Dispensing support system, dispensing support method, and dispensing support program

Abstract

To provide dispensing support system, a dispensing support method and a dispensing support program capable of efficiently performing work after inspecting prescription data in a dispensing facility.SOLUTION: A registration processing part 525 executes registration processing for associating work information showing a work step after inspection to drugs of prescription of the dispensed prescription data with a tray identification code of a conveyance tray for storing the drugs of the dispensed prescription data to distribute the drugs to work areas of the work step for registration in the case that inspection of the dispensed prescription data of the drugs is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program.

Background Art

[0002] A system for supporting dispensing operations and inspection operations performed at dispensing facilities such as pharmacies is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, a system is known that checks for prescription data corrections and prevents unnecessary inspections of pharmaceuticals corresponding to the prescription data before correction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, conventionally, when a pharmacy receives one prescription data, the pharmacy is responsible for all dispensing and inspection of the prescription data. Therefore, for example, when the number of prescription data received by the pharmacy increases, there arises a problem that the burden of work at the pharmacy increases. Thus, it is conceivable to request (entrust) part or all of the dispensing operations at the pharmacy to a dispensing facility different from the pharmacy. However, when performing dispensing and inspection operations for a large number of prescription data requested from multiple pharmacies at a dispensing facility, operations such as dispensing and delivery according to the requests of the requesters occur for the pharmaceuticals of the prescription data for which the inspection has been completed. Since these operations are different from the normal operations at the pharmacy, there is a risk that the efficiency of operations at the dispensing facility will decrease.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program that enable efficient post-inspection operations of prescription data at a dispensing facility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A dispensing support system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a registration processing unit that, upon completion of the review of prescription data of dispensed drugs, registers in association work information indicating the post-review work process for the drugs in the reviewed prescription data and storage unit identification information for a storage unit that stores the drugs in the reviewed prescription data and distributes them to the work area of ​​the work process.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a dispensing support method in which, when the review of prescription data of a dispensed drug is completed, one or more processors register, in association with work information indicating the post-review work process for the drug in the reviewed prescription data and storage unit identification information for a storage unit that stores the drug in the reviewed prescription data and distributes it to the work area of ​​the work process.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a dispensing support program that causes one or more processors to register, in association with work information indicating the post-inspection work process for the prescription data of a dispensed drug when the inspection of prescription data of the dispensed drug is completed, and storage unit identification information for a storage unit that stores the inspected prescription data of the drug and distributes it to the work area of ​​the work process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dispensing support system, a dispensing support method, and a dispensing support program that enable efficient post-review work of prescription data in dispensing facilities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a flowchart showing another example of the steps of a dispensing support process performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the dispensing support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of the dispensing support process executed in the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the overall layout of the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of the equipment arranged in the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the prescription data registered in the dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27]Figure 27 shows the sorting process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows the sorting process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows the sorting and inspection work in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows an example of a method for outputting dispensing instructions in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows an example of the timing of dispensing instructions output in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows another example of a method for outputting dispensing instructions in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows another example of the timing of dispensing instructions output in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a diagram showing the progress of the dispensing process in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows the distribution status (distribution information) of the drug collection shelves arranged in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing instruction processing performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for drug sorting processing performed in a dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows an example of a work status screen displayed on an operating terminal during a chemical dispensing operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows an example of an error screen displayed on the operating terminal during a chemical dispensing operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40]Figure 40 shows an example of a distribution destination screen displayed on an operating terminal during a drug distribution operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] Figure 42 shows an example of a prescription details screen displayed on an operating terminal during an inspection operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] Figure 43 shows an example of a prescription details screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] Figure 44 shows an example of an inspection screen displayed on an operating terminal during an inspection operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows an example of a next task confirmation screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] Figure 46 shows an example of a next task confirmation screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] Figure 47 shows an example of a next task confirmation screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48A] Figure 48A shows an example of a transport tray registration screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48B] Figure 48B shows an example of a transport tray registration screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows an example of transport tray information registered in an inspection operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows an example of a form selection screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows an example of a medicine bag input screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] Figure 52 shows an example of a medicine bag reading screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows an example of a recovery confirmation screen displayed on an operating terminal during inspection work according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a flowchart detailing the steps of the dispensing support process performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a flowchart detailing the steps of the dispensing support process performed by the dispensing support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56] Figure 56 shows an example of an inspection certificate issued in an inspection process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 57] Figure 57 shows the receiving and storage area in a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is an external view showing an example of a chemical storage unit implemented in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is an external view showing an example of a chemical storage unit implemented in a chemical dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 60] Figure 60 shows an example of sorting shelves arranged in the delivery area of ​​a dispensing center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 61] Figure 61 shows an example of a reading screen displayed on an operating terminal in a delivery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 62] Figure 62 shows an example of a shelf identification code reading screen displayed on an operating terminal in a delivery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] Figure 63 shows an example of a shelf identification code reading screen displayed on an operating terminal in a delivery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 64] Figure 64 shows an example of a packaging prescription reading screen displayed on an operating terminal in a delivery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 65] Figure 65 shows an example of a packing completion screen displayed on an operating terminal in a delivery process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention.

[0012] [Pharmacy support system 10] As shown in Figure 1, the dispensing support system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is composed of a plurality of pharmacies and a dispensing center capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests (commissions) from each pharmacy. Each pharmacy is a facility that dispenses medications based on patient prescription data. The dispensing center is a facility (corresponding to the dispensing facility of the present invention) that can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data and dispense medications based on those requests. In the dispensing support system 10 shown in Figure 1, a plurality of pharmacies and one dispensing center capable of receiving dispensing requests from each of the plurality of pharmacies are shown as examples, but the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of one pharmacy and one dispensing center. Alternatively, the dispensing support system 10 may be composed of a plurality of dispensing centers and a plurality of pharmacies associated with each dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing support system 10 includes a plurality of dispensing centers, each pharmacy is assigned a specific dispensing center. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality of pharmacies included in the dispensing support system 10 may function as the dispensing center. For example, a first pharmacy may receive a dispensing request from a second pharmacy and dispense the medication. In other words, the dispensing facility of the present invention includes a facility (pharmacy, hospital, etc.) that dispenses medication based on prescription data.

[0013] The dispensing support system 10 performs the dispensing process for medications at either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, or both. The general flow of the dispensing process will be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0014] When a patient visits any pharmacy A, they register at pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the patient's insurance card information (patient information), medical questionnaire, medication record book, etc., and then obtains the patient's prescription information (prescription data). For example, pharmacy A obtains the patient's prescription data from a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal. Alternatively, pharmacy A may obtain prescription data by having a pharmacy staff member input (register) the information into a terminal device after receiving a paper prescription from the patient.

[0015] The pharmacist at Pharmacy A decides whether to dispense the medication prescribed to the patient within Pharmacy A or at a dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist decides where to dispense the medication (Pharmacy A or dispensing center) based on factors such as whether the medication is needed immediately by the patient, the patient's request, and whether they want to receive the medication immediately.

[0016] When a pharmacist decides to have all medications included in a patient's prescription data dispensed at a dispensing center, Pharmacy A requests the dispensing center to dispense the prescription data. Based on the dispensing request from Pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses all medications included in the prescription data. Once the dispensing and inspection are complete, the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medications to Pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications, Pharmacy A inspects them and, if there are no problems, hands them over to the patient. Pharmacy A may hand over the medications to the patient when they return to the pharmacy, or it may deliver them to the patient's home or the patient's residence (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Alternatively, the dispensing center may deliver the dispensed medications directly to the patient's home or residence.

[0017] On the other hand, if a pharmacist decides to dispense all the medications included in the patient's prescription data at Pharmacy A, Pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense all the medications included in the prescription data. Once Pharmacy A has completed dispensing and verification, it will hand over the dispensed medications to the patient.

[0018] Furthermore, the dispensing support system 10 can also dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications at the pharmacy. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at the dispensing center and the other medications M2 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use its dispensing equipment to dispense medications M2 and request the dispensing center to dispense medications M1. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M2, it will hand over the dispensed medications M2 to the patient. The dispensing center will also dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once the dispensing center has completed dispensing and inspection of medications M1, it will deliver the dispensed medications M1 to pharmacy A. Upon receiving the dispensed medications M1, pharmacy A will perform inspections and, if there are no problems, will hand over the medications M1 to the patient. Furthermore, if videos of the dispensing, inspection, and packaging processes within the dispensing center related to drug M1 are stored in association with drug M1, a pharmacist or staff member at pharmacy A may perform the inspection (verification) by reviewing these videos. Patients may receive only drug M2 upon arrival at the pharmacy and receive drug M1 at a later date, or they may receive both drug M1 and M2 together after drug M1 has been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0019] In this way, pharmacies distribute some or all of the prescription data to either the pharmacy or the dispensing center, and the dispensing center dispenses the medications upon receiving a dispensing request from the pharmacy.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment includes a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 that supports the dispensing sorting operations at a pharmacy, and a center-side dispensing support device 5 that supports dispensing operations at a dispensing center.

[0021] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which is located in conjunction with each pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5, which is located in conjunction with the dispensing center, are connected to each other via a network N0. Network N0 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet. In this embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 is located within the dispensing center. In another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may be located outside the pharmacy, and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be located outside the dispensing center. In yet another embodiment, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be configured as a single device (server).

[0022] 1. Dispensing support processing on the pharmacy side. [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] Figure 2 illustrates a single pharmacy, A. Pharmacy A is equipped with a pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, an in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and multiple dispensing machines 1B. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, the in-pharmacy terminal 1A, and the dispensing machines 1B are connected via a network N1. Network N1 can be a LAN, WAN, the Internet, or an intranet.

[0023] Dispensing device 1B is a device that dispenses medicines based on prescription data (e.g., packaging data) input from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. Dispensing device 1B is, for example, a medicine packaging device that can package medicines in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data. The medicine packaging device is either a tablet packaging machine for packaging tablets or a powder packaging machine for packaging powders. Specifically, the tablet packaging machine has multiple drug cassettes containing multiple types of tablets and performs a packaging operation in which it dispenses tablets from the drug cassettes according to the prescription data and packages them in individual packets according to the timing of administration. The powder packaging machine also performs a packaging operation in which it packages the input powder in individual packets according to the timing of administration based on the prescription data.

[0024] Pharmacy terminal 1A is an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. Pharmacists in pharmacy A use pharmacy terminal 1A to check prescription data and allocate prescriptions for dispensing. If the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is located within pharmacy A, pharmacy terminal 1A may also have the functions of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and pharmacy terminal 1A are examples of operating terminals of the present invention.

[0025] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1] The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) equipped with a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication interface 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a drive device 16. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 alone may constitute the dispensing support system according to the present invention. Furthermore, a higher-level system (not shown), such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal for inputting prescription data to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, may be connected to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 via a network N1. The pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may also be configured to allow prescription data to be input using the operation unit 15 or a pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0026] The communication interface 13 is a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N1, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 1B, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc., connected via network N1. The communication interface 13 is also a communication interface for connecting the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with center-side dispensing support device 5, etc., connected via network N0.

[0027] The control unit 11 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0028] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a dispensing support program that causes the control unit 11 to execute the dispensing support processing described later (see Figures 5 and 6, etc.).

[0029] The drive device 16 is capable of reading the dispensing support program from a computer-readable recording medium 17 on which the dispensing support program is recorded. The recording medium 17 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. Then, in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, the control unit 11 installs the dispensing support program read from the recording medium 17 by the drive device 16 into the storage unit 12.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 11 includes various processing units such as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119. The control unit 11 functions as the acquisition processing unit 111, the reception processing unit 112, the distribution processing unit 113, the proposal processing unit 114, the dispensing display processing unit 115, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, the correction processing unit 118, and the judgment processing unit 119 by executing various processes in accordance with the dispensing support program.

[0031] The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient. When the pharmacy staff inputs the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the acquisition processing unit 111 may acquire the prescription data from the higher-level system based on the patient information.

[0032] In another embodiment, when a pharmacy staff member receives a paper prescription from a patient, the pharmacy staff member operates the in-pharmacy terminal 1A to input (register) the contents of the prescription (prescription information). In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Alternatively, the pharmacy staff member may input the contents of the prescription into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 by operating the operation unit 15.

[0033] In another embodiment, if a patient takes a picture of a paper prescription with a camera on their own operating terminal and sends the captured prescription image to pharmacy A (pharmacy terminal 1A), the pharmacy staff inputs the contents of the prescription based on the prescription image obtained from the operating terminal. In this case, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires prescription data corresponding to the prescription information from pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0034] When the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the prescription data, it displays the prescription details on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Figure 3 shows an example of a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including the prescription details. When the pharmacist presses the "View Details" button on the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen (prescription details screen) including detailed information about the prescription, as shown in Figure 4.

[0035] The pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the patient's medication record book, patient information (allergies, drug side effects, etc.), medical questionnaire, etc., and interviews the patient about their symptoms, etc., and registers the confirmed information. The registered information is stored as the patient's medication history information. The pharmacist also checks the contents of the prescription data (prescription details) acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111. The pharmacist can also check the prescription data on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medication to be prescribed this time is safe for the patient to take. Specifically, the pharmacist performs a prescription check of past prescription history, allergy history, side effect history, drug interactions, and medication dosage. The above prescription check may be performed automatically on the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Once the above prescription check is completed, the prescription details are provisionally finalized.

[0036] The reception processing unit 112 receives requests from pharmacists to allocate prescription data for dispensing. For example, the pharmacist checks the prescription details and determines whether it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, if the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if the patient has a chronic disease, and the prescribed medication is a medication for chronic diseases, and it is the same medication as one prescribed in the past, and there is still some of the previous prescription left, the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center for the current prescription.

[0037] The pharmacist, based on their own judgment, enters into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not they can request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0038] Furthermore, the pharmacist may confirm the patient's request and determine whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. For example, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A wishes to receive their prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist will determine that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. On the other hand, if a patient who comes to pharmacy A agrees that it is acceptable to receive their prescribed medication at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist will determine that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0039] The pharmacist, based on the patient's request, inputs into the pharmacy terminal 1A whether or not it is possible to request the dispensing of prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0040] The reception processing unit 112 receives the input operation performed by the pharmacist. For example, on the display screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" or "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" button, the reception processing unit 112 receives the operation. The pharmacist presses "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center Outsourcing" if they determine that it is possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, and presses "Perform Dispensing in Pharmacy" if they determine that it is not possible to request dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center.

[0041] Here, if the prescription data includes multiple medications, the pharmacist can also determine and input whether or not it is possible to request dispensing of each medication from the dispensing center. For example, if of the four medications M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, medications M2 and M4 are immediately needed by the patient, but medications M1 and M3 are not, the pharmacist can determine that it is possible to request dispensing of medications M1 and M3 from the dispensing center, but not M2 and M4.

[0042] The distribution processing unit 113 performs a distribution process to allocate some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 performs the distribution process based on the input operation (user operation) by the pharmacist. For example, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to the dispensing center. If the pharmacist determines that it is not possible to request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 allocates the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0043] Furthermore, if the pharmacist determines that it is possible to request the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, but that it is not possible to request the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 from the prescription data from the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M1 and M3) to the dispensing center and the dispensing of a portion of the prescription data (drugs M2 and M4) to pharmacy A.

[0044] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 refers to the current inventory status of the dispensing center and distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the inventory amount of drugs included in the prescription data is equal to or greater than the total prescription amount. Here, the inventory number in the inventory status is not limited to the actual number of drugs currently stored at the dispensing center, but may also include the planned number of drugs that are scheduled to arrive at the dispensing center. In other words, based on the inventory status of drugs stored at the dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center if the drugs included in the prescription data can be secured at the dispensing center.

[0045] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the scheduled delivery date (scheduled delivery date to the pharmacy or patient's home) (delivery date) of the dispensed medication when a request for dispensing is made to the dispensing center. For example, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is before the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to the dispensing center. Conversely, if the scheduled delivery date of the medication for which dispensing has been requested from the prescription data is after the patient's start date of taking the medication, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A.

[0046] Thus, the distribution processing unit 113 may perform the distribution process based on the pharmacist's judgment (the input operation) and information related to dispensing operations at the dispensing center (inventory status, delivery information, etc.). The control unit 11 outputs the distribution result from the distribution processing unit 113.

[0047] If the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the prescription data to pharmacy A, dispensing takes place within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 1B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 1B. This results in drug packages containing the medications to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing process by the dispensing device 1B is complete, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medications dispensed by the dispensing device 1B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured images. Once the inspection of the medications is complete, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medications to the patient.

[0048] The suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center. Specifically, the suggestion processing unit 114 proposes distributing prescription data to the dispensing center based on the drug inventory status at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 also displays the suggestion information to the pharmacist on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0049] For example, if a drug that the user is requesting to be dispensed at the dispensing center is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of that drug is available at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest substituting the drug with the generic version and allocating the prescription to the dispensing center. For example, if the drug in the prescription data is a drug available at pharmacy A but not at the dispensing center, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center. The suggestion processing unit 114 may also suggest a generic version that is available at the dispensing center if pharmacy A does not have the drug in stock, or it may suggest the generic version regardless of whether pharmacy A has the drug in stock or not.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the suggestion processing unit 114 may suggest distributing the medication to the dispensing center if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet). For example, if, for the medication in the prescription data, pharmacy A needs to perform splitting work such as cutting in half, but the dispensing center can secure whole tablets that do not require splitting work, the suggestion processing unit 114 will suggest whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0051] In this way, the suggestion processing unit 114 suggests alternative medications that can be dispensed at the dispensing center for the medications in the prescription data.

[0052] If the pharmacist accepts the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the medication to the dispensing center.

[0053] Furthermore, if the dispensing center cannot secure the aforementioned substitute medication, or if the pharmacist does not accept the proposal made by the proposal processing unit 114, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the dispensing of the aforementioned medication to pharmacy A.

[0054] The dispensing display processing unit 115 outputs dispensing information for one or more drugs included in the prescription data to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays a screen containing information related to dispensing. For example, the dispensing display processing unit 115 displays on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A a screen for confirming the prescription data and drugs to be requested to the dispensing center, a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output), a screen for confirming various forms, a screen showing an image of the packaged products, a screen showing an image of the medication calendar and medication tray, etc. The pharmacist, for example, confirms the contents to be requested to the dispensing center and executes the dispensing request. The information displayed by the dispensing display processing unit 115 is an example of the distribution result.

[0055] The request processing unit 116 requests dispensing from the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist performs an operation to make a dispensing request, the request processing unit 116 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). The dispensing request includes patient information, prescription data and information about the medication to be dispensed, and information about the scheduled delivery date (desired delivery date). The request processing unit 116 may output the dispensing request to the dispensing center individually for each patient, or it may output the dispensing requests of multiple patients aggregated at a predetermined time to the dispensing center all at once. The dispensing request is an example of the distribution result. When the dispensing center receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it performs the dispensing.

[0056] When the request processing unit 116 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, the progress display processing unit 117 outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Specifically, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of at least one of the following on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A: dispensing of the medication corresponding to the dispensing request, and delivery of the dispensed medication dispensed at the dispensing center. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can check the progress of dispensing as needed to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled. The pharmacist or staff of pharmacy A can also check the delivery status of the dispensed medication as needed to confirm whether it is being delivered as scheduled.

[0057] Here, for example, if, after the dispensing request has been output to the dispensing center, there is an error in the request details, a change (prescription modification), or the dispensing request is no longer needed, the pharmacist can modify or cancel the dispensing request. In this case, the modification processing unit 118 outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request or a cancellation instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center (center-side dispensing support device 5). For example, if the modification processing unit 118 receives a modification operation for the request details included in the dispensing request, it outputs a modification instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the modification instruction from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it executes processing according to the modification instruction.

[0058] The aforementioned modification operations include at least one of the following: modifying the prescription details in the prescription data; modifying the delivery destination of the dispensed medication dispensed at the dispensing center; and modifying the scheduled delivery date of the dispensed medication. Furthermore, the operations to modify the prescription details include changing the dosage form, changing the content specifications, changing to unit-dose packaging, changing to generic drugs, etc.

[0059] The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether there is an abnormality (problem) in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. For example, when dispensing is performed at the dispensing center in response to the dispensing request and the dispensed medicine is delivered to pharmacy A, the staff or pharmacist at pharmacy A perform receiving and inspection work, and check the medicine. For example, the pharmacist checks whether the medicine has been dispensed according to the request to the dispensing center. Specifically, the pharmacist checks the medicine (checks the quantity, type, etc.) and checks the dispensing results and evidence information at the dispensing center. In addition, pharmacy A can refer to the final inspection certificate issued by the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 can obtain the final inspection certificate from the center-side dispensing support device 5 based on the prescription data and display it on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. The pharmacist inputs whether there is a problem with the dispensed medicine at the center terminal 5A. The judgment processing unit 119 determines whether there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center based on the input operations of the inspection results by the staff and pharmacists. Since the medicines delivered to pharmacy A are medicines that have undergone final inspection at the dispensing center, non-pharmacists (staff) may perform the confirmation (inspection) of the medicines at pharmacy A. In addition, pharmacy A may omit the confirmation (approval) of evidence information and dispensing information for all medicines. For example, the staff or pharmacists at pharmacy A may perform confirmation of receipt and inspection of dispensed medicines, and may omit the confirmation of evidence information and dispensing information for the medicines.

[0060] If there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center, the request processing unit 116 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center, instructing them to perform dispensing again based on the prescription data. Specifically, the request processing unit 116 makes a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's instructions. The request processing unit 116 may also output a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. The predetermined deadline is, for example, the date the patient starts taking the medication or the date the patient requests to receive the medication. Furthermore, if there is an abnormality in dispensing at the dispensing center and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline, the control unit 11 will instruct the dispensing center to perform the dispensing of the requested medication at pharmacy A.

[0061] If there are no abnormalities in the dispensing at the dispensing center, the pharmacist hands over the medication to the patient. The pharmacist also provides medication guidance when handing over the medication. The pharmacist may also provide medication guidance on the day the patient submits the prescription. Furthermore, the medication guidance may be conducted online. For example, the patient may connect their own device to the pharmacy terminal 1A via the network and receive medication guidance from a pharmacist operating the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0062] In the above configuration, the request processing unit 116, the dispensing display processing unit 115, and the progress display processing unit 117 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A). Furthermore, the request processing unit 116, the progress display processing unit 117, and the correction processing unit 118 included in the control unit 11 may be configured as a single output processing unit, or they may be distributed and located in different devices (such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 and the in-pharmacy terminal 1A).

[0063] [Pharmacy support device 5 on the center side] The center-side dispensing support device 5 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) that includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a drive device 56.

[0064] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N5, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with dispensing equipment 5B, in-center terminals 5A, etc., connected via the network N5. The communication interface 53 is also a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N0, for example, by wire or wireless, and performs data communication with pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, etc., connected via the network N0.

[0065] The control unit 51 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that controls the center-side dispensing support device 5 by executing processing according to various control programs. The ROM is a non-volatile memory in which programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU are pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile memory used for deploying various control programs by the CPU and for temporary storage of data.

[0066] The storage unit 52 is a non-volatile storage means such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various application programs and various data executed by the control unit 51. Specifically, the storage unit 52 stores control programs that cause the control unit 51 to execute predetermined processes.

[0067] The drive device 56 is capable of reading the control program from a computer-readable recording medium 57 on which the control program is recorded. The recording medium 57 can be a CD, DVD, BD, or USB memory. Then, in the center-side dispensing support device 5, the control unit 51 installs the control program read from the recording medium 57 by the drive device 56 into the storage unit 52. The control unit 51 then executes various processes according to the control program.

