been obtained by the user. In Figure 10, the operation target is the string "display". A hyperlink is attached to this string, and by operating it, a request for gene-related information may be sent to a predetermined hyperlink destination. In this case, it is desirable that the user gene information management device 20 is set as the hyperlink destination.

[0059] When a user clicks the string "Display," the user terminal 40 sends a request to the user gene information management device 20 that includes the user ID and the name or identifier of the drug for which an alert has been issued. Upon receiving the request, the user gene information management device 20 sends a response containing genetic information. This response may include information for displaying the user interface of the user gene information management device 20 on a browser. Figure 11 shows a specific example of the user interface displayed on the browser of the user terminal 40. As shown in Figure 11, the browser of the user terminal 40 functions as the user interface of the user gene information management device 20, allowing subsequent user operations to be processed on the user gene information management device 20. The user interface displayed on the browser of the user terminal 40 may, for example, display associated values ​​indicating related gene polymorphisms, drugs, and effects. Such a display may, for example, show a table of drug information as shown in Figure 3.

[0060] Figure 12 shows another example of the output configuration in which genetic information is displayed. Figure 12 shows another screen example after the string "display" has been manipulated in Figure 10. In the example in Figure 12, the genetic information is displayed where the string "display" (the target of the manipulation) was displayed.

[0061] Figure 13 shows an example of how prescription information is output. In Figure 13, in addition to the prescription information shown in Figure 10, a display frame for displaying genetic information is also shown.

[0062] Figure 14 shows an example of an output configuration in which genetic information is displayed. Figure 14 shows an example of the screen after the string "display" has been manipulated in Figure 13. The genetic information is displayed not in the location where the string "display" (the target of the manipulation) was displayed, but inside the pre-defined display frame for genetic information. Also, in Figure 14, the string "do not display" (the target of the manipulation) is displayed in the location where the string "display" (the target of the manipulation) was displayed in Figure 13. When this target of the manipulation is manipulated, the genetic information control unit 453 controls the display so that the genetic information displayed within the display frame for genetic information is not displayed. For example, control may be performed to transition back to a screen like that in Figure 13.

[0063] Figure 15 shows an example of how prescription information is output. As shown in Figure 15, the drug information provision unit 333 of the user terminal 40 may display the name of each prescribed drug (drug name) and information indicating whether or not there is an alert for that drug within the prescription information display frame, based on the information obtained from the prescription. In addition, if an alert is issued, the target for outputting information related to the gene that is the basis for the alert may be displayed within a pre-defined display frame for genetic information. In the example in Figure 15, the target for operation is a button containing the string "Display". When this button is operated by the user, the genetic information control unit 453 requests the user genetic information management device 20 to transmit genetic information.

[0064] Figure 16 shows an example of an output configuration in which genetic information is displayed. Figure 16 shows an example of the screen after the "Display" button in Figure 15 has been operated. In the location where the "Display" button (the target of the operation) was displayed, encoded information of genetic information is displayed as genetic information. In Figure 16, a two-dimensional code is displayed as a specific example of encoded information. For example, when the dispensing terminal 50 used in the dispensing facility 501 is operated and this two-dimensional code is decoded, the user's genetic information is output to the dispensing terminal 50. If the encoded information is information obtained by encoding the genetic information itself, the dispensing terminal 50 can immediately display the genetic information on the display by decoding the encoded information. The encoded information may also be information (e.g., a URL) encoded to access a server or the like (e.g., a user genetic information management device 20) that stores genetic information and obtain the information. In this case, the dispensing terminal 50 may obtain the user's genetic information and display it on the display by accessing other devices based on the information obtained by decoding.

[0065] Figure 17 shows an example of a usage reminder screen. The prescription information control unit 452 determines when the user should use the medication based on information about the currently prescribed medication (especially the method of use). For example, if the method of use is defined as after breakfast and dinner, the prescription information control unit 452 displays the usage reminder screen at a predetermined time after the breakfast and dinner times, which are set in advance by default or individually for the user. As shown in Figure 17, the usage reminder screen may display text or images (for example, the text "It's time to take your medicine") to indicate that it is time to take the medication. Furthermore, an action target may be displayed as a button to indicate to the user terminal 40 that the user is going to use the medication. In the example in Figure 17, a button containing the text "Use" is displayed as the action target. When the user operates the action target, the prescription information control unit 452 records that the user has used the medication at that time.