[0068] For example, when the control unit 51 receives a dispensing request for prescription data from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it performs dispensing in accordance with the dispensing request.

[0069] For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on prescription data corresponding to a dispensing request obtained from pharmacy A, and inputs this packaging data into the dispensing device 5B (e.g., a drug packaging device), thereby starting automatic dispensing by the dispensing device 5B. This results in drug packages containing the medication to be taken by the patient. Once the dispensing work by the dispensing device 5B is completed, the pharmacist in charge of inspection then inspects the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B. For this inspection, an image inspection system may be used, which images the medication dispensed by the dispensing device 5B and automatically performs inspection based on the captured image. The pharmacist also registers evidence information related to dispensing and inspection. This evidence information is registered in association with the prescription data. When the final inspection is performed, the control unit 51 issues a certificate (final inspection certificate) to confirm that the final inspection has been performed, and stores the final inspection certificate in the storage unit 52 in association with the corresponding prescription data. Furthermore, once the drug inspection is complete, the delivery worker places the drug packets into drug bags corresponding to pharmacy A. The delivery worker then proceeds with the delivery of the drug bags to pharmacy A or the patient's home. The delivery worker ensures that the deliveries arrive on the scheduled delivery date included in the dispensing request.

[0070] Here, the dispensing center can receive dispensing requests from each of the multiple pharmacies, and each time a dispensing request is received, dispensing is carried out within the dispensing center. In this way, when the dispensing center handles a portion of the dispensing operations for multiple pharmacies, it is required to perform dispensing operations efficiently. For this reason, the dispensing center includes, for example, a space for receiving and registering dispensing requests, a space for receiving medicines, a storage space for storing received medicines, a dispensing space for dispensing using dispensing equipment 5B, a transport space for transporting dispensed medicines, an inspection space for inspecting dispensed medicines, and a delivery space for shipping inspected medicines, and the operations in each space are carried out in coordination.

[0071] The dispensing support device 5 on the center side supports a series of operations at the dispensing center by assisting with the dispensing process, as well as the receiving process of medicines, the receiving process of storing the received medicines in storage shelves, the transport process of transporting dispensed medicines within the dispensing center, and the delivery process of delivering dispensed medicines.

[0072] [Dispensing process in dispensing support system 10] Referring to Figure 5, an example of the dispensing process performed in the dispensing support system 10 will be explained. Here, an overview of the overall dispensing process at pharmacy A and the dispensing center will be described.

[0073] <Step S101> First, in step S101, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0074] <Step S102> In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to either a pharmacy or a dispensing center, or both. The control unit 11 determines the distribution destination of the prescription based on the pharmacist's judgment or the prescription data. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to the dispensing center, it moves the process to step S103. If the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the prescription to pharmacy A, it moves the process to step S121.

[0075] <Step S103> In step S103, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request to the dispensing center based on the prescription data. For example, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for the entire prescription data to the dispensing center. Alternatively, if the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of only some of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it outputs a dispensing request for those specific medications to the dispensing center.

[0076] <Step S104> In step S104, when the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the dispensing request from pharmacy A, it executes the dispensing process for the medication based on the dispensing request. For example, the control unit 51 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 5B. At the dispensing center, dispensing of medications and inspection of dispensed medications are carried out.

[0077] <Step S105> In step S105, the dispensing center carries out the procedure for delivering the dispensed medication. For example, once the dispensing center's delivery worker has completed the inspection of the dispensed medication, they carry out the procedure for delivering the medication (medication bag) to pharmacy A.

[0078] <Step S106> In step S106, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist receives the medication delivered from the dispensing center and performs inspections, etc.

[0079] <Step S107> In step S107, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and dispenses the medication.

[0080] In step S102, the control unit 11 distributes part or all of the medication to pharmacy A, and in step S121, it performs the dispensing process within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing device 1B. At pharmacy A, dispensing of medications and inspection of the dispensed medications are performed (S122). Then, at pharmacy A, the pharmacist provides medication guidance to the patient and hands over the medication (S107).

[0081] When the control unit 11 distributes a portion of the dispensed medication to the dispensing center and distributes the other portion to the dispensing center, it executes the processes in steps S103 to S107 and steps S121 to S122 in parallel. In this way, when a portion or all of the dispensed medication based on prescription data is distributed to the dispensing center at pharmacy A, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A and delivers it to the patient.

[0082] [Pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1: Dispensing support processing (dispensing allocation processing)] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to a pharmacy (here, pharmacy A). The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the dispensing support processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 to perform the dispensing support method.

[0083] <Step S1> First, in step S1, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data. For example, when a patient visits pharmacy A, and the pharmacy staff receive insurance card information (patient information), a medical questionnaire, a medication record book, etc. from the patient and input the patient information into the pharmacy terminal 1A, the pharmacy terminal 1A acquires the patient's prescription data from the higher-level system. As a result, the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data from the pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0084] <Step S2> In step S2, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A (see Figure 3). For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3, the pharmacist at pharmacy A checks the current prescription details and the previous prescription details for the patient. When the pharmacist presses the "Check Details" button to check the details of the prescription details, the control unit 11 displays a prescription screen including detailed information of the prescription details (see Figure 4). In another embodiment, if multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. An example of the integration process (see Figure 23) will be described later.

[0085] <Step S3> In step S3, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center based on the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 performs the determination process based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to request dispensing from the dispensing center on a prescription data basis.

[0086] For example, if a pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is one that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), they determine that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the pharmacist determines that they cannot request the dispensing of the prescription data from the dispensing center. In this case, the pharmacist performs an operation to register pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, the pharmacist presses the "Dispensing in Pharmacy" button. When the control unit 11 sees that the pharmacist has registered pharmacy A as the destination, it determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (it will be requested to pharmacy A) (S3: No). When the control unit 11 determines that it will not request the dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: No), it distributes the dispensing of the prescription data to pharmacy A and moves the process to step S31.

[0087] <Step S31> In step S31, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A. For example, the control unit 11 confirms that all the medications included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0088] In response to this, in step S3, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S3: Yes), it moves the process to step S4 and distributes the dispensing according to the drugs included in the prescription data. For example, in the prescription screen shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, when the pharmacist presses the "Register as a candidate for dispensing center outsourcing" button, it determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S4.

[0089] When a pharmacist presses the "Register as Candidate for Dispensing Center" button, the control unit 11 registers the prescription data as candidate data to be requested to the dispensing center. Figure 7 shows the candidate list screen (candidate data list screen) which displays a list of the candidate data. On the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, when a pharmacist selects a candidate for the dispensing request from the list of candidate data and presses the "Confirm Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the candidate details screen (candidate data details screen) which includes the details of the prescription content of the dispensing request to be requested to the dispensing center, as shown in Figure 8.

[0090] <Step S4> In step S4, the control unit 11 determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0091] For example, if a pharmacist determines that none of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. Also, for example, if a patient who has come to pharmacy A agrees that they can receive all medications at a later date (or a few hours later on the same day), the pharmacist can decide to request the dispensing of all medications from the dispensing center. When the pharmacist determines that they can request the dispensing of all medications included in the prescription data from the dispensing center, they perform an operation to register the dispensing center as the destination for the prescription data. For example, on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7, the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button. When the control unit 11 receives the pharmacist's operation to register the dispensing center as the destination, it distributes the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4) and moves the process to step S5.

[0092] For example, if a pharmacist determines that some of the medications included in the prescription data are immediately needed by the patient (for example, medications that should be taken immediately), they can decide to request pharmacy A to dispense those medications and the dispensing center to dispense the other medications. If the pharmacist determines that the dispensing center can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data, they perform an operation to register the dispensing destinations for the prescription data as the dispensing center and the pharmacy. For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the pharmacist performs an operation to select the medications to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0093] For example, if a pharmacist decides to have drugs M1 and M3 dispensed at the dispensing center and drugs M2 and M4 dispensed at pharmacy A from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data, they delete the information for drugs M2 and M4 to be dispensed at pharmacy A from the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8 and press the "Register" button. Figure 9 shows the candidate details screen (consignment candidate data details screen) with the information for drugs M2 and M4 deleted. As a result, the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M3 from the drugs M1 to M4 included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M4 to pharmacy A. The control unit 11 also updates the prescription data to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0094] The prescription data registered in the candidate data includes only information on medications dispensed at the dispensing center, and does not include information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A. By removing information on medications dispensed at pharmacy A from the prescription data (request data) sent to the dispensing center in this way, it is possible to prevent duplicate dispensing at both the dispensing center and pharmacy A. The control unit 11 may also compare the information on medications allocated to pharmacy A with the information on medications allocated to the dispensing center, and if the information matches, it may notify the pharmacist of a warning.

[0095] Furthermore, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, the control unit 11 may output in a way that allows identification of the drugs that have been allocated to the dispensing center from among the multiple drugs included in the prescription data. Specifically, the control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display fields, or it may display the drugs allocated to the dispensing center and the drugs allocated to pharmacy A in different display modes.

[0096] <Step S42> When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S4), in step S42 it confirms that the dispensing of those drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A. In the example above, the control unit 11 confirms that drugs M2 and M4 included in the prescription data will be dispensed within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S32.

[0097] <Step S5> When the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S4), in step S5, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for all medications M1 to M4 (see Figure 8) included in the prescription data. Alternatively, the control unit 11 provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center for medications M1 and M3 (see Figure 9) included in the prescription data. After that, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S6.

[0098] Furthermore, once the control unit 11 has tentatively confirmed the dispensing request to the dispensing center, it notifies the dispensing center of information regarding the medication to be dispensed and secures (tentatively reserves) the required quantity of the medication. When the dispensing center's center-side dispensing support device 5 receives the notification from the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, it allocates the required quantity (stock) of the medication.

[0099] <Step S6> In step S6, the control unit 11 determines whether the drug to be dispensed at the dispensing center is available at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the current inventory status of the drugs stored at the dispensing center and determines whether the inventory quantity of the drug to be dispensed is equal to or greater than the total prescription quantity. The control unit 11 also determines whether the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center.

[0100] The control unit 11 proceeds to step S7 if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center and the inventory of the drug is equal to or greater than the total prescribed quantity (S6:Yes). Conversely, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S61 if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or if the drug to be dispensed is available at the dispensing center but the inventory of the drug is less than the total prescribed quantity (S6:No).

[0101] <Step S61> In step S61, the control unit 11 determines whether a substitute drug for the drug to be dispensed has been approved. For example, if the drug to be dispensed is not available at the dispensing center, or is otherwise unavailable at the dispensing center, and a generic version of the drug is available at the dispensing center, the control unit 11 proposes substituting the generic drug for the drug and distributing the drug to the dispensing center.

[0102] For example, if pharmacy A uses drug M3 from company X, and the dispensing center uses drug Y as a generic version of drug M3, the control unit 11 will suggest a generic drug that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 will suggest an alternative drug (for example, drug M3 from company Y) on the suggestion screen (details of candidate drug data) which displays information on candidate drugs to be requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0103] Furthermore, regarding a drug to be dispensed, if pharmacy A can secure split tablets of less than one tablet (half a tablet, quarter tablet, etc.), while the dispensing center can secure whole tablets (one tablet), the control unit 11 proposes to allocate the dispensing of the drug to the dispensing center. For example, regarding drug M1, if pharmacy A requires splitting by cutting the tablet in half, and the dispensing center can secure whole tablets of drug M1 that do not require splitting, the control unit 11 proposes whole tablets that can be dispensed at the dispensing center. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 proposes an alternative drug (for example, drug M1 in 0.5 mg (1 tablet)) on a screen (proposal screen) that displays information on candidate drugs to be dispensed at the dispensing center.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 11 may display the proposed drug (alternative drug) in an identifiable manner on the proposal screen.

[0105] When a pharmacist receives a suggestion for an alternative medication, they confirm with the patient whether or not to accept the suggestion. If the pharmacist accepts the suggestion for an alternative medication, they press the "Register" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the requested medication has been accepted (S61: Yes) and proceeds to step S7.

[0106] On the other hand, if the pharmacist does not accept the suggestion of an alternative medication, they press the "Close" button on the suggestion screen shown in Figure 10. As a result, the control unit 11 determines that the alternative medication for the medication requested for dispensing was not accepted (S61: Yes), and distributes the dispensing of the medication to pharmacy A, after which the process moves to step S62.

[0107] <Step S62> In step S62, the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After that, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S32.

[0108] <Step S7> In step S7, the control unit 11 determines the prescription data or medications to be requested from the dispensing center. For example, if the dispensing center can secure all the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines all the medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications to be requested for dispensing. Alternatively, if the dispensing center can secure alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require dispensing) for some of the medications included in the prescription data, the control unit 11 determines those some medications (alternative medications) to be requested for dispensing.

[0109] <Step S8> In step S8, the control unit 11 edits the prescription data (request data) to be sent to the dispensing center for dispensing. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a screen showing the dispensing result (image of the dispensing output) (see Figure 11), a screen for checking various forms, a screen showing the image of the packaged products, and a screen showing the images of the medication calendar and medication tray. The pharmacist checks each of these screens and makes corrections if necessary.

[0110] Furthermore, when a pharmacist presses the "Edit Prescription" button on any of the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8-10, the control unit 11 can accept the editing operation for the prescription content on the editing screen (prescription editing screen) shown in Figure 12. When the pharmacist completes the editing operation and presses the "Issue Prescription" button, the control unit 11 updates the prescription data to be requested from the dispensing center and registers it in the candidate data (see Figure 7).

[0111] <Step S9> In step S9, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the request data for the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center, the contents of each screen, etc., and if there are no problems, registers the request data. As a result, the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request to be sent to the dispensing center and moves the process to step S10.

[0112] Here, the control unit 11 may be equipped with the following functions to ensure the reliability of the pharmacy's request for part or all of the dispensing to the dispensing center. For example, as a first function, the control unit 11 may be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy staff (pharmacist, etc.) have applied to the dispensing center in advance (notified, reported, etc.) that these tasks have been completed, and to perform prescription review and necessary inquiries at the pharmacy.

[0113] Furthermore, as a second function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check whether the pharmacy has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that face-to-face medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0114] Furthermore, as a third function, the control unit 11 may also have a function to check whether it has applied to (notified, reported, etc.) the dispensing center that online medication guidance has been completed for the patient.

[0115] Furthermore, as a fourth function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received a paper copy of the prescription from the patient.

[0116] Furthermore, as a fifth function, the control unit 11 may also include a function to check, either before or after, whether the pharmacy has received the electronic prescription data.

[0117] Furthermore, as a sixth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for any details (legal or contractual details) that would prevent the dispensing center from accepting a dispensing request from a pharmacy. In addition, the control unit 11 may include a function for mutual approval between the pharmacy and the dispensing center in the case of a post-check.

[0118] Furthermore, as a seventh function, the control unit 11 may also be equipped with a function to notify an alert if the deadline exceeds the predetermined number of days, even if the above-mentioned various applications are not made when the pharmacy sends request data to the dispensing center (when requesting dispensing), in order to allow applications to be made within a predetermined number of days after the dispensing request.

[0119] Furthermore, as an eighth function, the control unit 11 may include a function to check for consistency between the contents of the request data (contents of the dispensing request) and the contents of the dispensed product, and a function to notify the user of any discrepancies.

[0120] In step S9, the control unit 11 may execute processing (request check processing) corresponding to each of the functions. The control unit 11 may also be able to accept selection operations to enable or disable each of the functions. For example, if a pharmacy performs the above check processing before outputting a dispensing request to the dispensing center, the pharmacist or staff of the pharmacy performs setting operations to enable each of the functions. As a result, the control unit 11 executes the enabled functions for the confirmed dispensing request.

[0121] Figure 6B shows an example of the procedure for the request checking process. In step S91 of Figure 6B, the control unit 11 displays a list of confirmed dispensing requests (the candidate list screen in Figure 7). Next, in step S92, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are any changes to the content of the dispensing request. If there are changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: Yes), the control unit 11 modifies the dispensing request in step S921 in response to the modification operation by the pharmacist or other person. If there are no changes to the content of the dispensing request (S92: No), the control unit 11 confirms the dispensing request in step S93.

[0122] Next, in step S94, the control unit 11 checks the laws or contracts, and in step S95, it determines whether there are any changes. If the check has not been performed, the control unit 11 determines whether there are any changes in order to prompt the check.

[0123] Here, the item that confirms the dispensing request in step S93 is defined as "the ability to confirm that the dispensing can be accepted." It is desirable for the pharmacy to take precautions to ensure that the request is not overlooked by the dispensing center, such as whether prior consultation regarding potential issues or checks for drug interactions have been performed.

[0124] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether to check each of the following items as check items to prompt "approval that pharmaceutical analysis has been completed in advance": "analysis and evaluation of patient information, etc.", "pharmaceutical analysis based on prescription, prescribed drug, and patient information", and "inquiries (including inquiries and prescription changes as needed) and responses to prescription changes".

[0125] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether to check the following: "Rp.1 Glycoran Tablets 250mg, 3 tablets per day: OK for typical diabetic patients" and "Contraindicated for patients with renal impairment of 30 ml / min / 1.73 m2 or less". In this case, the control unit 11 inquires with the prescribing physician about the patient's renal function test values, and if the values ​​are 30 ml or less, it is necessary to discontinue the medication or to consult with the physician about alternative medications that can be administered and to suggest a prescription.

[0126] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the checkbox for "Rp.1 Febuxostat tablets: Often prescribed to patients with gout" is checked. For instance, suppose the patient was taking azathioprine 50mg tablets for a chronic illness at another pharmacy. In this case, there would be no problem if the dispensing center simply dispensed Febuxostat tablets, but if the patient was also taking azathioprine, then drug interaction contraindications, prescription inquiries, and prescription suggestions would be necessary.

[0127] If there are any changes (S95: Yes), the control unit 11 performs a check in step S951. Alternatively, after pointing out any missed checks in step S951 and requesting checks, the control unit 11 may output an image of the dispensed product ("virtual" screen) to the screen for confirmation and approval. For example, the control unit 11 may display a more realistic image on the screen, such as a virtual or 3D representation, of the package size, the color of the lines drawn on the package paper, or, in the case of a liquid medication bottle, its image. This prevents problems with the final packaging later on, whether the product is delivered directly to the patient's home or to a pharmacy. For example, if a check item is not checked, the control unit 11 determines that the check has not been performed; if a check is performed, it determines that the pharmacist has approved the inspection and pharmaceutical analysis results.

[0128] If there are no changes in step S95 (S95: No), the control unit 11 inputs "checked" in step S96. Then, in step S97, the control unit 11 creates prescription data to be output to the dispensing center. After step S97, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S10 in Figure 6A.

[0129] <Step S10> In step S10, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (prescription data) to the dispensing center. For example, when a pharmacist selects the prescription data to be dispensed on the candidate list screen shown in Figure 7 and presses the "Execute Dispensing" button, the control unit 11 displays the screen shown in Figure 13 (execution screen). On the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 displays information such as the scheduled dispatch date when the requested medication will be sent from the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date (scheduled arrival date) when it will be delivered to pharmacy A or the patient's home. When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Dispensing" button on the execution screen shown in Figure 13, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing request (request data) to the dispensing center. If the dispensing center sends the requested medication multiple times a day (multiple shipments), the control unit 11 may also display information such as the scheduled dispatch date and time, the scheduled delivery date and time, and the number of shipments (which shipment it is on that day).

[0130] <Step S32> If the control unit 11 determines that dispensing of some or all of the prescribed medications will be carried out within pharmacy A (S31, S42, S62), in step S32, it outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A for the medications to be dispensed. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescribed data and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing equipment 1B (e.g., a medication packaging device).

[0131] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including the process of distributing medications, each time it acquires patient prescription data. Once the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data for dispensing, one or both of the dispensing center and pharmacy A, which are responsible for dispensing, perform the dispensing work according to the dispensing instructions.

[0132] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: distributing part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to either the pharmacy or a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of dispensing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and outputting the distribution result. The distribution result includes information indicating the destination (pharmacy, dispensing center) for dispensing part or all of the prescription data, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the pharmacy, information indicating the prescription data or drugs to be distributed to the dispensing center, and so on.

[0133] According to the above configuration, some or all of the dispensing operations performed at pharmacies can be carried out at the dispensing center. This makes it possible to reduce the burden of dispensing operations at pharmacies. In addition, since the time pharmacists spend shifting from product-oriented tasks to patient-oriented tasks will increase, it can contribute to creating more time for them to interact with patients, such as at their primary care pharmacy.

[0134] [Other embodiments of the sorting process] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes some or all of the prescription data to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's operation. In other words, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the prescription data based on the pharmacist's judgment.

[0135] In contrast, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes part or all of the dispensing to either pharmacy A or the dispensing center based on the prescription data. That is, the distribution processing unit 113 automatically distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the prescription data. Specifically, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of the prescription data based on the type of drug included in the prescription data. For example, if the drug included in the prescription data is a poison, narcotic, or highly toxic drug, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of that drug to pharmacy A.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, if the medication included in the prescription data is the same medication prescribed previously, and the previous prescription was dispensed at a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the prescription to the dispensing center.

[0137] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Figure 14 shows an example of the dispensing support process procedure when dispensing prescriptions automatically based on the prescription data. Here, explanations of processes identical to those shown in Figure 6 are omitted as appropriate.

[0138] When the control unit 11 acquires patient prescription data (S21), in step S22 it performs a distribution process to distribute medications based on the acquired prescription data. For example, the control unit 11 distributes the medications included in the prescription data to either the dispensing center or pharmacy A, or both, based on the type of medication, past prescription history, etc.

[0139] When the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to the dispensing center, it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S23. Next, the control unit 11 checks the inventory of the dispensing center (S24), and if the dispensing center has the medications subject to the dispensing request in stock (S24: Yes), it confirms the dispensing request (S25).

[0140] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S24: No), the control unit 11 will propose an alternative medication and, if the patient agrees (S241: Yes), will confirm the requested medication (S25). The control unit 11 may also automatically determine whether the alternative medication is acceptable by referring to pre-registered patient information (for example, consent to use generic drugs).

[0141] Once the medications to be dispensed are determined (S25), the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center (S26), finalizes the dispensing request (S27), and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center (S28).

[0142] In step S22, if the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some or all of the medications included in the prescription data to pharmacy A, in step S221 it confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. Also, in step S241, if the patient's consent to the suggestion of an alternative medication is not obtained (S241: No), in step S242 the control unit 11 confirms that the dispensing of the medications will be carried out within pharmacy A. After steps S221 and S242, in step S222 the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction for the medications to be dispensed to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A.

[0143] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may automatically execute a process to distribute medications each time it acquires patient prescription data.

[0144] [Other dispensing support processes (dispensing allocation processes)] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 11 may, after acquiring patient prescription data, check the inventory status of the dispensing center and, if the dispensing center can dispense the medications from the prescription data, execute a distribution process to distribute the medications. That is, the control unit 11 may execute a process to check the inventory status before the distribution process. The dispensing support process corresponding to this configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 15. Processes identical to the dispensing support process shown in Figure 6 will be omitted from explanation as appropriate.

[0145] When the control unit 11 acquires the patient's prescription data (S51), in step S52, it checks the inventory status of the dispensing center and determines whether the dispensing center has the requested medication in stock. If the dispensing center has the requested medication in stock (S52: Yes), in step S53, the control unit 11 displays the prescription details corresponding to the acquired prescription data. Note that the inventory may include alternative medications (generic drugs, medications that do not require splitting, etc.).

[0146] If the dispensing center does not have the requested medication in stock (S52: No), the control unit 11 distributes the prescription data to pharmacy A in step S521.

[0147] After step S53, in step S54, the control unit 11 determines whether to request the dispensing of the entire prescription data from the dispensing center based on the pharmacist's actions. Here, if the pharmacist determines that the prescribed medication is a medication that the patient needs immediately (for example, a medication that should be taken immediately), or if the patient who has come to pharmacy A wishes to receive the prescribed medication on the spot, the control unit 11 registers pharmacy A as the destination for dispensing the prescription data. In this case, the control unit 11 determines not to request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (to request it from pharmacy A) (S54: No), and in step S521, confirms that the dispensing of the entire prescription data will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0148] In step S54, if the control unit 11 determines that it will request dispensing based on the prescription data from the dispensing center (S54:Yes), then in step S55, it determines whether to allocate each of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center or to pharmacy A.

[0149] When the control unit 11 allocates the dispensing of some of the drugs included in the prescription data to pharmacy A (S55), in step S551 it confirms that the dispensing of the drugs will be carried out within pharmacy A.

[0150] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 distributes the dispensing of some or all of the drugs included in the prescription data to the dispensing center (S55), in step S56 it provisionally confirms the dispensing request to the dispensing center, and in step S57 it confirms the prescription data or drugs to be requested to be dispensed to the dispensing center.

[0151] In the following step S58, the control unit 11 edits the request data to be sent to the dispensing center, confirms the dispensing request in step S59, and outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center in step S60.

[0152] After steps S521 and S551, in step S522, the control unit 11 outputs a dispensing instruction to the dispensing equipment 1B in pharmacy A for the drug to be dispensed.

[0153] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 may check the inventory status of the dispensing center and determine whether or not it is possible to request dispensing from the dispensing center before the pharmacist decides where to allocate the medication.

[0154] [Display progress] Here, when the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 outputs the dispensing request to the dispensing center, it outputs the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center to the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. For example, on the request screen (consignment data list screen) shown in Figure 16, a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A checks the list of request data (consignment data) that has been sent to the dispensing center. On the request screen shown in Figure 16, the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing at pharmacy A are displayed for each request data. In this way, when the dispensing center dispenses the first drug included in the prescription data and pharmacy A dispenses the second drug included in the prescription data, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A on the display unit 14 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, the progress display processing unit 117 displays the progress of dispensing the first drug at the dispensing center and the progress of dispensing the second drug at pharmacy A side by side on the same screen on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Also, when a pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A selects the request data to be searched on the request screen shown in Figure 16 and presses the "View Details" button, the control unit 11 displays the request details screen (contract data details screen) shown in Figure 17. The request details screen shown in Figure 17 displays detailed information on the dispensing progress at the dispensing center and the dispensing progress at pharmacy A corresponding to the selected request data. The pharmacist or staff member of pharmacy A can check the progress to confirm whether the dispensing process is proceeding as scheduled.

[0155] Furthermore, in the screen shown in Figure 16 or Figure 17, when a pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A presses the "Check Cargo Tracking" button, the control unit 11 accesses the cargo tracking service site and displays the delivery status. The delivery vehicles that transport medicines from the dispensing center to each pharmacy may be vehicles owned by a delivery company, or vehicles owned or managed by the dispensing center, pharmacy, or the business operator providing the dispensing support system 10 service. The dispensing support system 10 allows tracking of the delivery vehicles on the cargo tracking service site. The pharmacist or staff member of Pharmacy A can check the delivery status as needed to confirm whether the delivery is proceeding as scheduled.

[0156] [Dispensing support processing in pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 (displaying progress status)] Referring to Figure 18, an example of the procedure for dispensing support processing performed in the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 will be described. The dispensing support processing is performed by the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to the pharmacy (in this case, pharmacy A).

[0157] <Step S201> First, in step S201, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received an operation to check the progress status. For example, if the control unit 11 receives an operation from a pharmacist at pharmacy A to check the progress status of a prescription that has been requested to be dispensed at the dispensing center (S201: Yes), it proceeds to step S202.

[0158] <Step S202> In step S202, the control unit 11 displays a request screen (see Figure 16) including the progress of dispensing at the dispensing center on the display unit 14 or the pharmacy terminal 1A. Furthermore, when the "View Details" button is pressed on the request screen, the control unit 11 displays a request details screen (see Figure 17) containing detailed information about the dispensing request.

[0159] <Step S203> In step S203, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received a correction operation for the prescription data (prescription details) that was submitted to the dispensing center. For example, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A may perform a correction operation if they discover an error in the prescription details, delivery address, or scheduled delivery date after submitting the prescription request to the dispensing center. If the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: Yes), it proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 receives the correction operation (S203: No), it proceeds to step S205.

[0160] <Step S204> In step S204, the control unit 11 determines whether the dispensed medicine dispensed at the dispensing center has been shipped from the dispensing center. If the dispensed medicine has been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the dispensed medicine has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S241.

[0161] <Step S241> In step S241, the control unit 11 outputs a correction instruction for the dispensing request to the dispensing center. When the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the correction instruction from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes processing according to the correction instruction. For example, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side changes the prescribed medication or changes the scheduled delivery date based on the correction instruction. After processing in step S241, the control unit 11 moves the processing to step S201. In this way, if the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request (S203: Yes), it outputs a correction instruction to the dispensing center, provided that the dispensed medication has not yet been shipped from the dispensing center (S204: No). If the control unit 11 receives a correction operation for the dispensing request after the dispensed medication has been shipped from the dispensing center, it does not output a correction instruction to the dispensing center (S204: Yes).

[0162] <Step S205> In step S205, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it has received the dispensed medicine from the dispensing center. For example, when dispensed medicine shipped from the dispensing center is delivered to pharmacy A, and the staff of pharmacy A perform the receiving process (input operation), the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received. If the control unit 11 determines that the dispensed medicine has been received (S205: Yes), it moves the process to step S206. The control unit 11 repeats the processes in steps S201 to S204 until it has received the dispensed medicine.

[0163] <Step S206> In step S206, the control unit 11 performs an inspection process on the dispensed medications. For example, a staff member at pharmacy A checks the delivery slip and reads the prescription number, QR code, etc., assigned to the dispensed product (medication bag) to confirm the quantity, etc. After the staff member finishes the inspection, they input the inspection results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1.

[0164] Furthermore, the pharmacist at Pharmacy A checks whether there are any problems with the dispensing at the dispensing center. For example, the pharmacist checks the received dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information regarding dispensing and inspection registered at the dispensing center, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Similarly, when the dispensing center delivers the dispensed medication directly to the patient's home or residence, the pharmacist checks the dispensed medication (dispensing result), the evidence information, etc., to determine whether the medication has been dispensed correctly. Figure 19 shows an example of an evidence screen that includes the aforementioned evidence information. The evidence information includes images of the dispensed product, medication information, etc. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds no problems, they press the "Approve" button. If the pharmacist checks the evidence information and finds a problem, they can press the "Register Comment" button and enter and register a comment on the comment registration screen (see Figure 20). After completing the check, the pharmacist enters the check results into the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 or the in-pharmacy terminal 1A.

[0165] <Step S207> In step S207, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center if it determines that there is a problem in the inspection and verification work performed by the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A. If the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: Yes), it moves the process to step S271. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that there is no abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center (S207: No), it moves the process to step S208.

[0166] <Step S271> In step S271, the control unit 11 determines whether the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline. For example, the control unit 11 determines whether requesting re-dispensing from the dispensing center will be within the predetermined deadline, such as the patient's start date for taking the medication or the date the patient wishes to receive the medication. If the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will be within the predetermined deadline (S271: Yes), it proceeds to step S272. On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not be within the predetermined deadline (S271: No), it proceeds to step S273.

[0167] <Step S272> In step S272, the control unit 11 outputs a re-dispensing request to the dispensing center. The control unit 11 then proceeds to step S201. When the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side receives the re-dispensing request from the dispensing support device 1 on the pharmacy side, it executes the re-dispensing process for the medication based on the re-dispensing request. While the re-dispensing is being carried out at the dispensing center, the staff and pharmacists of pharmacy A can check the progress of the re-dispensing.

[0168] <Step S273> In step S273, the control unit 11 instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. For example, the control unit 11 generates packaging data based on the prescription data corresponding to the dispensing request and inputs the packaging data into the dispensing machine 1B. Once the dispensing of the medication is complete, the pharmacist at pharmacy A inspects the dispensed medication. In this way, if the control unit 11 determines that there is an abnormality in the dispensing performed at the dispensing center, and the scheduled delivery date of the re-dispensed medication will not meet the predetermined deadline, it instructs pharmacy A to dispense the medication requested from the dispensing center. After step S273, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S208.

[0169] <Step S208> In step S208, the control unit 11 performs the process of handing over the dispensed medication to the patient. For example, the control unit 11 may notify the patient that the prescribed medication is ready, receive a report from the pharmacist that medication guidance has been given to the patient, or perform accounting processing.

[0170] As described above, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 executes dispensing support processing, including processing to display the dispensing progress at the dispensing center.

[0171] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment performs the following processes: outputting a dispensing request for part or all of the dispensing based on prescription data corresponding to a pharmacy capable of dispensing drugs to a dispensing center (dispensing facility) capable of performing part or all of the dispensing based on the prescription data corresponding to the pharmacy; and, when the dispensing request is output to the dispensing center, outputting the progress of the dispensing corresponding to the dispensing request at the dispensing center to the pharmacy's operating terminal (pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, in-pharmacy terminal 1A, etc.).

[0172] According to the above configuration, even if a pharmacy outsources some or all of its dispensing operations to a dispensing center, the pharmacy will still be able to ascertain whether the dispensing of the prescription data is being carried out appropriately.

[0173] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment describes a dispensing support system 20 that allows a single pharmacy to request dispensing from multiple dispensing centers. Note that components similar to those described in the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0174] The dispensing support system 20 is comprised of multiple pharmacies and multiple dispensing centers capable of dispensing medications in response to dispensing requests received from each pharmacy. In the example shown in Figure 21, two dispensing centers P1 and P2 are shown. Each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2 can receive dispensing requests from each pharmacy for part or all of the medications based on the prescription data, and can dispense medications based on the dispensing requests. In this embodiment, each pharmacy is assigned to an unspecified number of dispensing centers, and each pharmacy can output dispensing requests to any dispensing center.

[0175] For example, the dispensing support system 20 can dispense some of the medications included in the prescription data at dispensing center P1, some other medications at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications at pharmacy A. For example, if a pharmacist decides to dispense some of the medications M1 included in the patient's prescription data at dispensing center P1, some medications M2 at dispensing center P2, and the remaining medications M3 at pharmacy A, pharmacy A will use dispensing equipment 1B within pharmacy A to dispense medications M3, request dispensing of medications M1 from dispensing center P1, and request dispensing of medications M2 from dispensing center P2. Once pharmacy A has completed dispensing and checking of medications M3, it will hand over the dispensed medications M3 to the patient. Dispensing center P1 will dispense medications M1 included in the prescription data based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A. Once dispensing center P1 has completed dispensing and checking drug M1, it delivers the dispensed drug M1 to pharmacy A. Dispensing center P2, based on the dispensing request from pharmacy A, dispenses drug M2 included in the prescription data. Once dispensing center P2 has completed dispensing and checking drug M2, it delivers the dispensed drug M2 to pharmacy A. Pharmacy A receives the dispensed drugs M1 and M2 from dispensing centers P1 and P2, performs inspections, and if there are no problems, hands over drugs M1 and M2 to the patient. The patient may receive only drug M3 when visiting the pharmacy and receive drugs M1 and M2 at a later date, or they may receive drugs M1, M2, and M3 all together after they have been delivered to pharmacy A.

[0176] Thus, in this embodiment, each pharmacy can allocate a portion of the prescription data to the first dispensing center and the remaining portion to the second dispensing center.

[0177] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1, which corresponds to pharmacy A, extracts from among multiple dispensing centers which will be requested to dispense the prescription data acquired by pharmacy A, and outputs a dispensing request to each of the extracted dispensing centers.

[0178] For example, if a pharmacist determines that a prescription data for a patient does not contain any medications the patient immediately needs and that dispensing can be requested from a dispensing center, the distribution processing unit 113 searches for a dispensing destination for that prescription data. For example, the distribution processing unit 113 checks the inventory status of medications at each dispensing center and searches for a dispensing center that can dispense the medication.

[0179] For example, if dispensing center P1 is able to dispense drugs M1 and M4 from the prescription data, and dispensing center P2 is able to dispense drugs M2 and M3 from the prescription data, the distribution processing unit 113 will allocate the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2.

[0180] Here, the method of dispensing medication using multiple dispensing centers for a single prescription data may be performed when certain conditions are met. For example, if a pharmacist presses the "Prescription Split" button on the screens shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8 to 10, the control unit 11 can distribute the dispensing of the prescription data to multiple dispensing centers.

[0181] For example, in the candidate details screen shown in Figure 8, when a pharmacist presses the "Split Prescription" button, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes the dispensing of drugs M1 and M4 to dispensing center P1, and the dispensing of drugs M2 and M3 to dispensing center P2. The control unit 11 (dispensing display processing unit 115) displays the distribution results on the split screen (prescription split screen) shown in Figure 22. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, "Prescription 1" shows the information of drugs M1 and M4 to be dispensed by dispensing center P1, and "Prescription 2" shows the information of drugs M2 and M3 to be dispensed by dispensing center P2. In the split screen shown in Figure 22, the pharmacist can check the detailed information of prescription 1 and prescription 2 by pressing the "Confirm Split Prescription 1 Details" and "Confirm Split Prescription 2 Details" buttons.

[0182] The pharmacist checks the contents of the divided prescription and, if they determine that there are no problems, presses the "Execute Divided Prescription" button. This causes the control unit 11 to generate prescription data for dispensing requests to the dispensing centers P1 and P2 and register it in the candidate data (see Figure 7). When the pharmacist presses the "Execute Request" button on the execution screen (see Figure 13), the control unit 11 (request processing unit 116) outputs dispensing requests (request data) to each of the dispensing centers P1 and P2.

[0183] In this embodiment, as described above, a single prescription data is dispensed at multiple dispensing centers, and the dispensed medication (medication bag) from each dispensing center is delivered to the requesting pharmacy or the patient's home.

[0184] In the above-described embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 distributes a prescription based on one prescription data to two dispensing centers P1 and P2. However, in another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may distribute the prescription to three or more dispensing centers. In yet another embodiment, the distribution processing unit 113 may select one dispensing center from among multiple dispensing centers and distribute the prescription to the selected dispensing center.

[0185] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the inventory status of each dispensing center, the scheduled delivery date (delivery date), and the location (distance from the pharmacy or patient's home). For example, the distribution processing unit 113 may extract one or more dispensing centers from among multiple dispensing centers that have the medications in stock for the prescription data and are closest to the pharmacy that acquired the prescription data, and then distribute the medication to the extracted dispensing center.

[0186] Furthermore, the distribution processing unit 113 may determine which dispensing center to distribute the medication to based on information such as the type of medication (e.g., oral medication and topical medication), the destination of the medication, whether the patient is a regular patient, and the address (postal code classification). For example, if the patient's prescription data includes oral medication, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the oral medication to a dispensing center dedicated to oral medication, and if the patient's prescription data includes topical medication, it will distribute the topical medication to a dispensing center dedicated to topical medication. Also, for example, if the destination of the medication is a pharmacy, the distribution processing unit 113 will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to pharmacies, and if the destination of the medication is a facility (such as a nursing home), it will distribute the medication to a dispensing center dedicated to facilities.

[0187] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 uses the example of a case where one prescription is issued to the same patient, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to integrate the information of multiple prescriptions into a single prescription when multiple prescriptions are issued to the same patient. For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and multiple prescriptions are issued, the control unit 11 displays an integrated prescription screen (not shown) that integrates the information of the multiple prescriptions into a single prescription. The control unit 11 checks the patient ID associated with each of the multiple prescriptions to avoid integrating prescription information from different patients, and performs the integration process only if the respective patient IDs match, or it displays only the prescription information of the same patient and performs the integration process only after a pharmacist has confirmed it.

[0188] For example, if a patient visits multiple medical departments and is issued multiple prescriptions, the control unit 11 may perform a process (integration process) to package the medications from the multiple separate prescriptions into a single dose. For example, if a patient is issued prescriptions from both an internal medicine department and an otolaryngology department, the control unit 11 displays a screen (not shown) asking whether to package medications that can be packaged together based on the same administration time or meal category into a single dose, and performs the single-dose packaging according to the patient's request.

[0189] The control unit 11 executes the integration process, for example, when a pharmacist presses the "Integrate" button (not shown) on the prescription screen shown in Figure 4. The conditions for executing the integration process are not limited to this. As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the pharmacy's internal regulations. For example, if pharmacy A has an internal regulation that states "integrate prescriptions if the same patient receives treatment from multiple departments," the control unit 11 will automatically execute the integration process when multiple prescriptions are issued for the same patient.

[0190] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the patient master. For example, information (flags) identifying whether or not to execute the integration process may be set for each patient. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process if multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to execute the integration process is set for that patient.

[0191] As another example, the control unit 11 may automatically execute the integration process based on the facility master. For example, information (flags) may be set for each facility to identify whether or not a resident of that facility or a resident of a specific room in that facility will perform the integration process. The control unit 11 automatically executes the integration process when multiple prescriptions have been issued to the same patient and the flag to perform the integration process is set for that patient's facility or room.

[0192] Figure 23 shows an example of the procedure for the integration process. The control unit 11 may execute the integration process in step S2 (see Figure 6A) of the dispensing support process (dispensing distribution process). For example, when the control unit 11 obtains the patient's prescription data (S1 in Figure 6A), it displays the prescription details (see Figure 3) (S211). Next, in step S212, the control unit 11 determines whether the patient has prescriptions from other medical departments. If the control unit 11 has prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: Yes), in step S213, it asks whether to integrate the prescriptions. If the pharmacist confirms multiple prescriptions for the same patient and gives an instruction to integrate them (S213: Yes), the control unit 11 executes the prescription integration process in step S214. After step S214, the control unit 11 moves the process to step S3 in Figure 6A. Furthermore, if the patient does not have prescriptions from other medical departments (S212: No), or if the pharmacist did not issue the integrated instruction (S213: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to step S3 in Figure 6A.

[0193] In the embodiments described above, the dispensing center is configured to dispense medication in response to dispensing requests transmitted from pharmacies, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the dispensing request may be transmitted from a patient. For example, when a patient selects a pharmacy on their operating terminal (mobile terminal), the operating terminal transmits the dispensing request to the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1. When the pharmacy-side dispensing support device 1 receives the dispensing request from the patient's operating terminal, it processes the medication to be dispensed. Once the medication has been dispensed, the dispensing center dispenses the medication based on the patient's dispensing request. Thus, the source of the dispensing request obtained by the dispensing center may be a pharmacy or a patient.

[0194] 2. Dispensing support processing on the dispensing center side. The following describes the dispensing support processes at the dispensing center. As mentioned above, the dispensing center performs dispensing and inspection tasks based on dispensing requests received from individual pharmacies, as well as delivery tasks for dispensing completed medications to pharmacies, patients' homes, and patient residences (hospitals, nursing homes, etc.). The dispensing center also handles receiving (delivering) medications from pharmaceutical wholesalers and warehousing, where the received medications are stored in storage shelves and dispensing equipment.

[0195] The center-side dispensing support device 5 performs processes to support various operations carried out at the dispensing center. Specifically, the center-side dispensing support device 5 supports a series of operations at the dispensing center by assisting with the following: receiving of medicines, receiving and storing received medicines in storage shelves and dispensing equipment, dispensing of medicines, transporting dispensed medicines within the dispensing center, collecting dispensed medicines according to prescriptions, checking dispensed medicines according to prescriptions, and delivery of dispensed and checked medicines to the client pharmacy, patient's home, etc. In addition, the center-side dispensing support device 5 may be configured with masters, IDs, etc. for each medicine and drug type so that it can manage the series of movements of "receiving / storage" → "dispensing" → "checking" → "shipping" for the medicines managed at the dispensing center.

[0196] Figure 24 is a plan view showing the overall layout of the dispensing center P1. The dispensing center P1 includes an receiving and storage area AR1 where drug receiving and storage operations are carried out, a storage shelf area AR2 where storage shelves for received drug products are located, a dispensing area AR3 where dispensing equipment is located and dispensing operations are carried out, an inspection area AR4 where dispensing, sorting, and inspection operations for dispensed drug products are carried out, a delivery area AR5 where inspection drug products are delivered, and a dispensing area AR6 where inspection drug products are dispensed. Workers are stationed in each area, and each worker performs their duties in their assigned area. In addition, at least one or more pharmacists are stationed in the dispensing area AR3 and the inspection area AR4. The storage shelf area AR2 may include not only shelves where workers store and retrieve drug products, but also automated dispensing shelves (automatic receiving and dispensing robots) that automatically store and dispense drug products.

[0197] This section outlines the various tasks performed at the dispensing center P1. In the receiving and storage area AR1, receiving workers inspect the medications received at the dispensing center P1 by pharmaceutical wholesalers (or delivery companies) based on the delivery slip. Once the inspection is complete and the delivery of the medications is finished, the receiving workers place the medications into receiving storage boxes (foldable containers) and hand them over to the sorting workers. The sorting workers then sort the medications from the receiving storage boxes into storage boxes according to their destination and hand them over to the storage workers. The storage workers then place the storage boxes on carts or similar equipment and move them to their destinations (storage shelves, dispensing equipment, etc.) to perform the storage work. Examples of medications include tablets, powders, topical medications, and injectable medications. Medications may also be stored in boxes or bags.

[0198] In the dispensing area AR3, dispensing equipment is used to dispense medications included in prescription data. For example, when dispensing equipment receives a dispensing request from a pharmacy, it dispenses the medications included in the prescription data corresponding to the request. In addition, incoming medications are received into the dispensing equipment by receiving workers. In addition, medications stored in storage shelves or automated receiving / dispensing robots are filled into the dispensing equipment by filling workers. Dispensed medications are transported to the inspection area AR4 by transport workers or transport robot G1 (autonomous vehicle). Dispensing equipment includes, for example, tablet packaging machines, powder packaging machines, PTP drug automatic dispensing devices, powder dispensing robots, ointment automatic dispensing machines, automatic dispensing shelves, and liquid dispensing devices.

[0199] In the inspection area AR4, a drug collection worker (drug collection operator) receives the medications transported to the inspection area AR4 by a transport worker or transport robot and places them into the designated input slot (sorting destination) of the drug collection shelf. The inspection worker (e.g., pharmacist) takes the medications from the designated drug collection shelf and performs an inspection (final inspection) to confirm that the medications match the prescription. Once the inspection is complete, the inspected medications are transported to the delivery area AR5 or the dispensing area AR6.

[0200] In delivery area AR5, delivery workers receive medications that have been transported to delivery area AR5, and perform tasks such as placing the medications into medication bags, packing, and shipping. For example, delivery workers pack the medications according to their destination (pharmacy, patient's home, residential facility, etc.) and then ship them out.

[0201] In the medication distribution area AR6, medication distributors receive medications that have been delivered to the area and perform the necessary dispensing tasks. For example, medication distributors group medications by administration period and place them in medication boxes, medication calendars, etc. After completing the dispensing tasks, the medication distributors then carry out the delivery work.