[0066] The feedback information control unit 454 may display a questionnaire screen (feedback information input screen) after the usage reminder screen is displayed. Figure 18 shows a specific example of the questionnaire screen. The questionnaire screen includes at least text or images prompting the user to input predetermined feedback information. In the example in Figure 18, three options for the user's condition after use are displayed as feedback information. Each option may be associated with an image for input, such as a checkbox. The user inputs the feedback information on the questionnaire screen. The feedback information control unit 454 acquires the feedback information entered by the user via the questionnaire screen. In Figure 18, information indicating the drug used by the user (drug name) and information indicating the amount of drug used (amount used) are displayed on the screen beforehand. However, this information may also be entered in response to user operations. In addition, in Figure 18, the date and time the drug was used by the user is recorded as a usage memo. Such a date and time may be entered directly by the user, or it may be acquired by the feedback information provision unit 454 as the date and time the screen in Figure 18 was displayed by the user, or it may be acquired as the date and time the "Use" button in Figure 17 was operated.

[0067] Figure 19 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information provision system 100. When the user gene information management device 20 acquires new gene information of a user (step S101), it determines whether or not primary consent has been given for the user whose gene information has been acquired. If primary consent has not been given (step S102-NO), the processing of the user gene information management device 20 ends, and the information provision server 30 and the user terminal 40 then perform the processing from step S105 onwards.

[0068] On the other hand, if primary consent has been given (step S102-YES), the user gene information management device 20 generates caution drug information for the user in question (step S103). The user gene information management device 20 then transmits the caution drug information for the user in question to the information provision server 30 (step S104).

[0069] When the information provision server 30 receives caution drug information, it records the caution drug information in the storage unit 32. Subsequently, when prescription information is acquired (step S105), the information provision server 30 determines whether or not any drugs defined in the caution drug information are included in the drugs included in the prescription information (step S106). If any drugs defined in the caution drug information are included in the drugs included in the prescription information (step S106-YES), the information provision server 30 generates prescription information with alert information added for those drugs (steps S107 and S108). On the other hand, if no drugs defined in the caution drug information are included in the drugs included in the prescription information (step S106-NO), the information provision server 30 generates prescription information without alert information (step S108). Subsequently, the information provision server 30 transmits the generated prescription information to the user terminal 40 (step S109).

[0070] When the user terminal 40 receives prescription information from the information provision server 30, it outputs the received prescription information. For example, the user terminal 40 displays the prescription information on a display, which is one form of the output unit 43 (step S110).

[0071] Figure 20 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information provision system 100. Figure 20 particularly shows the processing flow after step S110 in Figure 19. Prescription information is displayed on the user terminal 40 until an operation indicating secondary consent is performed (step S201-NO). Although not shown in the figure, the display of prescription information may be terminated if an operation indicating the end of displaying prescription information is performed. When an operation indicating secondary consent is performed on the user terminal 40 (step S201-YES), the user terminal 40 requests genetic information from the user genetic information management device 20.

[0072] When the user gene information management device 20 receives a request for genetic information from the user terminal 40 indicating that secondary consent has been given, it generates genetic information for that user. The user gene information management device 20 then transmits the generated genetic information to the user terminal 40 (step S203). When the user terminal 40 receives the genetic information, it outputs the received genetic information. For example, the user terminal 40 displays the genetic information on a display, which is one aspect of the output unit 43 (step S204).