[0202] The dispensing support system according to the present invention performs processing to support each of the following tasks performed in the inspection area AR4 among the tasks in each of the aforementioned areas: drug collection, sorting, and inspection.

[0203] [1. Incoming Stock Processing] Next, we will describe the specific configuration of the processing that supports the receiving and warehousing operations carried out in the receiving and warehousing area AR1. The center-side dispensing support device 5 performs the receiving processing of pharmaceuticals and the warehousing processing of storing the received pharmaceuticals in storage shelves. Figure 25 shows various equipment corresponding to the dispensing center P1. For example, the dispensing center P1 is equipped with the center-side dispensing support device 5, an in-center terminal 5A, dispensing equipment 5B, a portable terminal 5C, a pharmaceutical sorting device 5D, etc. The portable terminal 5C is an operating terminal that can be carried by workers in the dispensing center P1, and is an example of an operating terminal of the present invention. For example, a warehousing worker uses the portable terminal 5C to perform warehousing operations.

[0204] The following describes an example of the entire process of receiving and warehousing. Figure 26 shows the receiving and sorting operations in the receiving and warehousing area AR1. The receiving and warehousing area AR1 includes the receiving area Ar0 where receiving operations are performed and the sorting area Ar1 where sorting operations are performed.

[0205] For example, pharmaceutical wholesaler X0 submits the pharmaceuticals to be delivered along with a delivery slip to receiving worker X1 in receiving area Ar0. Upon receiving the pharmaceuticals and delivery slip, receiving worker X1 visually checks whether the pharmaceuticals listed on the delivery slip match the delivered pharmaceuticals (inspection). If there are no problems with the inspection, receiving worker X1 stamps the delivery slip with an approval stamp and hands it back to pharmaceutical wholesaler X0, then places the delivered pharmaceuticals into storage box C0 (foldable container).

[0206] On the other hand, if receiving worker X1 finds a problem during inspection, X1 selects the delivery number from the delivery slip on the operation screen of the terminal 5A located in the receiving area Ar0. The terminal 5A retrieves the drug information corresponding to the delivery number from the higher-level system and displays the registered drug information on the operation screen. Receiving worker X1 checks the drug information and determines whether there are any errors in the delivered drug. If the delivered drug is in excess, receiving worker X1 performs the task of returning the drug (return registration) or delivering it as is (unscheduled delivery registration). Also, if there is a shortage of the drug that should be delivered, receiving worker X1 performs the task of registering the missing drug (exception registration). When performing the unscheduled delivery registration, receiving worker X1 adds the drug to the registration, associating it with the delivery number.

[0207] When receiving worker X1 completes the receiving process for the pharmaceuticals, they issue an receiving label on the operation screen displayed on terminal 5A within the center. When receiving worker X1 presses the "Issue" button K51 on the operation screen, terminal 5A outputs (prints) the receiving label from the printing device. The receiving label displays (prints) the delivery number and a two-dimensional code associated with the information of the delivery number. If the number of delivered pharmaceuticals is large and does not fit into one storage box C0, terminal 5A within the center will issue the same number of receiving labels as there are storage boxes C0.

[0208] Receiving worker X1 places the issued receiving label into (or attaches to) the storage box C0 containing the chemicals, and then places the storage box C0 on the transport lane and transports it to the sorting area Ar1.

[0209] As described above, in the receiving area Ar0, each time a pharmaceutical wholesaler X0 delivers pharmaceuticals, the receiving worker X1 performs the receiving work and places the pharmaceuticals into storage boxes C0, and the terminal 5A in the center executes the receiving process by issuing a corresponding receiving label L0 for each storage box C0. Note that the receiving process may also be performed by the dispensing support device 5 on the center side.

[0210] The chemical sorting device 5D located in the sorting area includes a platform F1 on which a storage box containing the delivered chemicals is placed, a detection unit (not shown) that detects the storage box C0 placed on the platform F1, a reader that, when the storage box C0 is detected by the detection unit, reads a two-dimensional code B0 (delivery information code) on the incoming label to which the delivery information of the chemicals is associated and a two-dimensional code B1 (chemical information code) to which the chemical ID of the chemicals is associated, a notification unit that, when the two-dimensional code B1 is read by the reader, notifies the position of the sorting lane corresponding to the chemicals, and a transport unit (transport lane H1) that transports the storage box C1 from the upstream side (first area) to the downstream side (second area) when a predetermined amount of chemicals is placed in the storage box C1 placed on the sorting lane.

[0211] For example, the sorting area Ar1 has eight sorting lanes R1 to R8. Sorting lanes R1 to R4 are located on the left side of the mounting platform F1, and sorting lanes R5 to R8 are located on the right side of the mounting platform F1. Each of the sorting lanes R1 to R8 consists of an upstream sorting lane Ra1 to Ra8 and a downstream sorting lane Rb1 to Rb8. Each upstream and downstream sorting lane is connected to the others, and a storage box C1 placed on an upstream sorting lane is moved to a downstream sorting lane by a sorting worker X2 pushing it from the front to the back.

[0212] When sorting worker X2, who performs sorting work in sorting area Ar1, receives a storage box C0 that has come down the transport lane H0 from the receiving area Ar0, he places the storage box C0 on the mounting table F1. The mounting table F1 is equipped with a detection unit that detects when a storage box C0 has been placed on it. When the storage box C0 is placed on the mounting table F1, a reader installed on the mounting table F1 reads the two-dimensional code B0 of the receiving label L0 that has been placed inside the storage box C0.

[0213] Next, sorting worker X2 takes out the chemicals one by one from storage box C0 and has the reader read the two-dimensional code B1 attached to the chemical. When the reader reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the chemical, the control unit 51 obtains chemical identification information (chemical ID) that can identify the chemical. In other words, the chemical information acquisition processing unit 511 obtains the chemical ID of the chemical to be sorted in storage box C0.

[0214] The control unit 51 verifies the drug based on the drug ID read from the drug's two-dimensional code B1 and the drug information read from the two-dimensional code B0 on ​​the incoming label L0. If the drug ID does not match the drug ID included in the drug information, the control unit 51 instructs the sorting worker X2 to place the drug in an error box (not shown). Drugs placed in the error box are registered as returned and sent back to the drug wholesaler X0, or they are registered as unscheduled incoming goods and sent back for sorting. For example, the control unit 51 also checks the quantity of delivered drugs, expiration date, sorting lane, etc., based on the drug ID and the drug information.

[0215] The control unit 51 identifies the distribution lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug ID from among the multiple distribution lanes. For example, if each distribution lane is associated with a drug type (medicine type), the control unit 51 identifies the distribution lane corresponding to the drug type indicated by the drug ID. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 51 identifies the distribution lane that can accommodate the drug in the storage box C1 from among the multiple distribution lanes.

[0216] Furthermore, the control unit 51 causes the left-side notification unit or the right-side notification unit to broadcast guidance information indicating the location of the sorting lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug ID.

[0217] Furthermore, the control unit 51 causes the lane notification unit of the sorting lane corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug ID to broadcast notification information. For example, the control unit 51 lights up the lane notification unit located above the sorting lane R1 corresponding to drug M1. This allows the sorting worker X2 to easily understand where drug M1 will be sorted. The sorting worker X2 places drug M1 into the storage box C1 placed on the guided sorting lane R1.

[0218] Sorting worker X2 sorts all the chemicals in storage box C0 into storage box C1 according to the guidance information on the sorting lane. The control unit 51 determines, using the detection unit installed on the mounting table F1, that all the chemicals in storage box C0 have been sorted (that storage box C0 is empty). Sorting worker X2 removes the empty storage box C0 from the mounting table F1 and places the next storage box C0 on the transport lane H0 (see Figure 57) onto the mounting table F1.

[0219] Furthermore, once a predetermined amount of chemical is contained in the storage box C1, the sorting worker X2 moves the storage box C1 to the downstream sorting lane. For example, when sorting worker X2 determines that the storage box C1 in sorting lane R1 contains a predetermined amount of chemical or is full, they push the storage box C1 from the upstream sorting lane to the downstream sorting lane. After that, sorting worker X2 places an empty storage box C1 on the upstream sorting lane.

[0220] Here, when the control unit 51 detects that the storage box C1 has moved to the downstream distribution lane, based on the measurement results (weight) of the measurement unit, it identifies the destination for the chemicals stored in the storage box C1. For example, the control unit 51 identifies the destination for the chemicals based on the type of chemicals and the inventory status of the destination.

[0221] The control unit 51 registers the identified storage location information in the storage location information, associating it with the drug ID. The storage location information is registered with the drug ID, storage location, storage shelf number, and storage order information associated with it.

[0222] As described above, when sorting worker X2 performs sorting work in sorting area Ar1, the control unit 51 executes each of the above processes. When sorting worker X2 pushes storage box C1 into the downstream sorting lane and storage box C1 is transported to the downstream sorting lane, receiving worker X3 performs the following receiving work.

[0223] For example, when receiving worker X3 confirms that storage box C1 has been transported to the sorting lane, they read the two-dimensional code Br1 located above the sorting lane on which storage box C1 is placed using their mobile terminal 5C.

[0224] The control unit 51 acquires identification information (distribution lane ID) that can identify the distribution lane. Specifically, the control unit 51 acquires the distribution lane ID when a two-dimensional code provided on the distribution lane is read by the mobile terminal 5C.

[0225] When receiving worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 on the sorting lane, he then uses his mobile terminal 5C to read the two-dimensional code Bb1 placed (affixed) to the storage box C1 located on the sorting lane.

[0226] The control unit 51 acquires identification information (container box ID) that can identify the containment box C1 containing the drug. Specifically, the control unit 51 acquires the containment box ID when the two-dimensional code (second information code of the present invention) provided on the containment box C1 is read by the mobile terminal 5C.

[0227] When the control unit 51 obtains the distribution lane ID and the storage box ID, it associates the drug ID of the drug corresponding to the distribution lane indicated by the distribution lane ID with the storage box ID and registers them together.

[0228] In this way, the control unit 51 associates the drug ID with the sorting lane ID of the sorting lane R1, which is the sorting destination of the drug M1, by having the sorting worker X2 read the two-dimensional code B1 of the drug M1 in the storage box C0. Subsequently, the warehousing worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code Br1 of the sorting lane and the two-dimensional code Bb1 of the storage box C1, and associates the drug ID with the storage box ID via the sorting lane ID.

[0229] When the association between the drug ID and the storage box ID is completed, subsequently, the warehousing worker X3 places the storage box C1 on the cart W. When there are multiple storage boxes C1 in the downstream sorting lane, the warehousing worker X3 can also place the multiple storage boxes C1 on the same cart W after performing the reading operation for each storage box C1. Then, the warehousing worker X3 performs the operation of warehousing the drugs in the storage box C1 placed on the cart W at the warehousing destination.

[0230] When performing the warehousing operation, the warehousing worker X3 reads the two-dimensional code of the storage box C1 placed on the cart W using the portable terminal 5C. The control unit 51 causes the portable terminal 5C to display the storage box number and the information of the warehousing destination (warehousing information) based on the read two-dimensional code. In the warehousing information, the information corresponding to the two storage boxes C1 placed on the cart W is displayed.

[0231] When the warehousing worker X3 presses the "Start" button on the operation screen of the warehousing information, the control unit 51 determines the warehousing order for warehousing a plurality of drugs on the storage shelf.

[0232] Specifically, the control unit 51 determines the warehousing order based on the positions (storage shelf numbers) of the storage shelves at the warehousing destinations of each of the plurality of drugs stored in the storage box C1. The control unit 51 registers the warehousing order information indicating the determined warehousing order in the warehousing destination information in association with the drug ID.

[0233] When the control unit 51 determines the warehousing order, it causes the portable terminal 5C to display information indicating the warehousing route (route information). The route information includes information such as the order of warehousing, the destination of warehousing, the number of the storage box C1, the storage shelf number, and the drug name.

[0234] The warehousing worker X3 sequentially warehouses the plurality of drugs stored in the storage box C1 into the destination of warehousing while referring to the route information. When the warehousing worker X3 has warehoused all the drugs in the storage box C1 placed on the trolley W into the destination of warehousing, the warehousing operation ends. The control unit 51 manages the warehousing status of the drugs for each storage box C1, and when it confirms that all the drugs in the storage box C1 have been correctly warehoused into the destination of warehousing, it registers the warehousing completion information in association with the delivery information, distribution information, destination information, etc. corresponding to the delivery number.

[0235] Also, when the dispensing equipment is specified as the destination of warehousing and the warehousing worker X3 inserts the storage box C1 into the dispensing equipment from the input port, the drug warehousing and shipping department picks up the drugs from the storage box C1 and reads the two-dimensional code B1 of the drugs, and determines whether the destination associated with the read drug ID is the dispensing equipment. When the drug warehousing and shipping department determines that the destination corresponding to the drug is the dispensing equipment, it stores the drug in a predetermined storage area and notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of the warehousing completion information of the drug. On the other hand, when the drug warehousing and shipping department determines that the destination corresponding to the drug is not the dispensing equipment, it discharges the drug outside the dispensing equipment and notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 of error information indicating that the storage position (destination of warehousing) is incorrect. When the control unit 51 acquires the error information, it executes the process of specifying the destination of the drug again.

[0236] When the control unit 51 completes the warehousing process of the drugs in the storage box C1, it stores in the storage unit 52 the drug ID and the information indicating the destination of warehousing (storage shelf, dispensing equipment 5B) in association with each other. Thereby, the control unit 51 can grasp the storage position of each drug, the inventory status of the storage shelf, and the inventory status of the dispensing equipment 5B. The storage position and the inventory status are used when specifying the destination of warehousing of the drugs stored in the storage box C1.

[0237] As described above, the dispensing support system 10 according to this embodiment acquires drug identification information (drug ID) that can identify the drug to be sorted, and identifies the sorting destination (sorting lane) corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug ID from among a plurality of sorting destinations (sorting lanes). The dispensing support system 10 also acquires a sorting lane ID that can identify the sorting destination, and acquires a storage box ID that can identify the storage box C1 in which the drug is stored. The dispensing support system 10 then registers the drug ID of the drug corresponding to the sorting lane ID indicated by the acquired sorting lane ID and the acquired storage box ID in association.

[0238] With the above configuration, for example, when multiple drugs arrive, each drug can be distributed to storage box C1. Furthermore, the drugs stored in storage box C1 can be easily identified based on the identification information of storage box C1. Therefore, receiving worker X3 can reliably store all drugs stored in storage box C1 at the receiving location. Thus, it is possible to reduce the burden of drug receiving operations at the dispensing center.

[0239] [2. Filling Process] Next, we will explain the specific configuration of the process that supports the filling work carried out in the dispensing area AR3. As shown in Figure 25, for example, the dispensing center is equipped with a center-side dispensing support device 5, a drug dispensing device 6, a higher-level system 7, a mobile terminal 6C, etc. The mobile terminal 6C is an operating terminal that can be carried by workers in the dispensing center. For example, a filling worker uses the mobile terminal 6C to perform the drug filling work.

[0240] The higher-level system 7 is an electronic medical record system, ordering system, or claims processing system that accepts registration operations for prescription data showing the contents of drug prescriptions. The prescription data includes drug identification information such as the drug name to identify the drug, and drug information such as dosage, administration, dosage form, start date of administration, duration of administration, and end date of administration. The prescription data also includes patient information such as the name, gender, age, ward, attending physician, and attending pharmacist of the patient taking the drug. Furthermore, the prescription data also includes consignment information such as the date on which the dispensing center received a dispensing request (consignment) corresponding to the prescription data from the pharmacy (consignment date), the source of the dispensing request (consigning source), and the scheduled date and time for shipping the drug corresponding to the prescription data to the consigning source (scheduled shipping date and time).

[0241] The center-side dispensing support device 5 is an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) that reads prescription data from the higher-level system 7 and inputs the prescription data into the drug dispensing device 6. Specifically, the center-side dispensing support device 5 generates dispensing data necessary for dispensing in the drug dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data, and inputs this dispensing data into the drug dispensing device 6 as the prescription data. For example, if multiple drug dispensing devices 6 are provided in the dispensing support system 60, the center-side dispensing support device 5 assigns the drugs that need to be dispensed to each drug dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data. Alternatively, instead of the center-side dispensing support device 5 reading the prescription data from the higher-level system 7, a configuration in which the prescription data is transmitted from the higher-level system 7 to the center-side dispensing support device 5 is also conceivable. Furthermore, the prescription data may be directly input from the higher-level system 7 to the drug dispensing device 6.

[0242] The drug dispensing device 6 may be a drug box dispensing device that dispenses drugs in drug boxes, or a tablet dispensing device that dispenses drugs in tablet units, etc.

[0243] The drug dispensing device 6 is equipped with a drug storage section 671 (sheet storage section, PTP cassette) that stores drug sheets, such as PTP sheets, containing multiple tablets of various drugs. For example, a PTP sheet contains a predetermined number of tablets, such as 6, 8, or 10 tablets, and the drug storage section 671 can store a predetermined number of PTP sheets. The drug dispensing unit 67 dispenses a predetermined number of PTP sheets from the drug storage section 671 based on the dispensing data input from the center-side dispensing support device 5.

[0244] Figure 58 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a chemical storage section 671 that accommodates PTP sheets. The chemical storage section 671 includes a chemical storage area Sp that can accommodate a predetermined number of PTP sheets. The chemical storage section 671 has a preset maximum amount of PTP sheets that can be stored in the chemical storage area Sp (maximum storage capacity). The chemical storage section 671 also displays chemical identification information Na (chemical name, etc.) indicating the chemical to be stored in the chemical storage section 671, and storage section identification information Ba2 (storage section code) to identify the chemical storage section 671. The filling operator fills the chemical into the chemical storage area Sp in units of PTP sheets as needed. The filling operator then stores (inserts) the chemical storage section 671 containing the PTP sheets into the chemical dispensing device 6 main body.

[0245] Furthermore, the drug storage section 671 is equipped with slits for dividing the drug storage area Sp into multiple storage areas. In the example shown in Figure 58, the drug storage section 671 is equipped with a pair of slits SL1 in the front-to-back direction and a pair of slits SL2 in the left-to-right direction. By inserting a partition plate into slit SL1, the drug storage area Sp can be divided into two drug storage areas Sp1 and Sp2. Alternatively, by inserting partition plates into slits SL1 and SL2, the drug storage area Sp can be divided into four drug storage areas Sp1 to Sp4 (see Figure 59).

[0246] Here, each chemical storage compartment 671 is designed to contain only one type of chemical, and is controlled to prevent the storage of multiple types of chemicals. For example, by having the filling operator read and compare the storage compartment code (storage compartment identification information Ba2) of the chemical storage compartment 671 with the code of the medicine box containing the PTP sheets, it is possible to prevent the mistake of filling the chemical storage compartment 671 with different types of chemicals.

[0247] Furthermore, each storage area is designed to contain only one type of chemical, and to ensure that only chemicals with the same expiration date (lot number) are stored there, and that chemicals with different expiration dates (lot numbers) are not stored there. For example, in a chemical storage unit 671 having two chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2, multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a first expiration date (first lot) are stored in each of the chemical storage areas Sp1 and Sp2. Alternatively, multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a first expiration date (first lot) are stored in chemical storage area Sp1, and multiple chemicals (PTP sheets) with a second expiration date (second lot) are stored in chemical storage area Sp2. In this embodiment, the second expiration date is assumed to be later than the first expiration date. Also, in this embodiment, the expiration date of the chemicals in the first lot is the first expiration date, and the expiration date of the chemicals in the second lot is the second expiration date. The drug dispensing device 6 is controlled to dispense drugs with earlier expiration dates first (prioritizing them), for example, dispensing drugs from the first lot before drugs from the second lot.

[0248] Therefore, in the filling process, the chemical dispensing device 6 controls the system so that, if the inventory of chemicals to be filled includes both the first lot and the second lot, the chemicals from the first lot are given priority in being filled into the chemical storage section 671.

[0249] Thus, the chemical storage section 671 is not a dedicated cassette to which a specific chemical is assigned, but rather a free cassette to which any chemical can be assigned. That is, in each chemical storage section 671, once a predetermined amount of a predetermined chemical is stored, the same chemical will be stored in the remaining area. However, if the storage amount then becomes 0 (empty) (free cassette), it becomes possible to store other types of chemicals. Furthermore, each chemical storage section 671 can store chemicals with different expiration dates (lots), in which case each chemical with a different expiration date is stored in a partitioned area (chemical storage area) within the chemical storage section 671. If the amount of chemical stored in each chemical storage area can be managed (lot management), different types of chemicals may be stored in a single chemical storage section 671.

[0250] Specifically, the drug dispensing device 6 acquires a predetermined number of prescription data, aggregates the prescribed amount (dispensed amount) of each drug included in the acquired predetermined number of prescription data, and calculates the total prescribed amount for each drug. For example, when the center-side dispensing support device 5 receives multiple prescription data from the higher-level system 7, it transmits multiple prescription data corresponding to the drugs to be dispensed from the drug dispensing device 6 to the drug dispensing device 6. For example, the center-side dispensing support device 5 transmits multiple prescription data to the drug dispensing device 6 at a predetermined timing. Alternatively, the higher-level system 7 may transmit multiple prescription data to the drug dispensing device 6. The multiple prescription data input to the drug dispensing device 6 are stored in the storage unit 62.

[0251] The drug dispensing device 6 retrieves a predetermined number of prescription data from multiple prescription data recorded in the storage unit 62 and calculates the prescription amount (total prescription amount) of the drugs contained in each of the predetermined number of prescription data. The predetermined number may be set in advance, for example, to 10 prescriptions. The predetermined number may be set or changed according to user operation or predetermined conditions. For example, the predetermined number may be set according to the processing capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the quantity (prescription amount) of drugs contained in each prescription data, the number of drug types, etc.

[0252] The medicine dispensing device 6 identifies the medicine (target medicine) that needs to be filled in the medicine dispensing device 6 based on the prescription data. Specifically, the medicine dispensing device 6 identifies the target medicine based on the total prescribed amount for each medicine and the total storage amount (in-device inventory amount) for each medicine stored in the medicine dispensing device 6.

[0253] The medicine dispensing device 6 determines whether each medicine included in each of a predetermined number of prescription data is the target medicine. Also, for the target medicine, the medicine dispensing device 6 calculates the amount obtained by subtracting the total storage amount from the total prescribed amount as the required filling amount.

[0254] The medicine dispensing device 6 acquires the inventory amount of the target medicine in the storage unit for storing medicines by expiration date or lot number. The inventory amount is the inventory amount of the medicines stored in the dispensing center.

[0255] Also, the medicine dispensing device 6 acquires the inventory amount of the target medicine by expiration date (lot number). The center-side dispensing support device 5 or the upper-level system 7 manages the medicine information for each medicine in the dispensing center, and the medicine information includes the expiration date and the lot number. For example, the medicine dispensing device 6 makes an inquiry about the inventory amount of the target medicine in the dispensing center to the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the upper-level system 7 that manages the inventory amount of the medicines, and acquires the inventory amount of the target medicine by expiration date or lot number from the center-side dispensing support device 5 or the upper-level system 7.

[0256] The chemical dispensing device 6 obtains the fillable amount of the target chemical that can be filled into the chemical storage section 671 installed in the chemical dispensing device 6. Specifically, the chemical dispensing device 6 calculates the fillable amount by subtracting the total amount of chemical Ma already stored in each chemical storage section 671 from the sum of the maximum storage capacities of each chemical storage section 671 for the chemical Ma installed in the chemical dispensing device 6. In this way, the chemical dispensing device 6 calculates the fillable amount corresponding to the available space in the chemical storage section 671. Furthermore, if the chemical dispensing device 6 contains chemicals Ma with different expiration dates (lot numbers), the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount of chemical Ma for each expiration date. For example, the fillable amount acquisition processing unit 614 calculates the fillable amount of chemical Ma with expiration date "T1" and the fillable amount of chemical Ma with expiration date "T2".

[0257] The chemical dispensing device 6 calculates the amount that can be filled into the empty space in the chemical storage section 671 if there is some empty space in that section, and determines that this amount is the fillable capacity of the chemical storage section 671. The chemical dispensing device 6 also calculates the fillable capacity of chemicals with the same expiration date (lot number) as the chemicals already stored in the chemical storage section 671. In other words, each chemical storage section 671 is filled only with chemicals with the same expiration date (lot number).

[0258] The chemical dispensing device 6 determines the amount of the target chemical to be filled into the chemical storage section 671 for a predetermined expiration date. Specifically, the chemical dispensing device 6 determines the expiration date (lot) of the target chemical to be filled into the chemical storage area from among the expiration dates (lots) of the target chemical stored (in stock) in the storage section, and the amount of the target chemical to be filled. For example, the chemical dispensing device 6 determines the expiration date of the target chemical to be filled into the chemical storage section 671 from among the expiration dates, and the amount of the target chemical to be filled corresponding to that expiration date, based on the stock quantity acquired by the stock quantity acquisition processing unit 613 and the fillable quantity acquired by the fillable quantity acquisition processing unit 614. Furthermore, if the stock quantity of the target chemical includes the first stock quantity for the first expiration date (first lot) and the second stock quantity for the second expiration date (second lot), the chemical dispensing device 6 determines the amount of the target chemical to be filled for the first expiration date based on the first stock quantity and the first fillable quantity that can be used to fill the chemical storage section 671 with the target chemical for the first expiration date. Furthermore, since the drug dispensing device 6 prioritizes dispensing drugs with shorter expiration dates, it allocates the amount of drug inventory with shorter expiration dates to the filling quantity.

[0259] The drug dispensing device 6 outputs the amount of the drug to be filled, based on the determined expiration date. Specifically, the drug dispensing device 6 outputs the information of the amount to be filled to the dispensing support device 5 on the center side. The drug dispensing device 6 also outputs a filling instruction based on the amount to the dispensing support device 5 on the center side.

[0260] The control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side acquires the filling instruction from the drug dispensing device 6. Based on the filling instruction, the control unit 51 creates a filling and dispensing instruction (dispensing instruction) that includes identification information indicating the storage location of the drug to be filled (storage shelf, dispensing device DS, etc.), identification information of the drug, the filling amount (dispensing amount), and information of the equipment to be filled (drug dispensing device 6, etc.), and transmits it to the filling worker's mobile terminal 5C. If the filling and dispensing instruction includes multiple types of drugs, the control unit 51 may determine the dispensing order based on the location of each storage area for each of the multiple types of drugs. For example, the control unit 51 determines the dispensing order that allows movement to each storage location of multiple types of drugs by the shortest distance. Also, if a travel route is set in advance in the storage shelf area AR2, the control unit 51 determines the dispensing order that results in the shortest travel distance or the shortest travel time according to the travel route.

[0261] When the mobile terminal 5C receives the aforementioned filling and dispensing instruction (dispensing instruction), it displays the filling operation screen. The filling operation screen displays information such as the equipment to be filled, identification information of the chemical to be filled (chemical name, etc.), identification information of the storage unit where the chemical to be filled is stored (name, storage shelf number, etc.), and identification information of the storage box that will contain the chemical dispensed from the storage unit (storage box number).

[0262] The filling operator checks the filling operation screen and performs the filling operation. For example, when the filling operator moves to the storage location of the chemical M1 included in the filling and dispensing instruction (e.g., storage shelf A1), they read the two-dimensional code placed (attached) to the chemical storage shelf (e.g., storage shelf A12) with the mobile terminal 5C, and then read the two-dimensional code of the chemical M1 with the mobile terminal 5C. If the storage shelf number read from the two-dimensional code on storage shelf A12 and the chemical ID read from the two-dimensional code of the chemical M1 match the storage shelf number and chemical ID included in the filling and dispensing instruction, the control unit 51 displays information on the mobile terminal 5C indicating that the dispensing location is correct. This allows the filling operator to correctly dispensing the chemical M1. On the other hand, if the above information does not match, the control unit 51 displays error information on the mobile terminal 5C indicating that the dispensing location is incorrect. This allows the filling operator to recognize that the dispensing location of the chemical M1 is incorrect.

[0263] When the filling operator takes chemical M1 from storage shelf A12, they read the two-dimensional code placed (attached) to the storage box with their mobile terminal 5C. This associates the storage box's identification information with chemical M1. The control unit 51 then displays the read storage box's identification information (storage box number) on the filling operation screen. In this way, the filling operator performs the retrieval operation, placing each of the multiple types of chemicals displayed on the filling operation screen from the storage unit into the storage box.

[0264] Once the dispensing operation is complete, the filling operator carries the storage box to the equipment to be filled and performs the filling operation. For example, the filling operator fills each chemical in the storage box into the chemical storage section 671 of the sheet dispensing device, and then sets the chemical storage section 671 filled with chemicals into the chemical dispensing device 6.

[0265] When the chemicals are filled, the chemical dispensing device 6 updates the information in the storage unit master. In this manner, the chemical dispensing device 6 performs the filling process.

[0266] In addition to the processes described above, the drug dispensing device 6 performs drug dispensing processing. For example, the drug dispensing device 6 performs processing to dispense drugs from the drug storage unit 671 based on the prescription data. Specifically, the drug dispensing device 6 identifies the drug storage unit 671 corresponding to the drug indicated by the drug identification information included in the prescription data, based on the prescription data and the storage unit master 621, etc. Then, the drug dispensing device 6 dispenses a number of drugs from the identified drug storage unit 671 corresponding to the prescription amount indicated in the prescription data. When the drug dispensing device 6 dispenses drugs, it updates the information in the storage unit master 621.

[0267] Furthermore, if the total prescription amount corresponding to a predetermined number of prescription data exceeds the total capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the drug dispensing device 6 will perform a filling process for the drug (target drug) of the prescription data, and after the filling process, it will perform a dispensing process for the target drug. Also, if the total prescription amount corresponding to a predetermined number of prescription data is less than or equal to the total capacity of the drug dispensing device 6, the drug dispensing device 6 will omit the filling process and perform a dispensing process for the drug of the prescription data.

[0268] Furthermore, the chemical dispensing device 6 may print a filling list showing a list of chemicals that need to be filled using a printing unit. This allows the filling operator to easily determine which chemicals need to be filled into the chemical dispensing device 6 by referring to the filling list.

[0269] As described above, the dispensing support system 60 determines the expiration date of the target drug to be filled into the drug storage area of ​​the dispensing equipment and the amount of the target drug to be filled corresponding to that expiration date, based on the inventory quantity of the target drug by expiration date and the amount of the target drug that can be filled into the drug storage area of ​​the dispensing equipment, and outputs the amount of the target drug to be filled for the determined expiration date.

[0270] According to the above configuration, the dispensing support system 60 can determine expiration dates so that inventory of drugs with earlier expiration dates is filled preferentially, and can also determine the amount of drugs that can be filled into the drug storage area for drugs with the determined expiration dates.

[0271] This allows the filling operator to know the expiration date of the medication to be filled into the dispensing machine and the quantity of that medication to be filled, even if the inventory of medications that can be filled into the dispensing machine contains medications with different expiration dates. Therefore, the filling operator can perform the filling work efficiently.

[0272] Furthermore, the dispensing support system 60 may identify the target drug to be filled into the dispensing device based on the total prescribed amount for each drug calculated by aggregating multiple prescription data and the total amount of each drug contained in the dispensing device.

[0273] With the above configuration, for example, even if the total prescription quantity of a target drug exceeds the inventory quantity in the dispensing equipment when multiple prescription data are aggregated, the dispensing support system 60 can appropriately allocate the inventory quantity of the target drug to the currently available filling quantity. Therefore, since filling operations can be performed on multiple prescription data at once, the efficiency of the filling operation can be improved.

[0274] [3. Drug collection and distribution processing] Next, the specific configuration of the processing that supports the drug collection and sorting operations performed in the inspection area AR4 will be described. The center-side dispensing support device 5 performs processing that supports the drug collection operation and the sorting operation of distributing the collected drugs to the drug collection shelves. As shown in Figure 25, for example, the dispensing center P1 is equipped with the center-side dispensing support device 5, an in-center terminal 5A, dispensing equipment 5B, a mobile terminal 5C, a higher-level system 7, etc. The center-side dispensing support device 5, the in-center terminal 5A, the dispensing equipment 5B, the mobile terminal 5C, and the higher-level system 7 are connected to each other via the network N5 so as to be able to communicate. The center-side dispensing support device 5 alone may constitute the dispensing support system according to the present invention. The mobile terminal 5C is an operating terminal that can be carried by workers in the dispensing center P1. For example, a transport worker uses the mobile terminal 5C to perform transport operations, transporting the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) from the dispensing equipment 5B to the location of the drug collection shelves. For example, a drug collection worker can use a mobile terminal 5C to sort the dispensed medications (dispensing products) that have been transported to the drug collection shelf into the designated input slot (sorting destination) of the drug collection shelf.

[0275] The higher-level system 7 is an electronic medical record system, ordering system, or claims processing system that accepts registration operations for prescription data showing the details of drug prescriptions. Figure 26 shows an example of the prescription data registered in the higher-level system 7. The prescription data includes, for example, a prescription ID such as a prescription number, drug identification information such as the drug name to identify the drug, and drug information such as dosage, administration, dosage form, start date of administration, duration of administration, and end date of administration. The prescription data also includes patient information such as the name, gender, age, ward, attending physician, and attending pharmacist of the patient taking the drug. The prescription data also includes consignment information such as the date the dispensing center received the dispensing request (consignment) corresponding to the prescription data from the pharmacy (consignment date), the source of the dispensing request (consignor), and the scheduled date and time of shipment of the drug corresponding to the prescription data to the consignor (scheduled shipment date and time). The prescription data also includes information on the necessity of forms such as drug bags, drug tags, precautions, notebook labels, and drug information sheets.

[0276] The center-side dispensing support device 5 reads prescription data from the higher-level system 7 and inputs the prescription data into dispensing equipment 5B, such as a drug dispensing device. Specifically, the center-side dispensing support device 5 generates dispensing data necessary for dispensing in the dispensing equipment 5B based on the prescription data, and inputs this dispensing data into the dispensing equipment 5B as the prescription data. For example, if multiple dispensing equipment 5B are located in the dispensing center P1, the center-side dispensing support device 5 assigns the drugs that need to be dispensed to each of the dispensing equipment 5B based on the prescription data. Alternatively, instead of the center-side dispensing support device 5 reading the prescription data from the higher-level system 7, a configuration in which the prescription data is transmitted from the higher-level system 7 to the center-side dispensing support device 5 is also conceivable. Furthermore, the prescription data may be directly input from the higher-level system 7 to the dispensing equipment 5B.

[0277] Furthermore, the center-side dispensing support device 5 assists in the drug collection process, collecting the drugs dispensed by each dispensing machine 5B according to prescription data and handing them over to the inspection worker. The specific configuration of the center-side dispensing support device 5 is described below.

[0278] As shown in Figure 25, the center-side dispensing support device 5 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication interface 53, a display unit 54, an operation unit 55, and a drive device 56, among others.

[0279] The communication interface 53 is a communication interface for connecting the center-side dispensing support device 5 to the network N5, for example, by wire or wireless connection, and performs data communication with the center terminal 5A, dispensing equipment 5B, mobile terminal 5C, upper-level system 7, etc., which are connected via the network N5.

[0280] The memory unit 52 stores control programs, including a dispensing instruction program for causing the control unit 51 to execute the dispensing instruction process (see Figure 36) described later, and a drug distribution program for causing the control unit 51 to execute the drug distribution process (see Figure 37) described later.

[0281] The drive device 56 can read the control program from the computer-readable recording medium 57 on which the control program is recorded. In the center-side dispensing support device 5, the control unit 51 installs the control program read from the recording medium 57 by the drive device 56 into the storage unit 52.

[0282] As shown in Figure 25, the control unit 51 includes various processing units such as a dispensing instruction processing unit 521, a sorting processing unit 522, a notification processing unit 523, an inspection processing unit 524, a registration processing unit 525, and a transport processing unit 526. The control unit 51 functions as a dispensing instruction processing unit 521, a sorting processing unit 522, a notification processing unit 523, an inspection processing unit 524, a registration processing unit 525, and a transport processing unit 526 by executing various processes according to the control program.

[0283] Figures 27 to 29 show specific examples of drug collection, sorting, and inspection operations. The specific configuration of each processing unit will be explained using Figures 27 to 29.

[0284] Figure 27 shows the drug collection and sorting operations in inspection area AR4. Inspection area AR4 includes multiple drug collection and sorting areas where drug collection and sorting operations are performed, and multiple inspection areas where inspection operations are performed. For example, as shown in Figure 24, dispensing center P1 includes four drug collection and sorting areas Ka1 to Ka4 and four inspection areas Kb1 to Kb4. Each drug collection and sorting area Ka1 to Ka4 is staffed with drug collection workers to perform drug collection and sorting operations, and each inspection area Kb1 to Kb4 is staffed with inspection workers (e.g., pharmacists) to perform inspection operations. In this embodiment, two inspection workers are stationed in each inspection area, but the number of inspection workers stationed in each inspection area is not limited.

[0285] Figures 27 to 29 illustrate one drug collection and distribution area Ka1 and one inspection area Kb1 corresponding to the drug collection and distribution area Ka1. Drug collection worker X10 is stationed in drug collection and distribution area Ka1, and inspection workers X11 and X12 are stationed in inspection area Kb1.

[0286] The drug collection and distribution area Ka1 is equipped with a drug collection shelf J1, a center terminal 5A, and a reader rd. The drug collection shelf J1 has eight input slots r1 to r8, display units d1 to d8 positioned above each of the input slots r1 to r8, discharge slots f1 to f8, and discharge lamps e1 to e8. The input slots r1 to r8 on the front side of the drug collection shelf J1 (see Figure 27) and the discharge slots f1 to f8 on the back side (see Figure 28) are connected opening areas. A mounting platform is formed in each opening area, and storage trays t1 to t8 for storing drugs (dispensing products) transported from the dispensing equipment 5B are placed on each mounting platform. Storage trays t1 to t8 are an example of the storage section of the present invention.

[0287] For example, inspector X11 places empty storage trays t1-t4 onto the stand from each of the outlets f1-f4 on the back of the drug collection shelf J1, and inspector X12 places empty storage trays t5-t8 onto the stand from each of the outlets f5-f8 on the back of the drug collection shelf J1 (see Figure 27). The empty storage tray t10 is stacked on a shelf in the inspection area Kb1 (see Figure 28). Inspector X11 is responsible for inspecting the drugs that are placed into the four input ports r1-r4 of the drug collection shelf J1, and inspector X12 is responsible for inspecting the drugs that are placed into the four input ports r5-r8 of the drug collection shelf J1. One inspector may be responsible for inspecting all the drugs placed into a single drug collection shelf.

[0288] The drug collection worker X10 places each of the multiple drugs (dispensing products) in the storage box C1, which is placed on a cart W that has been transported to the drug collection and sorting area Ka1, into the storage tray of the designated input slot on the front side of the drug collection shelf J1. Specifically, when the drug collection worker X10 has the drug taken out of the storage box C1 read by the reader rd, the drug collection worker X10 places the drug into the storage tray of the input slot based on the input slot information (e.g., input slot number) contained in the display contents of the terminal 5A and the display units d1 to d8 within the center. The drug collection worker X10 is in charge of the drug collection and sorting area Ka1 assigned to him, and distributes the multiple drugs that have been transported to the drug collection and sorting area Ka1 to the respective input slots r1 to r8 of the drug collection shelf J1. Each of the drug collection and distribution areas Ka2 to Ka4 has the same configuration as drug collection and distribution area Ka1, and each of the inspection areas Kb2 to Kb4 has the same configuration as inspection area Kb1. In this embodiment, four drug collection shelves are arranged, and each drug collection shelf is provided with eight input and output ports. In this invention, the number of drug collection and distribution areas (number of drug collection shelves) and the number of inspection areas are not limited to four, but are set appropriately according to the size of the dispensing center, the number of client pharmacies, the number of prescription data to be received, etc.

[0289] The specific processing performed by the control unit 11, which supports the above-mentioned drug collection and distribution operations, is described below.

[0290] The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to each of the multiple dispensing devices 5B. The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 acquires prescription data (see Figure 26) from the higher-level system 7. For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 acquires multiple prescription data stored in the memory unit of the higher-level system 7 at a predetermined timing (time). The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 may have an upper limit set on the number of prescription data that can be acquired from the higher-level system 7. For example, the upper limit may be set to the maximum number of prescription data that can be dispensed, checked, and delivered on the same day. In the following, it will be assumed that the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 acquires N prescription data from the higher-level system 7.

[0291] Furthermore, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions for the medication to the dispensing machine 5B based on the acquired N prescription data. Specifically, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the number of groups (lots) to which the multiple (N) prescription data will be distributed, and the number of prescription data for each lot, based on the number of destinations (total number of input slots) for the medication to be placed in the inspection area where the dispensed medication is inspected. The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 then sequentially outputs dispensing instructions for the number of prescription data corresponding to the determined lot for each lot. For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the number of lots (number of groups) and the number of prescription data corresponding to each lot, based on the number of prescription data (N) and the number of input slots in the medication collection shelves corresponding to each inspection area. The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 then outputs dispensing instructions for the N prescription data to the dispensing machine 5B in lot units.

[0292] A specific example of how the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions is described below.

[0293] [Dispensing Instruction Output Method 1] In this embodiment, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 acquires 96 prescription data points (N=96) from the higher-level system 7. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are four drug collection / distribution areas Ka1 to Ka4 and four inspection areas Kb1 to Lb4. Each drug collection / distribution area is equipped with a drug collection shelf, each shelf having eight input slots. For example, in the example shown in Figure 27, the drug collection shelf J1 located in drug collection / distribution area Ka1 is provided with input slots r1 to r8, and input slots r1 to r8 correspond to inspection area Kb1. Each drug collection shelf has eight input slots.

[0294] In this case, as shown in Figure 30, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the total number of prescription data for the first lot to be the sum of the number of input slots ("8") corresponding to each of the four drug collection shelves ("32"). Similarly, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the total number of prescription data for the second and third lots to be the sum of the number of input slots ("8") corresponding to each of the four drug collection shelves ("32"). In this way, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 sets the number of prescription data for each lot to be the same. Here, as shown in Figure 30, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 acquires 96 prescription data and, since the total number of input slots is 32, determines that there will be 3 lots to distribute the 96 prescription data into, and determines that the number of prescription data for each lot will be 32. In this way, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the total number of input slots ("32") to be the number of prescription data for each lot.

[0295] The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 generates 32 prescription data for each of the first, second, and third lots. In Figure 30, "drug collection shelf 1" refers to a drug collection shelf located in drug collection and distribution area Ka1, "drug collection shelf 2" refers to a drug collection shelf located in drug collection and distribution area Ka2, "drug collection shelf 3" refers to a drug collection shelf located in drug collection and distribution area Ka3, and "drug collection shelf 4" refers to a drug collection shelf located in drug collection and distribution area Ka4.

[0296] For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 allocates 32 prescription data entries from the oldest date and time registered in the higher-level system 7 to the first lot, then allocates 32 prescription data entries from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, from the oldest date and time, to the third lot.

[0297] The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 then outputs 32 prescription data for the first lot to the dispensing machine 5B, followed by 32 prescription data for the second lot to the dispensing machine 5B, followed by 32 prescription data for the third lot to the dispensing machine 5B. The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 is an example of the determination processing unit and output processing unit of the present invention.

[0298] Here, it is desirable for the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 to output prescription data for each lot to the dispensing machine 5B at a timing that makes it less likely for the dispensing machine 5B to be waiting for dispensing instructions (inactive state). For example, as shown in Figure 31, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 32 prescription data of the first lot during the period from time ta1 to ta2. For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 prioritizes prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing and lowers the priority of prescription data of drugs that do require filling processing for the 32 prescription data of the first lot. During the period from time ta1 to ta2, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order of registration, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order of registration.

[0299] During the period from time ta2 to ta4, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the first lot according to the aforementioned priority order. For prescription data that requires filling, dispensing processing is performed after the filling process is completed. Once dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the first lot is completed (time ta4), the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta4 to ta7).

[0300] Here, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 32 prescription data of the second lot during the period from time ta3 to ta4 (the dispensing processing period for the first lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the second lot begins at the time (time ta4) when the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the first lot is completed. For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 prioritizes prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing and lowers the priority of prescription data of drugs that do require filling processing. During the period from time ta3 to ta4, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order they were registered, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order they were registered.

[0301] During the period from time ta4 to ta6, dispensing equipment 5B will perform dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the second lot according to the aforementioned priority order. For prescription data that requires filling, dispensing processing will be performed after the filling process is completed. Once dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the second lot is completed (time ta6), the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) will be transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection will be performed (times ta6 to ta9).

[0302] Similarly, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 32 prescription data of the third lot during the period from time ta5 to ta6 (the dispensing processing period for the second lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the second lot begins at the time (time ta6) when the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the second lot is completed. For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 prioritizes prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing and lowers the priority of prescription data of drugs that do require filling processing. During the period from time ta5 to ta6, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order they were registered, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order they were registered.

[0303] During the period from time ta6 to ta8, dispensing equipment 5B will perform dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the third lot according to the aforementioned priority order. For prescription data that requires filling, dispensing processing will be performed after the filling process is completed. Once dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the third lot is completed (time ta8), the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) will be transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection will be performed (times ta8 to ta10).

[0304] As described above, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions for prescription data for each lot so that dispensing processing for prescription data of the second lot begins after dispensing processing for prescription data of the first lot is completed, and dispensing processing for prescription data of the third lot begins after dispensing processing for prescription data of the second lot is completed. Furthermore, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions for multiple prescription data corresponding to the second lot based on the timing when dispensing processing for multiple prescription data corresponding to the first lot is completed, and outputs dispensing instructions for multiple prescription data corresponding to the third lot based on the timing when dispensing processing for multiple prescription data corresponding to the second lot is completed. In addition, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions for multiple prescription data corresponding to the second lot before dispensing processing for multiple prescription data corresponding to the first lot is completed, and outputs dispensing instructions for multiple prescription data corresponding to the third lot before dispensing processing for multiple prescription data corresponding to the second lot is completed.

[0305] According to the above configuration, the waiting time for dispensing instructions at dispensing machine 5B can be reduced, and the operating rate of dispensing machine 5B can be increased.

[0306] In the above configuration, it is possible that an overwork situation may occur in one of the operations, such as drug collection, sorting, or inspection, resulting in a backlog of dispensed medications. In this case, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 may adjust the timing of the dispensing instructions for each lot according to the status of the drug collection, sorting, and inspection operations.

[0307] For example, if the period ta4~ta7 for the drug collection, sorting, and inspection operations corresponding to the prescription data of the first lot exceeds a predetermined time, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 shifts the timing of the dispensing instruction for the prescription data of the third lot (time ta6) to a later date. As a result, the dispensing process for the third lot begins in the dispensing machine 5B after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the dispensing process for the second lot is completed (time ta6), thus eliminating delays in the drug collection, sorting, and inspection operations.