[0073] Figure 21 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of the information provision system 100. Figure 21 particularly shows the processing flow related to feedback information. When an operation indicating the input of feedback information is performed on the user terminal 40 (step S301), the feedback information provision unit 454 displays a feedback information input screen on the user terminal 40 (step 302). When values ​​are entered into each input field provided on the feedback information input screen, the feedback information control unit 454 accepts the entered values. Values ​​may be entered directly, selected from pre-provided options, or entered in other ways. Subsequently, when the user issues a command to send feedback information (step S304-YES), the feedback information control unit 454 generates feedback information including the information entered by the user up to that point and transmits it to a predetermined other device (step S305). In the example of Figure 21, the feedback information control unit 454 transmits feedback information to the user gene information management device 20.

[0074] The information provision system 100, configured in this way, makes it possible to dispense medications more appropriately according to individual differences in medications. Specifically, it works as follows: The information provision system 100 determines which medications require special attention for each individual based on their genetic information and provides this information to the information provision server 30 as cautionary medication information. The information provision server 30 checks whether any medications included in a newly issued prescription to the user require special attention for that individual. If such medications are included, the user is alerted about those medications. As a result, even for medications that do not require special attention for the average person, users can pay attention to medications that require special attention due to individual differences based on their genes and consult with pharmacists or doctors about how to use them.

[0075] Furthermore, the information provision system 100 does not include information about an individual's genes in the drug information provided to the information provision server 30. Therefore, while achieving the effects described above, genetic information as personal information can be kept confidential.

[0076] Furthermore, if a user wishes for dispensing to be based on more detailed genetic information, the information provision system 100 can obtain genetic information (genetic-related information) as personal information by performing an operation related to secondary consent. In this case, the user can consult with a pharmacist or doctor about prescriptions and usage methods with more detailed consideration based on their own genes. Moreover, the above process allows for the acquisition of genetic information from the user genetic information management device 20 without going through the information provision server 30. Therefore, the above effects can be achieved while keeping genetic information as personal information confidential.

[0077] Furthermore, the information provision system 100 allows users who have used prescribed medications to input feedback information into the user terminal 40 regarding their feelings after using the medication and any changes in their physical condition. This feedback information is provided to other devices such as the user genetic information management device 20. This makes it possible to develop better medications based on the changes in the physical condition of users who have actually used each medication. Considering this application, it is preferable that the feedback information includes the user's genetic information. If a user is using multiple medications, it may be possible to provide feedback on the medication used, the amount used, and the date and time of use for each medication. It may also be possible to provide feedback on the user's subjective symptoms and the date and time when they appeared. When using multiple medications, it is difficult for the user to determine whether a side effect is due to one of the medications or a combination of medications, but by obtaining the date and time of use of each medication and the date and time when subjective symptoms appeared, it becomes possible for experts to analyze the information.

[0078] (modified version) The functions implemented in each device may be implemented across multiple devices. For example, a user gene information management device may be implemented using multiple information processing devices. For instance, the user gene information management device 20 may be implemented by dividing it into an information processing device that processes the database control unit 232 and an information processing device that processes the information provision unit 233.

[0079] Figure 22 is a schematic block diagram showing the system configuration of a modified version of the information provision system 100 of the present invention. In this modified version of the information provision system 100, a physician terminal 60 is provided with the information provision system 100. The physician terminal 60 is installed in a medical facility 601. The physician terminal 60 is an information processing device used by a physician who prescribes medication to a user. The physician inputs the user ID of the patient user to the physician terminal 60. The user ID may be, for example, a user ID used in the medical facility 601. In this case, it is preferable that information relating the user ID used in the medical facility 601 to the user ID used in the information provision server 30 is registered in one of the devices, such as the information provision server 30. The physician inputs information about medications to be prescribed to the patient user (hereinafter referred to as "prescription candidate information") to the physician terminal 60. If the input prescription candidate information includes medications included in the user's caution medication information indicated by the input user ID, the physician terminal 60 outputs information about those medications. Note that only the name of the medication itself may be used as information about the medication.

[0080] Figure 23 is a sequence chart showing a specific example of the operation flow of a modified version of the information provision system 100. The doctor inputs the user ID of the patient user and prescription candidate information into the doctor terminal 60 (step S301). The doctor terminal 60 transmits the entered prescription candidate information to the information provision server 30 (step S302).

[0081] The information server 30 determines whether or not any of the drugs included in the prescription candidate information are drugs defined in the caution drug information (step S303). If any of the drugs included in the prescription candidate information are drugs defined in the caution drug information, the information server 30 generates information (alert information) indicating that caution is required for that drug as a result of the determination. On the other hand, if any of the drugs included in the prescription candidate information are not drugs defined in the caution drug information, the information server 30 generates information indicating that as a result of the determination. Subsequently, the information server 30 transmits the generated determination result to the physician terminal 60 (step S304).

[0082] When the physician terminal 60 receives the judgment result from the information provision server 30, it outputs the received judgment result. For example, the physician terminal 60 displays the judgment result on its display (step S305).

[0083] As another variation, the information server 30 may store a list for each drug showing other drugs with similar therapeutic effects. For example, it may store a list for each drug showing other drugs that can be used as substitutes for that drug. If a newly prescribed drug or a drug in the prescription candidate information includes a drug from the user's caution drug information, the drug information provision unit 333 of the information server 30 searches for other drugs that are not included in the user's caution drug information and that can be used as substitutes for that drug. The drug information provision unit 333 of the information server 30 may then transmit information indicating the search results (information indicating the other drugs that were found) to another device (user terminal 40, dispensing terminal 50, or physician terminal 60).

[0084] While embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0085] This invention is applicable to the technology of compounding pharmaceuticals. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 100…Information provision system, 10…Drug information database, 20…User gene information management device, 30…Information provision server, 40…User terminal, 50…Dispensing terminal, 90…Network, 11…Communication unit, 12…Storage unit, 13…Control unit, 131…Communication control unit, 132…Database control unit, 21…Communication unit, 22…Storage unit, 23…Control unit, 231…Communication control unit, 232…Database control unit, 233…Information provision unit, 31…Communication unit, 32…Storage unit, 33…Control unit, 331…Communication control unit, 332…Database control unit, 333…Drug information provision unit, 334…Feedback information provision unit, 41…Communication unit, 42…Input unit, 43…Output unit, 44…Storage unit, 45…Control unit, 451…Communication control unit, 452…Prescription information control unit, 453…Genetic Information Control Unit, 454…Feedback Information Control Unit

Claims

1. A computer obtains the drug used by the user, the effect on the user's body after using the drug, and the time elapsed. The computer performs a process of transmitting feedback information, including the acquired drug, the effect, and the time, to another device. It has, The aforementioned time represents at least one of the following: the time elapsed from the use of the drug until the user's physical condition changed, or the time during which the user's physical condition changed. An acquisition method comprising: providing the feedback information to a first information processing device if the feedback information does not contain information about the user's genes in the transmission process described above; and providing the feedback information to a second information processing device different from the first information processing device if the feedback information does contain information about the user's genes.

2. The effects on the user's body include at least one of the following: the presence or absence of side effects and a tendency toward symptom recovery. The method of obtaining according to claim 1.

3. Further information indicating the food consumed by the user is obtained. The acquisition method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network, An input unit that accepts input of the drug used by the user, the effect on the user's body after using the drug, and the time elapsed. A control unit that transmits feedback information including the input drug, the effect, and the time to another device via the communication unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned time represents at least one of the following: the time elapsed from the use of the drug until the user's physical condition changed, or the time during which the user's physical condition changed. A user terminal wherein the control unit provides the feedback information to a first information processing device if the feedback information does not include information about the user's genes, and provides the feedback information to a second information processing device different from the first information processing device if the feedback information includes information about the user's genes.

5. A communication unit that communicates with other devices via a network, An input unit that accepts input of the drug used by the user, the effect on the user's body after using the drug, and the time elapsed. A control unit that transmits feedback information including the input drug, the effect, and the time to another device via the communication unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned time represents at least one of the following: the time elapsed from the use of the drug until the user's physical condition changed, or the time during which the user's physical condition changed. A computer program for causing a computer to function as a user terminal, the control unit providing the feedback information to a first information processing device if the feedback information does not include information about the user's genes, and providing the feedback information to a second information processing device different from the first information processing device if the feedback information does include information about the user's genes.

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