[0308] In another embodiment, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 may adjust the timing of dispensing instructions based on user operation. For example, if the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 detects that the period ta4 to ta7 of the drug collection, sorting, and inspection work corresponding to the prescription data of the first lot exceeds a predetermined time, it will notify the administrator terminal (mobile terminal 5C) of a warning, and if the administrator inputs a pause instruction on the administrator terminal, it will temporarily suspend the dispensing instructions for the prescription data of the third lot. Then, if the administrator checks the status of the drug collection, sorting, and inspection work and inputs a resume instruction on the administrator terminal, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 will output the dispensing instructions for the prescription data of the third lot.

[0309] [Dispensing Instruction Output Method 2] Figures 32 and 33 show other examples of how the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions.

[0310] For example, as shown in Figure 32, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 determines the number of prescription data for the first lot to be the sum of the number of input slots ("8") corresponding to each of the four drug collection shelves ("32"). The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 also determines the number of prescription data for the second to fifth lots to be half of the number of input slots ("8") corresponding to each of the four drug collection shelves ("16"). In this way, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 sets the number of prescription data for the first lot to be the same as the total number of input slots, and sets the number of prescription data for subsequent lots to half of the total number of input slots. Here, as shown in Figure 32, in order to acquire 96 prescription data, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 generates 32 prescription data for the first lot and 16 prescription data for each of the second to fifth lots.

[0311] For example, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 allocates 32 prescription data entries from the oldest date and time registered in the upper system 7 to the first lot, then allocates 16 prescription data entries from the oldest date and time,

[0312] The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 then outputs 32 prescription data for the first lot to the dispensing machine 5B, followed by 16 prescription data for the second lot, followed by 16 prescription data for the third lot, followed by 16 prescription data for the fourth lot, followed by 16 prescription data for the fifth lot.

[0313] Here, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 preferably outputs the prescription data for each lot to the dispensing machine 5B at a timing when it is less likely for the dispensing machine 5B to be in a waiting state for dispensing instructions (non-operating state), similar to the [dispensing instruction output method 1] described above. For the first lot, similar to the example shown in Figure 31, for example as shown in Figure 33, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B in the order of registration for prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B in the order of registration for prescription data of drugs that require filling processing.

[0314] During the period from time ta2 to ta4, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the first lot according to the aforementioned priority order. For prescription data that requires filling, dispensing processing is performed after the filling process is completed. Once dispensing processing for the 32 prescription data of the first lot is completed (time ta4), the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta4 to ta7).

[0315] Here, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 16 prescription data of the second lot during the period from time ta2 to ta3 (the dispensing processing period for the first lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the second lot begins before the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the first lot is completed, for example, when the dispensing processing of half of the prescription data of the first lot is completed (time ta3). During the period from time ta2 to ta3, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order they were registered, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order they were registered.

[0316] During the period from time ta3 to ta5, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the second lot according to the aforementioned priority order. Once the dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the second lot is completed (time ta5), the dispensed medications (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta6 to ta8).

[0317] Furthermore, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 16 prescription data of the third lot during the period from time ta3 to ta4 (the dispensing processing period for the first lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the first lot begins at the time (time ta4) when the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the first lot is completed. During the period from time ta3 to ta4, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order they were registered, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order they were registered.

[0318] During the period from time ta4 to ta6, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the third lot according to the aforementioned priority order. Once the dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the third lot is completed (time ta6), the dispensed medications (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta7 to ta9).

[0319] Furthermore, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 16 prescription data of the 4th lot during the period from time ta4 to ta5 (the dispensing processing period for the 2nd lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the 2nd lot begins at the time when the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the 4th lot is completed (time ta5). During the period from time ta4 to ta5, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing in the order they were registered, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the prescription data of drugs that require filling processing in the order they were registered.

[0320] During the period from time ta5 to ta7, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the 4th lot according to the aforementioned priority order. Once the dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the 4th lot is completed (time ta7), the dispensed drugs (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta8 to ta10).

[0321] Furthermore, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 optimizes the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B for the 16 prescription data of the 5th lot during the period from time ta5 to ta6 (the dispensing processing period for the 3rd lot), so that the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the 3rd lot begins at the time (time ta6) when the dispensing processing of the prescription data of the 5th lot is completed. During the period from time ta5 to ta6, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing machine 5B in the order of registration for prescription data of drugs that do not require filling processing, and outputs filling instructions to the dispensing machine 5B in the order of registration for prescription data of drugs that require filling processing.

[0322] During the period from time ta6 to ta8, dispensing equipment 5B performs dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the 5th lot according to the aforementioned priority order. Once the dispensing processing for the 16 prescription data of the 5th lot is completed (time ta8), the dispensed medications (dispensing products) are transported to the drug collection and sorting area, where drug collection, sorting, and inspection are performed (times ta9 to ta11).

[0323] As described above, in [Dispensing Instruction Output Method 2], the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions for prescription data for each lot so that dispensing processing for prescription data of the second lot starts after dispensing processing for half of the prescription data of the first lot is completed, dispensing processing for prescription data of the third lot starts after dispensing processing for all of the prescription data of the first lot is completed, dispensing processing for prescription data of the fourth lot starts after dispensing processing for all of the prescription data of the second lot is completed, and dispensing processing for prescription data of the fifth lot starts after dispensing processing for all of the prescription data of the third lot is completed. With this configuration, the waiting time for dispensing instructions in the dispensing machine 5B can be shortened and the operating rate of the dispensing machine 5B can be increased.

[0324] The dispensing instruction processing unit 521 divides a predetermined number of prescription data into lot units as described above and sequentially outputs dispensing instructions to the dispensing equipment 5B. The dispensing equipment 5B to which the dispensing instructions are output may be one unit or multiple units.

[0325] In this embodiment, multiple dispensing machines 5B are provided, each handling a different type of medication. For example, the dispensing machines 5B include a tablet packaging machine for dispensing tablets and a powder packaging machine for dispensing powders. That is, multiple prescription data sets contain prescription data for multiple types of medications, and the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 outputs dispensing instructions to each of the multiple dispensing machines 5B corresponding to each of the multiple types of medications for each lot. This allows for the unique effects of the above configuration, as shown below. For example, if the number of prescription data sets acquired from the higher-level system 7 is 96, and one of the 96 prescription data sets includes a powder (hereinafter referred to as prescription data A), the following problem may occur. For example, if the registration order of prescription data A is 90th, and the timing of outputting dispensing instructions to multiple dispensing machines 5B is optimized without dividing the 96 prescription data sets into lots, the dispensing instruction for prescription data A will be output to the powder packaging machine first, and dispensing will begin.

[0326] In this case, if prescription data A includes tablets, and each of the other 95 prescription data also includes tablets, the tablet packaging machine will output dispensing instructions for prescription data A in the order they are registered, resulting in dispensing starting as the 90th item. Therefore, once the powdered medication that has been dispensed first is transported to the collection and sorting area and placed in the designated input tray, that input tray will be occupied until the tablets have been dispensed and transported to the collection and sorting area, making it impossible to allocate it to other prescription data. This leads to a problem of reduced efficiency in dispensing and inspection work.

[0327] In contrast, according to the configurations of [Dispensing Instruction Output Method 1] and [Dispensing Instruction Output Method 2] described above, a predetermined number of prescription data are distributed to multiple lots and dispensing instructions are output sequentially. As a result, the time that the input port occupies for one prescription data is at most equal to the number of prescription data included in one lot, thus shortening the time that the input port occupies. This improves the efficiency of dispensing and inspection work.

[0328] Next, we will explain the handling of dispensed medications during transportation and collection.

[0329] The dispensing device 5B performs the dispensing process based on the dispensing instructions and discharges the dispensed medication (dispensing product). When the dispensing process is completed for each prescription data, the dispensing device 5B notifies the center-side dispensing support device 5 and the higher-level system 7. The center-side dispensing support device 5 and the higher-level system 7 register information indicating that the dispensing process has been completed in the prescription data (see Figure 34).

[0330] Here, the control unit 51 of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side pre-assigns a drug collection shelf to predetermined prescription data. For example, the control unit 51 pre-assigns one of drug collection shelves 1 to 4 to the 32 prescription data of the first lot. For example, the control unit 51 assigns drug collection shelf 1 to the first 8 prescription data in the registration order of the first lot, drug collection shelf 2 to the next 8 prescription data, drug collection shelf 3 to the next 8 prescription data, and drug collection shelf 4 to the next 8 prescription data. In this way, the prescription number (prescription ID) of each prescription data in the first lot is associated with the drug collection shelf identification information (drug collection shelf number).

[0331] A two-dimensional code (drug identification code) corresponding to the prescription number is affixed to the medication (dispensing output) discharged from the dispensing machine 5B. In addition, storage boxes C1 (foldable containers) for storing the dispensed medication are placed near the discharge port of the dispensing machine 5B. For example, four storage boxes C1 corresponding to each of the drug collection shelves 1 to 4 (drug collection and distribution areas Ka1 to Ka4) are placed near the discharge port of each dispensing machine 5B. For example, four storage boxes C1 are placed near the discharge port of the tablet packaging machine, and four storage boxes C1 are placed near the discharge port of the powder packaging machine. Each of the four storage boxes C1 may be affixed with a label that can identify each of the drug collection shelves 1 to 4. Alternatively, each of the four storage boxes C1 may be placed in a partitioned area near the discharge port corresponding to each of the drug collection shelves 1 to 4.

[0332] When dispensed medication is discharged from the dispensing machine 5B, the transport worker places the dispensed medication into the storage box C1. For example, when the dispensing process corresponding to the first lot is performed in the dispensing machine 5B, the transport worker reads the two-dimensional code attached to the dispensed medication using the mobile terminal 5C. When the control unit 51 obtains the reading information of the two-dimensional code from the mobile terminal 5C, it obtains the prescription number corresponding to the two-dimensional code and identifies the medication collection shelf associated with the prescription number (see Figure 34). When the control unit 51 displays the identified medication collection shelf information (medication collection shelf number) on the mobile terminal 5C, the transport worker places the dispensed medication into the storage box C1 corresponding to the medication collection shelf number. The transport worker repeats the process of placing the dispensed medication into the designated storage box C1 each time it is discharged.

[0333] Once the dispensing process for the first batch is complete, the transport worker collects the dispensed medication from the storage box C1 of the medication collection shelf 1 in each dispensing machine 5B and transports it to the medication collection shelf 1. Similarly, the transport worker collects the dispensed medication from the storage box C1 of the medication collection shelf 2 in each dispensing machine 5B and transports it to the medication collection shelf 2, collects the dispensed medication from the storage box C1 of the medication collection shelf 3 in each dispensing machine 5B and transports it to the medication collection shelf 3, and collects the dispensed medication from the storage box C1 of the medication collection shelf 4 in each dispensing machine 5B and transports it to the medication collection shelf 4. For example, as shown in Figure 27, the transport worker places the storage box C1 containing the dispensed medication corresponding to the medication collection shelf 1 on the trolley W and transports it to the medication collection shelf 1 (medication collection shelf J1).

[0334] When drug collection worker X10 receives storage box C1, he performs a sorting operation to distribute the dispensed drugs (hereinafter referred to as "drugs") contained in storage box C1 to drug collection shelf J1. The sorting processing unit 522 performs processing to support the aforementioned sorting operation.

[0335] Specifically, when drug collector X10 takes a drug from storage box C1 and has the reader rd on drug collection shelf J1 read the two-dimensional code attached to the drug, the sorting processing unit 522 obtains the prescription number of the drug. First, the sorting processing unit 522 determines whether the drug collection shelf (see Figure 34) associated with the obtained prescription number matches drug collection shelf J1 (drug collection shelf 1) at the location where the two-dimensional code was read. Note that the reader rd may be associated with the identification information of drug collection shelf J1. Also, the reader rd may be a device carried by drug collector X10.

[0336] The distribution processing unit 522 determines the destination of the medication by referring to the distribution information h1 (see Figure 35) if the medication collection shelf associated with the prescription number matches "Medication Collection Shelf 1". For example, if the distribution processing unit 522 does not yet associate a destination (distribution lane) with the prescription number, it assigns any distribution lane (in this case, distribution lane 2) from distribution lanes 1 to 8 of medication collection shelf 1 to the prescription number. The distribution processing unit 522 registers the prescription number (prescription ID) in association with distribution lane 2 of medication collection shelf 1 in the distribution information h1. The distribution processing unit 522 also registers "1" in the distribution flag when it associates the prescription ID with distribution lane 2. The distribution processing unit 522 also registers the medication information (medication ID, etc.) of the read medication in association with distribution lane 2 in the distribution information h1.

[0337] In this manner, the sorting processing unit 522 acquires drug identification information (prescription number) that can identify dispensed drugs, and identifies the sorting destination (sorting lane) corresponding to the drug indicated by the acquired drug identification information from among a plurality of sorting destinations (sorting lanes) where dispensed drugs are placed in the inspection area. The sorting processing unit 522 is an example of the acquisition processing unit and the identification processing unit of the present invention.

[0338] Furthermore, the sorting processing unit 522 gives instructions to the drug collector X10 to sort the drugs. Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, the sorting processing unit 522 displays information indicating the drug sorting lane 2 on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center, and lights up (or blinks) the display unit d2 corresponding to the sorting lane 2. In this way, the sorting processing unit 522 displays the identified sorting destination (sorting lane) in an identifiable manner. The sorting processing unit 522 may set the illumination time of the display unit d2 to a certain period of time. In this way, the display unit d2 turns off after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was lit. In this way, the sorting processing unit 522 displays the sorting destination in an identifiable manner for a predetermined time after the sorting destination has been identified, and hides the sorting destination when the predetermined time has been reached. Therefore, the risk of the drug collector X10 mistaking the illuminated location when reading the next drug for the illuminated location of the previous drug can be reduced. The sorting processing unit 522 is an example of the first display processing unit of the present invention.

[0339] When the drug collection worker X10 confirms that the display unit d2 is lit, he puts the drug through the input port r2 into the storage tray t2 placed on the platform of the sorting lane 2 (see Figure 27).

[0340] Thus, if no destination is registered for the prescription number, the distribution processing unit 522 distributes the drug to any destination for which no prescription number is registered. Alternatively, the distribution processing unit 522 may determine the destination corresponding to the drug based on the drug distribution status at each of the multiple destinations.

[0341] The drug collection worker X10 then takes out the drug stored in the storage box C1 and has the reader rd on the drug collection shelf J1 read the two-dimensional code attached to the drug, at which point the sorting processing unit 522 obtains the prescription number of the drug. If a sorting destination (sorting lane) is already associated with the obtained prescription number, the sorting processing unit 522 identifies the sorting lane (for example, sorting lane 2) among the sorting lanes 1 to 8 on the drug collection shelf 1 that is associated with the prescription number. The sorting processing unit 522 then registers the drug information (drug ID, etc.) of the read drug in the sorting information h1, associating it with sorting lane 2.

[0342] In this way, if the distribution processing unit 522 has not determined the distribution destination (distribution lane) for all of the multiple drugs included in the first prescription data, it determines a first distribution destination as the distribution destination corresponding to the first drug included in the multiple drugs indicated by the acquired drug identification information. If the first distribution destination has been determined for the first drug, it determines the first distribution destination as the distribution destination corresponding to the second drug included in the multiple drugs indicated by the acquired drug identification information. That is, if a distribution destination is registered for the prescription number, the distribution processing unit 522 distributes each of the multiple drugs corresponding to that prescription number to the same distribution destination. In the above example, since distribution lane 2 of the drug collection shelf 1 is associated with prescription ID "00000002", all drugs included in the prescription data of that prescription ID are distributed to distribution lane 2 of the drug collection shelf 1.

[0343] Furthermore, when all the drugs corresponding to the prescription number have been distributed to the drug collection shelf, the distribution processing unit 522 registers "1" as the distribution completion flag in the distribution information h1, associated with the prescription ID. In the example above, when all the drugs included in the prescription data for prescription ID "00000002" have been placed in the storage tray t2 of the distribution lane 2 of the drug collection shelf 1, the distribution processing unit 522 registers "1" as the distribution completion flag in the distribution information h1, associated with the prescription ID. This completes the distribution process for the prescription data for prescription ID "00000002".

[0344] However, there are cases where a transport worker transports the storage box C1 to a different collection shelf than the one it was intended for. For example, a transport worker might transport storage box C1, which should be transported to collection shelf 2, to collection shelf 1. In this case, when the drug collector X10 takes the drug out of storage box C1 and has the reader rd read it, the sorting processing unit 522 will display a message indicating that the collection shelf is different and the correct collection shelf information ("collection shelf 2") on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center, because the collection shelf associated with the prescription number of the drug ("collection shelf 2") does not match the collection shelf on the reader rd ("collection shelf 1"). In this case, the drug collector X10 hands over the drug to the drug collector in the drug collection / sorting area Ka2. This prevents the drug from being put into the wrong input port.

[0345] The notification processing unit 523 notifies the inspection worker of completion information when the prescription data sorting process is completed. Specifically, the notification processing unit 523 displays the identified sorting destination in an identifiable manner when the sorting of all drugs included in the prescription data to that destination is completed. For example, when all drugs in the prescription data of prescription ID "00000002" are placed in the storage tray t2 and the sorting process is completed, the notification processing unit 523 lights up the discharge lamp e2 provided at the discharge port f2 corresponding to the sorting lane 2, as shown in Figure 28. When the inspection worker X11 confirms that the discharge lamp e2 is lit, they pull out the storage tray t2 from the sorting lane 2 (see Figure 29). The notification processing unit 523 is an example of the second display processing unit of the present invention.

[0346] Here, each mounting platform on the drug collection shelf on which the storage trays are placed is provided with a tray detection unit b1 (see Figure 29). The control unit 51 determines whether or not a storage tray is present on the mounting platform based on the detection signal from the tray detection unit b1. For example, as shown in Figure 29, when a storage tray t2 is pulled out from the discharge port f2, the control unit 51 determines, based on the detection signal from the tray detection unit b1, that the storage tray t2 has been discharged from the mounting platform (i.e., the storage tray t2 is no longer present). If the control unit 51 determines that the storage tray t2 has been discharged from the mounting platform after the discharge lamp e2 has been lit, it turns off the discharge lamp e2 (see Figure 29).

[0347] When inspector X11 pulls out storage tray t2, he performs an inspection (details below) on the medication with prescription number (prescription ID "00000002") contained in storage tray t2. In addition, inspector X11 sets an empty storage tray t10 on the platform of sorting lane 2, which has become empty due to the removal of storage tray t2. Several empty storage trays t10 are temporarily placed on the storage shelves in inspection area Kb1. Sorting lane 2 with storage tray t10 set in it becomes available as a sorting lane for medications corresponding to other prescription numbers.

[0348] Furthermore, once the distribution process for all medications in the prescription data is complete and the storage tray t2 is withdrawn from the distribution lane 2 and an empty storage tray t10 is set, the control unit 51 deletes (resets) the information associated with distribution lane 2 in the distribution information h1 (see Figure 35) (distribution flag "1", prescription ID, medication information, tray number, distribution completion flag). This allows the distribution processing unit 522 to assign the prescription data (prescription number) of the next medication read in the drug collection / distribution area Ka1 to distribution lane 2.

[0349] Thus, the control unit 51 authorizes the allocation of new prescription data's drugs to the allocation destination when all drugs included in the prescription data allocated to the allocation destination have been discharged from the allocation destination. Furthermore, the control unit 51 authorizes the allocation of new prescription data's drugs to the allocation destination when the storage tray containing all drugs included in the prescription data allocated to the allocation destination has been discharged from the allocation destination and an empty storage tray without drugs has been placed in the allocation destination.

[0350] Here, there are cases where the number of drugs included in a single prescription data (prescription number) is large and cannot be accommodated in a single storage tray placed on the sorting lane. For example, when drug collection worker X10 has the reader rd on drug collection shelf J1 read the two-dimensional code attached to the drugs stored in storage box C1, the sorting processing unit 522 obtains the prescription number (prescription ID "00000007") of the drugs. If the drug collection shelf associated with the prescription number matches "drug collection shelf 1", the sorting processing unit 522 refers to the sorting information h1 (see Figure 35) and assigns sorting lane 3 to the prescription number. In the sorting information h1, the sorting processing unit 522 registers the prescription number (prescription ID) associating it with sorting lane 3 of drug collection shelf 1, registers "1" as the sorting flag, and registers the drug information of the read drugs as associated with sorting lane 3.

[0351] The sorting processing unit 522 displays information indicating the sorting lane 3 for the drug on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center, and lights up the display unit d2 corresponding to the sorting lane 3. When the drug collection worker X10 confirms that the display unit d2 is lit, he puts the drug from the input port r3 into the storage tray t3 placed on the platform of the sorting lane 3 (see Figure 27).

[0352] The drug collection worker X10 repeatedly places the drugs contained in the storage box C1 into the storage tray t3. When the drug collection worker X10 determines that there is no more space in the storage tray t3 and no more drugs can be placed in it, he selects the "Request Tray Replacement" button (see Figure 40) on the operation screen (distribution destination screen P103) displayed on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center. When the "Request Tray Replacement" button is pressed, the notification processing unit 523 emits an alarm sound. Upon confirming the request to replace the storage tray, the inspection worker X11 pulls out the storage tray t3 containing the drugs from the discharge port f3 of the distribution lane 3 and stores it on the storage shelf. The storage tray t20 in Figure 29 is an example of the stored storage tray t3. The inspection worker X11 then places an empty storage tray t10 on the platform of the distribution lane 3, which has become empty due to the removal of storage tray t3.

[0353] In another embodiment, when the "Tray Replacement Request" button is pressed, the notification processing unit 523 may illuminate the discharge lamp e3 provided at the discharge port f3 corresponding to the sorting lane 3 in a different manner than when the sorting process is completed (for example, by illuminating a different color), or it may display a request to replace the storage tray on the inspection terminal (center terminal 5A) of the inspection worker X11.

[0354] Furthermore, when the "Tray Exchange Request" button is pressed, the distribution processing unit 522 updates the number of trays associated with distribution lane 3 in the distribution information h1 (see Figure 35) to "2". The distribution processing unit 522 updates the number of trays each time the "Tray Exchange Request" button is pressed. When an empty storage tray t10 is set, the drug collector X10 repeats the process of putting the remaining drugs contained in the storage box C1 into the storage tray t10. In the example shown in Figure 35, drugs are being distributed into the second storage tray t10, and the distribution completion flag is "0". When all the remaining drugs included in the prescription data for prescription ID "00000007" have been put into the storage tray t10, the distribution processing unit 522 registers "1" as the distribution completion flag in the distribution information h1, associated with the prescription ID. This completes the distribution process for the prescription data for prescription ID "00000007". In this manner, the control unit 51 displays an operation screen that allows the user to select a request to replace the storage tray if all the medications included in the prescription data assigned to the destination cannot be accommodated in a single storage tray, and outputs an instruction to replace the storage tray if the request to replace the storage tray is selected.

[0355] When the prescription data sorting process is complete, the notification processing unit 523 notifies the inspection worker X11 of the completion information. For example, when all the remaining medications for prescription ID "00000007" are placed in the storage tray t10 and the sorting process is complete, the notification processing unit 523 lights up the discharge lamp e3. Upon confirming that the discharge lamp e3 is lit, the inspection worker X11 pulls out the storage tray t10 from the discharge port f3 of the sorting lane 3. The notification processing unit 523 also refers to the sorting information h1 (see Figure 35) and notifies the inspection worker X11 of information (an example of completion information) indicating that there are two storage trays (storage trays t3 and t10) containing the medications for prescription ID "00000007". The notification method may be to display it on the inspection worker X11's inspection terminal (center terminal 5A) or to provide voice guidance. Upon confirming the completion information, inspector X11 performs an inspection (details below) by combining the storage tray t3 stored on the storage shelf with the storage tray t10 retrieved from the sorting lane 3.

[0356] [Dispensing order processing] Referring to Figure 36, an example of the procedure for dispensing instruction processing performed in the center-side dispensing support device 5 will be described. The dispensing instruction processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5. The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for dispensing instruction processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 to execute the dispensing support method.

[0357] For example, the control unit 51 starts the dispensing instruction process when it acquires multiple prescription data stored in the storage unit of the higher-level system 7 at a predetermined timing (time).

[0358] <Step S701> First, in step S701, the control unit 51 acquires prescription data (see Figure 26) from the higher-level system 7. For example, the control unit 51 acquires 96 prescription data entries stored in the memory unit of the higher-level system 7 at a predetermined timing (time). If the maximum number of prescription data entries that can be dispensed, checked, and delivered on the same day at the dispensing center P1 is set to the upper limit, the control unit 51 acquires prescription data entries equal to or less than the upper limit at a predetermined timing if the number of accumulated prescription data entries is less than or equal to the upper limit, and acquires prescription data entries equal to the upper limit at a predetermined timing if the number of accumulated prescription data entries exceeds the upper limit. The control unit 51 may also acquire a number of prescription data entries corresponding to the total number of input ports that serve as destinations for drug distribution in the drug collection and distribution area. For example, if the total number of input ports is 100, the control unit 51 may acquire prescription data entries that are multiples of 100 (200, 300, 400, etc.).

[0359] <Step S702> In step S702, the control unit 51 determines the number of prescription data for each lot. Here, there are four drug collection and distribution areas Ka1 to Ka4 and four inspection areas Kb1 to Lb4, with drug collection shelves placed in each drug collection and distribution area (see Figure 24), and each drug collection shelf has eight input slots (see Figure 27). In this case, the dispensing instruction processing unit 521 sets the number of prescription data for each lot to be the same (see "Dispensing Instruction Output Method 1" above).

[0360] For example, as shown in Figure 30, the control unit 51 determines the number of prescription data for dispensing instructions in one lot to be the sum of the number of input slots ("8") corresponding to each of the four drug collection shelves ("32"). Once the control unit 51 determines the number of prescription data for one lot to be "32", it determines the number of lots to be "3" so as to satisfy the acquired number of prescription data "96". That is, the control unit 51 determines the number of prescription data for dispensing instructions in the first lot, the second lot, and the third lot to be "32".

[0361] The control unit 51 then distributes the 96 prescription data into the first lot, second lot, and third lot in the order in which they were registered in the higher-level system 7. For example, the control unit 51 distributes the 32 prescription data from the oldest to the 32nd oldest registered in the higher-level system 7 to the first lot, then distributes the 32 prescription data from the 33rd to the 64th oldest to the second lot, and then distributes the 32 prescription data from the 65th to the 96th oldest to the third lot.

[0362] <Step S703> In step S703, the control unit 51 determines the priority of prescription data for each lot. For example, the control unit 51 determines the priority of the order in which dispensing instructions will be output for the 32 prescription data of the first lot. For example, the control unit 51 gives a higher priority to prescription data of drugs that do not require filling and a lower priority to prescription data of drugs that do require filling. The control unit 51 may also determine the priority based on prescription information. For example, the control unit 51 gives a higher priority to prescription data that contains fewer types of drugs and a lower priority to prescription data that contains many types of drugs. The control unit 51 may also determine the priority so that prescription data containing the same drug appears consecutively.

[0363] <Step S704> In step S704, the control unit 51 outputs dispensing instructions for prescription data corresponding to one lot to the dispensing machine 5B. For example, the control unit 51 outputs dispensing instructions for 32 prescription data for the first lot to the dispensing machine 5B. Steps S703 and S704 correspond to the dispensing instruction period (times ta1-ta2, ta3-ta4, and ta5-ta6) in Figure 31. After step S704, the control unit 51 moves the processing to steps S705 and S711. The control unit 51 executes the processing in steps S705 and S711 in parallel.

[0364] <Step S705> In step S705, the control unit 51 determines whether or not there is a next lot. If the control unit 51 determines that there is a next lot (S705: Yes), it proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that there is no next lot (S705: No), it proceeds to step S706.

[0365] Here, since a second lot has been set for 96 prescription data (see Figure 30), the control unit 51 outputs dispensing instructions for the prescription data corresponding to the first lot to the dispensing machine 5B, and then proceeds to step S703. Returning to step S703, the control unit 51 performs a process to determine the priority order for outputting dispensing instructions for the 32 prescription data of the second lot.

[0366] <Step S711> In step S711, the control unit 51 determines whether the dispensing process for the lot for which a dispensing instruction has been output has been completed. For example, when the control unit 51 outputs a dispensing instruction for 32 prescription data of the first lot to the dispensing machine 5B, it determines whether the dispensing process for the 32 prescription data has been completed in the dispensing machine 5B. The control unit 51 determines that the dispensing process for the prescription data of the first lot has been completed when it receives a notification of completion of the dispensing process from the dispensing machine 5B. If the control unit 51 determines that the dispensing process for the prescription data of the target lot has been completed (S711: Yes), it proceeds to step S712. The control unit 51 waits until the dispensing process for the prescription data of the target lot is completed (S711: No).

[0367] <Step S712> In step S712, the control unit 51 registers information indicating that the dispensing process for the prescription data of the target lot has been completed. For example, when the dispensing process for the prescription data of the first lot is completed, the control unit 51 registers information indicating that the dispensing process has been completed in the prescription data for the first lot (see Figure 34).

[0368] <Step S713> In step S713, the control unit 51 determines whether or not there is a next lot. If the control unit 51 determines that there is a next lot (S713: Yes), it proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that there is no next lot (S713: No), it proceeds to step S706.

[0369] Here, since a second lot has been set for 96 prescription data (see Figure 30), the control unit 51 registers information indicating that the dispensing process has been completed for the prescription data corresponding to the first lot, and then proceeds to step S711. Returning to step S711, the control unit 51 performs a process to determine whether or not the dispensing process has been completed for the 32 prescription data of the second lot.

[0370] Here, in step S704, the control unit 51 outputs a dispensing instruction for prescription data corresponding to the second lot to the dispensing device 5B so that, for example, when the dispensing process for prescription data corresponding to the first lot is completed (S711: Yes), the dispensing process for prescription data corresponding to the second lot begins (during the period from time ta3 to ta4 in Figure 31).

[0371] <Step S706> In step S706, the control unit 51 determines whether the dispensing process has been completed for all lot prescription data. Here, the control unit 51 determines whether the dispensing process has been completed for the 96 prescription data included in the first lot, second lot, and third lot. If the control unit 51 determines that the dispensing process has been completed for all lot prescription data (S706: Yes), it proceeds to step S701 and repeats the above process. The control unit 51 then terminates the dispensing instruction process once it has finished acquiring prescription data from the higher-level system 7.

[0372] As described above, the control unit 51, each time it acquires a predetermined number of prescription data, executes the dispensing instruction process, which involves distributing the prescription data into multiple lots and outputting a dispensing instruction at the optimal timing for each lot.

[0373] [Chemical sorting process] Referring to Figure 37, an example of the procedure for drug sorting processing performed in the center-side dispensing support device 5 will be described. The drug sorting processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5. The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure for the drug sorting processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 to execute the dispensing support method.

[0374] For example, the control unit 51 starts the drug sorting process when a storage box C1 containing multiple dispensed drugs (dispensing products) corresponding to a predetermined lot is transported to the drug collection shelf in the drug collection and sorting area (see Figure 27), and a drug collection worker has the drug in storage box C1 read by the reader rd.

[0375] <Step S801> First, in step S801, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has obtained the prescription number for the drug. For example, when a storage box C1 containing multiple drugs corresponding to the first lot is transported to the drug collection shelf J1 (see Figure 27), the drug collector X10 takes one drug from the storage box C1 and has the reader rd read its two-dimensional code. The control unit 51 obtains the prescription number from the two-dimensional code of the drug. If the control unit 51 obtains the prescription number for the drug (S801: Yes), it moves the process to step S802. The control unit 51 waits until it has obtained the prescription number for the drug (S801: No).

[0376] Furthermore, when the control unit 51 obtains the prescription number of a drug, it displays the work status screen P101 shown in Figure 38 on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center. The work status screen P101 displays information about the drugs included in the prescription data corresponding to the prescription number, and the work status of the sorting operation. For example, in the example shown in Figure 38, drug M1 indicates that the sorting operation has been completed, drug M2 indicates that the sorting operation is in progress, and drugs M3 and M4 indicate that the sorting operation is awaiting (before reading).

[0377] <Step S802> In step S802, the control unit 51 determines whether the drug collection shelf (see Figure 34) associated with the acquired prescription number matches drug collection shelf J1 (drug collection shelf 1) at the location where the two-dimensional code was read. If the drug collection shelf associated with the prescription number matches "drug collection shelf 1" (S802: Yes), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S803. On the other hand, if the drug collection shelf associated with the prescription number does not match "drug collection shelf 1" (S802: No), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S821.

[0378] <Step S821> In step S821, the control unit 51 notifies of an error. Specifically, the control unit 51 displays a message indicating that the drug collection shelf is incorrect, along with the information of the correct drug collection shelf, on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center. For example, the control unit 51 displays the error screen P102 shown in Figure 39 on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center. As a result, drug collection worker X10 hands over the drug to the drug collection worker responsible for the drug collection and distribution area of ​​the correct drug collection shelf. After notifying of the error, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S801 and waits until it can obtain the prescription number for the next drug.

[0379] <Step S803> In step S803, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a distribution destination (distribution lane) is associated with the prescription number (i.e., registered). For example, the control unit 51 refers to the distribution information h1 (see Figure 35) and determines whether or not the prescription number (prescription ID) is registered and associated with one of the distribution lanes 1 to 8 of the drug collection shelf 1. If the prescription number is associated with a distribution destination (distribution lane) (i.e., registered), the control unit 51 moves the process to step S804. On the other hand, if the prescription number is not associated with a distribution destination (distribution lane) (i.e., not registered), the control unit 51 moves the process to step S831.

[0380] <Step S804> In step S804, the control unit 51 displays information about the distribution destination (distribution lane) associated with the prescription number. Specifically, the control unit 51 displays information indicating the distribution lane associated with the prescription number on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center, and lights up (or blinks) the display unit corresponding to the distribution lane. Figure 27 shows an example where the information for "Distribution Lane 2" is displayed on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center, and the display unit d2 corresponding to "Distribution Lane 2" is lit up. The control unit 51 may also display the distribution destination screen P103 shown in Figure 40 on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center. The distribution destination screen P103 displays the prescription number, drug information, and distribution destination (distribution lane) information. This makes it easy for the drug collection worker X10 to understand the distribution destination (input destination) of the drug. After step S804, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S805. Furthermore, in step S804, the control unit 51 registers the drug information (drug ID, etc.) of the read drug in the distribution information h1 (see Figure 35) and associates it with the distribution lane.

[0381] <Step S831> In step S831, the control unit 51 determines an arbitrary distribution destination to which no prescription number is registered. In the above example, the control unit 51 determines an arbitrary distribution lane (an empty distribution lane) from distribution lanes 1 to 8 of the drug collection shelf 1 to which no prescription number is associated. Once the control unit 51 has determined a distribution lane, it registers the prescription number (prescription ID) associated with that distribution lane in the distribution information h1. The control unit 51 also registers "1" in the distribution flag after associating the prescription ID with the distribution lane. The control unit 51 also registers the drug information (drug ID, etc.) of the read drug to the distribution lane in the distribution information h1.

[0382] <Step S832> In step S832, the control unit 51 displays the information of the distribution destination (distribution lane) determined in step S831. Specifically, the control unit 51 displays the information indicating the distribution lane on the display unit of the terminal 5A within the center, and also lights up (or blinks) the display unit corresponding to the distribution lane. After step S832, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S805.

[0383] <Step S805> In step S805, the control unit 51 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the distribution destination was displayed (S804, S832). If the control unit 51 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the distribution destination was displayed (S805: Yes), it proceeds to step S806. The control unit 51 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed since the distribution destination was displayed (S805: No).

[0384] <Step S806> In step S806, the control unit 51 hides the display of the sorting destination. Specifically, the control unit 51 deletes the sorting lane information displayed on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center (see Figure 27) and turns off the illuminated display unit (see display unit d2 in Figure 27). In this way, when the drug collector X10 scans the two-dimensional code of the drug, the sorting destination information for that drug is displayed for a predetermined time. The drug collector X10 places the drug into the storage tray of the sorting lane while the sorting destination information is displayed (within the predetermined time). If the drug collector X10 is carrying a mobile terminal 5C, the control unit 51 may also display the sorting destination information on the mobile terminal 5C. The mobile terminal 5C may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or mobile phone, or a wearable device such as smart glasses that can be worn on the body.

[0385] <Step S807> In step S807, the control unit 51 determines whether the distribution of all medications for the prescription number has been completed. Specifically, the control unit 51 refers to the prescription data (see Figure 26) and determines whether all medications associated with the prescription ID have been read by the reader rd. The control unit 51 determines that the distribution of all medications for the prescription number has been completed if all medications associated with the prescription ID have been read by the reader rd. If the control unit 51 determines that the distribution of all medications for the prescription number has been completed (S807: Yes), it proceeds to step S808. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that the distribution of all medications for the prescription number has not been completed (S807: No), it proceeds to step S801. The control unit 51 repeatedly executes the above process until the distribution of all medications for the prescription number has been completed.

[0386] <Step S808> In step S808, the control unit 51 lights up the discharge lamp. For example, when the sorting process for all medications with prescription numbers assigned to sorting lane 2 is completed, the control unit 51 lights up the discharge lamp e2 provided at the discharge port f2 of sorting lane 2, as shown in Figure 28. The control unit 51 may also emit an alarm sound when lighting up the discharge lamp.

[0387] <Step S809> In step S809, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the storage tray has been discharged. Specifically, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the storage tray has been discharged based on the detection signal from the tray detection unit provided on the platform on which the storage tray is placed. For example, when the inspector X11 confirms that the discharge lamp e2 is lit, he pulls out the storage tray t2 from the sorting lane 2 (see Figure 29). As a result, the tray detection unit b1 no longer detects the storage tray t2, and the control unit 51 determines that the storage tray t2 has been discharged.

[0388] The control unit 51 may also notify an error if the storage tray t2 is not discharged within a predetermined time after the discharge lamp e2 is lit.

[0389] When inspector X11 pulls out storage tray t2 from sorting lane 2, he sets an empty storage tray t10 on the platform of sorting lane 2. When the tray detection unit b1 detects storage tray t10, the control unit 51 deletes (resets) the information associated with sorting lane 2 in the sorting information h1 (see Figure 35) (sorting flag "1", prescription ID, drug information, number of trays, sorting completion flag) and updates sorting lane 2 to a usable state. Inspector X11 performs inspection work on the drugs in storage tray t2.

[0390] If the control unit 51 determines that the storage tray has been ejected and an empty storage tray has been set (S809: Yes), it proceeds to step S801 and repeats the above process. The control unit 51 waits until the storage tray has been ejected and an empty storage tray has been set (S809: No).

[0391] If all the medications included in a single prescription data (prescription number) cannot be contained in a single storage tray placed on the sorting lane, the medication collector X10 selects the "Request Tray Exchange" button K1 on the operation screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal 5A in the center (for example, the sorting destination screen P103 shown in Figure 40). When the "Request Tray Exchange" button K1 is pressed, the control unit 51 lights up the discharge lamp provided at the discharge port corresponding to the sorting lane or emits an alarm sound. Upon confirming the request to exchange the storage tray, the inspector X11 pulls out the storage tray containing the medications and stores it on the storage shelf, and sets an empty storage tray on the loading platform of the sorting lane, which is now empty. At this time, the control unit 51 updates the number of trays associated with the sorting lane in the sorting information h1 (see Figure 35). In this way, if the medications included in a single prescription data (prescription number) are contained in multiple storage trays, the inspector X11 performs the inspection work on all of these multiple storage trays together.

[0392] As described above, the control unit 51 executes the drug distribution process to distribute the drug each time the two-dimensional code of the drug is read and the prescription number is obtained.

[0393] As described above, the dispensing support system according to this embodiment determines the number of groups (lots) to which multiple prescription data are distributed and the number of prescription data for each group, based on the number of destinations (total number of input slots) for the dispensed drugs placed in the inspection area where the dispensed drugs are inspected, and sequentially outputs dispensing instructions for the number of prescription data corresponding to the determined group for each group.

[0394] With the above configuration, dispensing instructions can be output on a lot-by-lot basis for multiple prescription data obtained, thus preventing the concentration of dispensed drugs in the inspection area and reducing the efficiency of inspection work. Furthermore, since it becomes unnecessary to stop dispensing instructions to the dispensing machines to avoid the concentration of drugs in the inspection area, the efficiency of dispensing work can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of drug dispensing and inspection work at a dispensing center (dispensing facility).

[0395] [4. Inspection Process] Next, we will explain the inspection process carried out in inspection area AR4. In addition to the drug collection and sorting operations mentioned above, inspection work and post-inspection transportation work are also carried out in inspection area AR4.

[0396] For example, once the drug collection worker has finished sorting the medications from the prescription data, the inspector pulls out the storage tray from the drug collection shelf and performs an inspection of the medications contained in the storage tray. For example, as shown in Figure 29, when inspector X11 pulls out storage tray t2 containing the medications from prescription ID "00000002" from the outlet f2 of sorting lane 2, he / she performs an inspection of the prescription data. For example, inspector X11 performs the inspection using an inspection terminal (internal terminal 5A).

[0397] The control unit 51 (see Figure 25) of the dispensing support device 5 on the center side performs verification processing for each prescription data. Specifically, when the verification worker X11 inputs or reads the prescription number for prescription ID "00000002" on the verification terminal, the control unit 51 displays the prescription data information (prescription information), images taken during dispensing, etc., for prescription ID "00000002" (see Figure 26) on the verification terminal of the verification worker X11. The verification worker then checks whether the medications are all the same as prescribed based on the displayed information.

[0398] Furthermore, the control unit 51 displays an evidence screen (see Figure 19) containing evidence information, prompting the inspector to review the evidence information. The inspector reviews the evidence information and, if there are no problems, presses the "Approve" button. If the inspector reviews the evidence information and determines that there are problems, they press the "Register Comment" button and enter and register a comment on the comment registration screen (see Figure 20). In another embodiment, the control unit 51 may register the inspection screen P202 (see Figure 44), described later, as the evidence screen.

[0399] Furthermore, the control unit 51 prints documents based on the document information regarding the necessity of documents such as medicine bags, medicine tags, precautions, notebook labels, and medication information included in the prescription data.

[0400] Furthermore, once the inspection is complete, the control unit 51 issues an inspection certificate (see Figure 56), as described later. The control unit 51 may register the inspection certificate data in association with the prescription data, or it may print out the inspection certificate so that it can be attached to the medication. Alternatively, for example, the inspection certificate may be provided to the pharmacy that commissioned the dispensing request.

[0401] The specific processing performed by the control unit 51 that supports the above inspection work is described below. The inspection processing unit 524, registration processing unit 525, and transport processing unit 526 included in the control unit 51 perform processing (inspection support processing) that supports the above inspection work.

[0402] Specifically, the inspection processing unit 524 inspects the prescription data of dispensed medications. For example, the inspection processing unit 524 displays various screens (prescription information screen, medication bag placement screen, inspection screen, evidence screen, etc.) on the inspection terminal (center terminal 5A) for the inspector to perform the inspection work, and also displays information regarding the next steps after the inspection. The inspector checks each of the above screens and performs tasks such as inspecting the medication and placing the medication into the medication bag.

[0403] The registration processing unit 525 executes a registration process when the prescription data review is completed, which associates the prescription data identification information (prescription ID), work information indicating the post-review work process for the reviewed drugs, and the identification information (tray number) of the tray (transport tray) that contains the reviewed drugs and distributes them to the work area for the work process. The registration processing unit 525 does not execute the registration process until the prescription data review is completed. In other words, the registration processing unit 525 executes the registration process only if the prescription data review is completed.

[0404] After the registration process by the registration processing unit 525 is completed, the transport processing unit 526 performs a transport process to transport the transport tray containing the inspected drugs to the work area for the next task, based on the drug prescription information. For example, the transport processing unit 526 transports the transport tray to the drug dispensing area AR6 for drug dispensing work (see Figure 24), the delivery area AR5 for delivery work (see Figure 24), etc., based on the work information (drug dispensing, normal delivery, emergency delivery, etc.) associated with the prescription data.

[0405] Figure 41 shows an overview of an example of the inspection support processing procedure. Specifically, when an inspector pulls out a storage tray containing drugs from the sorting lane and reads the drug identification code provided on the drugs in the storage tray, the inspection processing unit 524 obtains the prescription number corresponding to the drug identification code (step S11). For example, when all the drugs in prescription data for prescription ID "00000002" are placed in storage tray t2 and the sorting process is completed and the discharge lamp e2 lights up, inspector X11 pulls out storage tray t2 from sorting lane 2 (see Figure 29) and reads the drug identification code of any drug in storage tray t2 using the reader. As a result, the inspection processing unit 524 obtains the prescription number corresponding to the drug identification code.

[0406] Next, in step S12, the inspection processing unit 524 checks the status of the prescription data. Specifically, the inspection processing unit 524 checks whether the prescription data for the prescription number is in a state where it can be inspected. For example, if the sorting process has been completed for all the drugs in the prescription data for the prescription number, the inspection processing unit 524 determines that the prescription can be inspected (initial inspection). Also, for example, if the prescription data for the prescription number is rejected, recalled, etc., and redispensing is performed, and the sorting process has been completed thereafter, the inspection processing unit 524 determines that the prescription data can be inspected (re-inspected). Also, for example, if it is necessary to recall the drugs for the prescription for the prescription number due to a recall, cancellation of the prescription, etc., the inspection processing unit 524 determines that the prescription data cannot be inspected. The inspection processing unit 524 displays whether inspection is possible or not on the inspection terminal (center terminal 5A). Furthermore, the inspection processing unit 524 may omit displaying a message indicating that inspection is possible if inspection is possible, and may display a message indicating that inspection is impossible if inspection is impossible.

[0407] Furthermore, if the verification processing unit 524 determines that the prescription data for the prescription number can be verified, it prints the necessary forms. For example, the verification processing unit 524 prints the forms corresponding to the prescription number based on the form information regarding the necessity of forms such as medicine bags, medicine tags, precautions, notebook labels, and medicine information.

[0408] Furthermore, the inspection processing unit 524 checks whether a storage tray (storage tray t20 in Figure 29) exists in the storage shelf (temporary holding shelf). For example, if the "Tray Exchange Request" button (see Figure 40) is selected in the sorting process, the drugs included in a single prescription are divided and stored in multiple storage trays. The inspection processing unit 524 refers to the sorting information h1 (see Figure 35) and checks whether the number of trays corresponding to the prescription number is "1" or multiple. If there are multiple storage trays to be inspected, the inspection processing unit 524 may display a message on the terminal 5A in the center indicating that there are multiple storage trays. Also, if storage tray t20 exists in the storage shelf, the inspection processing unit 524 may display a message prompting the inspector to read the drug identification code of the drug in storage tray t20. This allows the inspector to read the drug identification codes of any drug in storage tray t2 and any drug in storage tray t20.

[0409] Next, in step S13, the verification processing unit 524 displays the prescription information on the terminal 5A within the center. Specifically, the verification processing unit 524 displays the prescription information of the prescription data if verification of the prescription data is possible. Here, the display modes for prescription information include "prescription mode" and "dispensing mode". The verification operator can select either display mode. For example, if the verification operator presses the "dispensing" tab Tb1 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43), the verification processing unit 524 displays the prescription information in dispensing mode (see Figure 42). Also, if the verification operator presses the "prescription" tab Tb2 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43), the verification processing unit 524 displays the prescription information in prescription mode (see Figure 43). In "dispensing mode", the verification processing unit 524 displays the medications in dispensing Rp units. This allows inspectors to visually inspect each individual package of medication, for example, from a tablet packaging machine, using captured images. Furthermore, in "dispensing mode," the inspection processing unit 524 may, for example, create sub-numbers within the dispensing RP to divide and display the information according to the time of administration when multiple packages are prepared consecutively for morning, noon, and evening doses (so-called vertical split packaging). In other words, in the case of vertical split packaging, the unit to be inspected is by time of administration, so the inspection processing unit 524 may display the information in units of inspection.

[0410] Here, if the inspector selects a record (row) of the drug to be inspected (dispensing Rp) on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figure 42) in "dispensing mode" (S14: Yes), in step S141, the inspection processing unit 524 displays the inspection screen P202 shown in Figure 44 on the terminal 5A within the center. For example, the inspection processing unit 524 acquires images of the front and back of each tablet before packaging and images of each drug package after packaging, which are performed by the tablet packaging machine, and displays them on the inspection screen P202. The inspector performs the inspection for each dispensing Rp while checking the images on the inspection screen P202 and presses "Approve Inspection" or "Not Approved Inspection". The inspection processing unit 524 registers the approval or rejection for each dispensing Rp.

[0411] Once the reviewing operator has completed the review of all medications in the prescription data, they press the "Review Complete" button B1 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43). If the reviewing processing unit 524 approves the review of all medications in the prescription data and the review is completed (S15: Yes), it moves the process to step S16. In step S16, the reviewing operator places the reviewed medications into the designated medication bags. After step S16, the reviewing processing unit 524 moves the process to step S17. On the other hand, if the "Review Complete" button B1 is pressed while the prescription data contains medications that have failed the review (S15: No), the reviewing processing unit 524 moves the process to step S17.

[0412] In step S17, the inspection processing unit 524 displays a next-task confirmation screen P203 on terminal 5A within the center, which shows the work process after inspection. The work process after inspection includes tasks such as dispensing the inspected drugs and delivering the inspected drugs. Specifically, if the inspected prescription data is prescription data to be dispensed, the inspection processing unit 524 displays a next-task confirmation screen P203 (see Figure 45) indicating that the inspected drugs (drug bags containing the drugs) from the said prescription data will be transported to the dispensing area (dispensing area AR6 shown in Figure 24). Also, if the inspected prescription data is not prescription data to be dispensed and is not prescription data to be shipped urgently, the inspection processing unit 524 displays a next-task confirmation screen P203 (see Figure 46) indicating that the inspected drugs (drug bags containing the drugs) from the said prescription data will be transported to the sorting area in the delivery area (delivery area AR5 shown in Figure 24). Furthermore, if the inspection processing unit 524 finds that the inspected prescription data is not for dispensing and is for emergency shipment, it displays a next-task confirmation screen P203 (see Figure 47) indicating that the inspected medication (medication bag containing the medication) will be transported to the shipment area within the delivery area (delivery area AR5). Emergency shipments are carried out when an urgent dispensing request is made by a pharmacy or other party that has commissioned the dispensing request, or when the deadline for normal delivery is approaching after redispensing. In normal shipments (regular delivery), the medication is shipped at a predetermined time (shipping time).

[0413] The inspector can easily understand the content of the next task by checking the next task confirmation screen P203 (see Figures 45-47). After checking the next task confirmation screen P203, the inspector presses the "Execute Next Task" button B3. In this way, the inspector can confirm the content of the next task for the prescription data by reading the drug identification code of any drug that has already been inspected.

[0414] When the inspector presses the "Execute Next Task" button B3, in step S18, the registration processing unit 525 executes the registration process for transport trays containing the inspected drugs to be transported to the next work area (delivery area AR5, dispensing area AR6, etc.). Specifically, when the inspector presses the "Execute Next Task" button B3 on the next task confirmation screen P203 (see Figure 45) when the inspector has completed the inspection, the registration processing unit 525 displays the transport tray registration screen P204 (see Figure 48A) on the terminal 5A in the center. The transport tray registration screen P204 displays the prescription number, the content of the next work process, the number of transport trays (number of trays), and the identification information of the transport trays (tray number). The inspector picks up any empty tray (transport tray) located in the inspection area, reads the tray identification code (an example of the storage unit identification information of the present invention) provided on the transport tray, and presses the "Registration Complete" button B4 (see Figure 48B). When the registration processing unit 525 reads the tray identification code of the transport tray, it registers the next work process, the number of trays, and the tray number in association with the prescription number (prescription ID). For example, the registration processing unit 525 registers the prescription ID, the next work process, the number of trays, and the tray number in association with the transport tray information Td1 (see Figure 49) stored in the storage unit 52 (see Figure 25).

[0415] As described above, when the verification of prescription data for dispensed drugs is completed, the registration processing unit 525 displays the work information for the next work process on the operation screen (next work confirmation screen P203), and when it receives a predetermined user operation (for example, a confirmation operation) on the operation screen, it executes the registration process for the transport tray. Furthermore, when the verification of prescription data is completed and the verified drugs are placed in the drug bag, the registration processing unit 525 displays the work information on the operation screen (next work confirmation screen P203). Furthermore, after receiving the user operation, the registration processing unit 525 executes the registration process when the tray identification code provided on the transport tray is read. Here, the work process includes the process of dispensing drugs and the process of delivering drugs, and the registration processing unit 525 identifies the work process for drugs based on the prescription information of the drugs. Note that the work process may include a retrieval operation to collect drugs that fail verification or are subject to recall (see Figure 49).

[0416] Once the registration processing unit 525 completes the registration process for the transport tray, the transport processing unit 526 transports the transport tray to the destination (next work area). Specifically, after the registration processing by the registration processing unit 525 is performed, the transport processing unit 526 transports the transport tray containing the inspected medication (medication bag containing the medication) to the dispensing area AR6 for dispensing work, the delivery area AR5 for delivery work, the collection area, etc., based on the prescription information of the medication. The prescription information includes information related to the dispensing of the medication (whether or not dispensing work is performed, information on the dispensing calendar, etc.) and information related to the delivery of the medication (delivery destination, scheduled delivery date and time, etc.).

[0417] For example, when an inspector sets (places) a transport tray containing inspected medications onto the transport device 5E (see Figure 24), the transport processing unit 526 reads the tray identification code of the transport tray to identify the destination of the transport tray (delivery area AR5, dispensing area AR6, collection area, etc.) and transports the transport tray to the identified destination via the transport line. The transport device 5E may be configured as an automated transport device that transports the transport object to its destination according to the commands of the control unit 51. Alternatively, the transport processing unit 526 may read the medication identification code of the medications in the transport tray to identify the destination and transport the transport tray. In the dispensing area AR6, dispensing workers receive the medications in the transport tray and perform dispensing work. In the sorting area of ​​the delivery area AR5, sorting workers receive the medications in the transport tray or in the storage box containing the transport tray and perform sorting work, for example, sorting the medications according to the delivery area and destination (pharmacy, residential facility, patient's home, etc.). In addition, in the shipping area of ​​delivery area AR5, shipping workers receive medications in transport trays or in storage boxes containing the transport trays, and carry out shipping operations to deliver them to pharmacies, patients' homes, or patient care facilities. In the collection area, collection workers collect medications that have failed inspection or are subject to recall.

[0418] As described above, the control unit 51 executes an inspection process for each prescription data once the sorting process is complete, and once the inspection process is complete, it presents the inspection worker with information regarding the next task following the inspection (see Figures 45 to 47). Furthermore, once the inspection worker confirms the next task, the control unit 51 executes a registration process for transporting the medication to the work area where the next task will be performed (delivery area AR5, dispensing area AR6, collection area, etc.) (see Figures 48 and 49).

[0419] Next, an example of various screens that the control unit 51 displays on the inspection terminal (center terminal 5A) during the inspection support process will be described.

[0420] For example, when a reviewing worker presses the "Reprint Medicine Bag, etc." button B2 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43), the reviewing processing unit 524 displays the form selection screen P205 (see Figure 50) and accepts the reviewing worker's selection of forms. The reviewing processing unit 524 then prints the forms selected by the reviewing worker.

[0421] For example, when the inspector presses the "Inspection Complete" button B1 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43), the inspection processing unit 524 displays the medicine bag input screen P206 (see Figure 51). The inspector places each medicine into the medicine bag while checking the medicine bag input screen P206. Specifically, the inspector reads the medicine bag identification code on the medicine bag and the medicine identification code on the medicine. For example, when the inspector checks the medicine bag input screen P206 and reads the medicine identification code of the medicine, the inspection processing unit 524 displays the medicine bag reading screen P207 shown in Figure 52, prompting the inspector to read the medicine bag identification code on the medicine bag.

[0422] When the inspector reads the medicine bag identification code on the medicine bag, the inspection processing unit 524 compares the prescription number (prescription ID) associated with the medicine's identification code with the prescription number (prescription ID) associated with the medicine bag identification code on the medicine bag. If the two match, the inspection processing unit displays "OK" in the "Input Confirmation" section corresponding to the medicine (dispensing Rp) on the medicine bag input screen P206 (see Figure 51). Upon confirming "OK," the inspector places the medicine into the medicine bag. The inspection processing unit 524 may change the display color of the medicine (record) that has been matched instead of displaying "OK." The inspector performs the above operation for all medicines displayed on the medicine bag input screen P206. The inspector can easily perform the input work because they can understand which medicines to put into the medicine bag and the progress of the input work based on the information displayed on the medicine bag input screen P206.

[0423] The inspector presses the "Input Complete" button B5 after placing all the medications from the inspected prescription data into the medication bag. When the inspector presses the "Input Complete" button B5, the inspection processing unit 524 displays the next task confirmation screen P203 (see Figures 45 to 47). The inspection processing unit 524 may also display the "Input Complete" button B5 on the medication bag input screen P206 (as a pop-up) when the process of placing all the medications from the inspected prescription data has been completed.

[0424] For example, if an inspector presses "Inspection Failed" for any drug on the inspection screen P202 (see Figure 44) and then presses the "Inspection Completed" button B1 on the prescription details screen P201 (see Figures 42 and 43), the inspection processing unit 524 displays a retrieval confirmation screen P208 (see Figure 53) which includes a message prompting the retrieval of the drugs that failed inspection. The retrieval confirmation screen P208 displays the inspection results, prescription number, drugs that were approved for inspection, and drugs that were not approved for inspection (drugs that failed inspection). If the inspector presses the "Perform Next Task" button B6 on the retrieval confirmation screen P208, the registration processing unit 525 displays the transport tray registration screen P204 (see Figure 48A). Here, the registration processing unit 525 displays "Move to Temporary Hold Shelf" in the "Next Task" section of the transport tray registration screen P204. The inspector places the approved drugs into a transport tray and registers the transport tray. The inspector also places the drugs that fail inspection into a recovery tray and moves it to the recovery area. Once the transport tray is moved to the temporary holding shelf, the drugs that failed inspection are re-dispensed, and once re-dispensing is complete, the inspection processing unit 524 performs a re-inspection.

[0425] Furthermore, if the prescription data includes both approved and unapproved medications, the registration processing unit 525 registers the drug ID of the approved medication, the corresponding work information for that medication, and the tray number of the transport tray containing that medication in association with each other, as well as the drug ID of the unapproved medication, the corresponding work information for that medication, and the tray number of the retrieval tray containing that medication in association with each other.

[0426] [Inspection support processing] Referring to Figures 54 and 55, the details of the inspection support processing procedure performed in the center-side dispensing support device 5 will be described. The inspection support processing is performed by the control unit 51 of the center-side dispensing support device 5. The present invention may also be considered as a dispensing support method that performs part or all of the processing procedure of the inspection support processing, or as an invention of a dispensing support program that causes a computer such as the center-side dispensing support device 5 to perform the dispensing support method.

[0427] <Step S901> First, in step S901, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has obtained the prescription number for the drug. For example, when the sorting process for prescription data with prescription ID "00000002" is completed and the discharge lamp e2 located at the discharge port f2 corresponding to sorting lane 2 lights up, the inspector X11 pulls out the storage tray t2 from the discharge port f2 (see Figure 29). Then, the inspector X11 selects "Inspect" on the menu screen displayed on the terminal 5A in the center (not shown). As a result, the control unit 51 starts the inspection process and displays a screen for reading the drug identification code provided on the drug. The inspector X11 reads the drug identification code of one of the drugs in the storage tray t2 using the reader. The inspector X11 may also input the prescription number instead of reading the drug identification code. The control unit 51 obtains the prescription number corresponding to the drug identification code. When the control unit 51 obtains a prescription number (S901:Yes), it moves the process to step S902. The control unit 51 waits until it obtains a prescription number (S901:No).

[0428] In another embodiment, for example, if the drug identification code provided on the drug is damaged and the reader is unable to read the drug identification code correctly (i.e., a reading error occurs), the control unit 51 may reissue a prescription label including the drug identification code. In this case, the control unit 51 may, for example, display a prescription label reissue screen (not shown) and reissue the prescription label in response to the drug selection operation by the inspection worker.

[0429] <Step S902> In step S902, the control unit 51 determines whether or not inspection is possible. The control unit 51 determines that inspection is impossible if the prescription data to be inspected includes a drug subject to recall, or if the requesting party (pharmacy, etc.) has instructed the cancellation of the dispensing request for the prescription data to be inspected (S902: No). On the other hand, the control unit 51 determines that inspection is possible if the prescription data to be inspected does not include a drug subject to recall, and if there has been no instruction to cancel the dispensing request for the prescription data to be inspected, i.e., if all the drugs to be inspected are available (S902: Yes). If the inspection fails on the first attempt, the control unit 51 determines that inspection is possible once all the re-dispensed drugs are available. If the control unit 51 determines that inspection is possible (S902: Yes), it proceeds to step S903. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that inspection is impossible (S902: No), it moves the process to step S931.

[0430] <Step S931> In step S931, the control unit 51 registers the recall of the drug. For example, if the drug in the prescription data to be reviewed includes a drug subject to recall, or if a cancellation instruction has been given for the dispensing request for the prescription data to be reviewed, the control unit 51 displays a message indicating that the drug is subject to recall and registers it as a drug to be recalled. The reviewing worker then proceeds with the recall operation, for example, by placing the recalled drug in a recall tray. For example, the recall tray is transported to the recall area by a transport line. After step S931, the control unit 51 returns to step S901 and performs the process of acquiring other prescription numbers.

[0431] <Step S903> In step S903, the control unit 51 determines whether the item to be inspected is being inspected for the first time or for a re-inspection. For example, if the read prescription number is associated with information such as inspection failure or re-dispensing information after recall, the control unit 51 determines that it is not being inspected for the first time (it is being inspected for a re-inspection). If the control unit 51 determines that the item to be inspected is being inspected for the first time (S903: Yes), it proceeds to step S941. On the other hand, if the control unit 51 determines that the item to be inspected is being inspected for a re-inspection (S903: No), it proceeds to step S904.

[0432] <Step S941> In step S941, the control unit 51 executes the printing process for the forms. Specifically, the control unit 51 prints the forms corresponding to the read prescription number based on the form information (information regarding the necessity of forms such as medicine bags, medicine tags, precautions, notebook labels, and medication information) that has been pre-associated with the prescription number (see Figure 26). After step S941, the control unit 51 moves the process to step S907.

[0433] <Step S904> In step S904, the control unit 51 determines whether or not a hold tray exists in the temporary hold shelf. For example, if the prescription data includes both drugs that were approved and drugs that were rejected during the initial review, the approved drugs are placed in a hold tray and stored in the temporary hold shelf. Information such as review approval, review rejection, and temporary hold is associated with the prescription number in the prescription data and registered. In this case, if a drug that was rejected is redispensed, and the reviewing worker reads the drug identification code of the redispensed drug, the control unit 51 determines that a hold tray exists in the temporary hold shelf based on the acquired prescription number. If the control unit 51 determines that a hold tray exists in the temporary hold shelf (S904: Yes), it proceeds to step S905.

[0434] Furthermore, for example, if all medications fail the initial review of the prescription data, the hold tray will not be stored in the temporary hold shelf, and the prescription number in the prescription data will be associated with the information that all medications failed the review. In this case, all medications will be redispensed, and when the medication identification code of the redispensed medications is read, the control unit 51 determines that there is no hold tray in the temporary hold shelf based on the acquired prescription number. When the control unit 51 determines that there is no hold tray in the temporary hold shelf (S904: No), it proceeds to step S907.

[0435] <Step S905> In step S905, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has obtained the prescription number of the drug contained in the holding tray. For example, the inspector reads the drug identification code of one of the drugs in the holding tray using the reader. For example, if the control unit 51 obtains the prescription number of the drug in the storage tray t2 and determines that the information of the holding tray is associated with that prescription number, it displays a message prompting the inspector to read the drug identification code of the drug in the holding tray. This ensures that the inspector does not forget to read the drug in the holding tray.

[0436] The inspector may, instead of reading the drug identification code of the drug in the holding tray, perform the operation of entering the prescription number. The control unit 51 obtains the prescription number corresponding to the drug identification code. When the control unit 51 obtains the prescription number (S905:Yes), it moves the process to step S906. The control unit 51 waits until it obtains the prescription number (S905:No).

[0437] <Step S906> In step S906, the control unit 51 determines whether the prescription number obtained in step S905 matches the prescription number obtained in step S901. If the control unit 51 determines that the two prescription numbers match (S906: Yes), it proceeds to step S907; if it determines that the two prescription numbers do not match (S906: No), it proceeds to step S961.

[0438] <Step S961> In step S961, the control unit 51 displays an error message indicating that the drug to be inspected is different. The control unit 51 may also display a message prompting the operator to read the drug with the same prescription data as the prescription number obtained in step S901. After step S961, the control unit 51 returns to step S905. Upon confirming the message, the inspector takes the correct hold tray from the temporary hold shelf and performs the prescription number reading operation again (S905). This prevents the operator from taking the wrong hold tray.

[0439] <Step S907> In step S907, the control unit 51 displays prescription information for the prescription data to be reviewed. Specifically, the control unit 51 displays prescription information including bibliographic information such as the prescription number, pharmacy name, patient information, and dispensing information corresponding to the prescription data to be reviewed, as well as drug information related to the drugs. For example, the control unit 51 displays the prescription information in either "prescription mode" or "dispensing mode" display mode. If "dispensing mode" is set as the initial setting of the display mode, the control unit 51 displays the prescription details screen P201 shown in Figure 42 when it becomes ready for review (Yes in S903 or Yes in S906). In the prescription details screen P201 shown in Figure 42, drugs are displayed in units of dispensing Rp.

[0440] The inspector can switch the display mode to "Prescription Mode" by pressing the "Prescription" tab Tb2 on the prescription details screen P201 shown in Figure 42. When the inspector presses the "Prescription" tab Tb2, the control unit 51 displays the prescription details screen P201 shown in Figure 43.

[0441] <Step S908> In step S908, the control unit 51 performs the inspection process. The inspector performs the inspection for each drug by referring to the prescription details screen P201. For example, the inspector selects the record (row) of the drug to be inspected (dispensing Rp) on the prescription details screen P201 shown in Figure 42. The control unit 51 displays the dispensing images of the selected drug (dispensing Rp) on the inspection screen P202 shown in Figure 44, for example, images of the front and back of each tablet before dispensing by the tablet packaging machine, and images of each drug package after dispensing. The inspector checks each of the images on the inspection screen P202 and selects the inspection result ("Inspection Approved" or "Inspection Failed").

[0442] Furthermore, on the inspection screen P202, inspectors can view the actual captured image from a closer position by pressing the "Mouse Follow" button. In addition, inspectors can rotate the captured image of the drug on the inspection screen P202 as needed. For example, inspectors can rotate the captured image of the drug so that it is easier for the pharmacist at the dispensing pharmacy (the client) to view on the inspection screen P202. In addition, inspectors can replace the captured image of the drug on the inspection screen P202. For example, inspectors can replace the image if the front and back of one drug package are reversed compared to the images of other drug packages.

[0443] Furthermore, the inspector can input comments such as information regarding any doubts as needed. The inspector can also contact the pharmacy that commissioned the dispensi...

Claims

1. A dispensing support system comprising a registration processing unit that, upon receiving a user request for completion of the review of prescription data of dispensed drugs and for reading the storage unit identification information of a storage unit that stores the reviewed drugs from the prescription data and distributes them to the work area for the post-review work process for those drugs, registers the drug identification information of the reviewed drugs from the prescription data, work information indicating the work process, and the storage unit identification information in association.

2. The registration processing unit displays the work information on the operation screen when it receives the completion operation from the user, and executes the registration process when it receives a predetermined user operation on the operation screen. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

3. When the registration processing unit receives an operation from the user to read the medicine bag identification code provided on the medicine bag and the medicine identification code provided on the medicine, it displays the operation information on the operation screen. The dispensing support system according to claim 2.

4. The registration processing unit executes the registration process when it receives the user operation and reads the identification code provided in the storage unit. The dispensing support system according to claim 3.

5. The registration processing unit further registers the quantity of the storage unit from which the identification code has been read during the registration process. The dispensing support system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned work process includes the process of dispensing the drugs and the process of delivering the drugs. The registration processing unit identifies the work process for the drug based on the drug formulation information. A dispensing support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The system further includes a transport processing unit that, after the registration processing unit has performed the registration processing, transports the storage unit containing the reviewed prescription data to the work area of ​​the work process identified based on the prescription information of the drug. The dispensing support system according to claim 6.

8. The prescription information includes information regarding the dispensing of the drug and information regarding the delivery destination of the drug. The dispensing support system according to claim 7.

9. When the identification code provided in the storage unit is read, the transport processing unit transports the storage unit to the work area of ​​the work process identified based on the prescription data corresponding to the identification code. The dispensing support system according to claim 7.

10. If there are drugs that were not approved in the review of the prescription data, the registration processing unit registers work information related to the process of recovering the drugs. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

11. The registration processing unit will not execute the registration process until the review of the prescription data is completed. The dispensing support system according to claim 1.

12. A dispensing support method in which, when one or more processors receive from a user an operation to complete the verification of prescription data of dispensed drugs and an operation to read the storage unit identification information of a storage unit that stores the drugs from the verified prescription data and distributes them to a work area for a post-verification work process for the drugs, the method performs the following actions: register the drug identification information of the drugs from the verified prescription data, work information indicating the work process, and the storage unit identification information in association with each other.

13. A dispensing support program that, upon receiving a user request for completion of the review of prescription data of dispensed drugs, and for reading the storage unit identification information of a storage unit that stores the reviewed drugs from the prescription data and distributes them to the work area for the post-review work process for those drugs, causes one or more processors to perform the following actions: register the drug identification information of the reviewed drugs from the prescription data, the work information indicating the work process, and the storage unit identification information in association with each other.

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