Pharmacy management system

Abstract

To provide a dispensing pharmacy management system capable of improving reliability of dispensing pharmacies.SOLUTION: In a dispensing pharmacy management system that manages a dispensing pharmacy 1, the dispensing pharmacy has a first dispensing room 12 that handles a first drug, and a second dispensing room 13 that handles a second drug that is more strictly regulated than the first drug and is provided within the first dispensing room. The dispensing pharmacy management system comprises: a first identity verification device 115(2) that is provided at a first gate 122 for entering and exiting the first dispensing room, and verifies the identity of a person entering the room; a second identity verification device 115(3) that is provided at a second gate 132 for entering and exiting from the first dispensing room to the second dispensing room, and verifies the identity of a person entering the room; and a management device 110 that is connected to the first identity verification device and the second identity verification device, unlocks the first gate when identity verification by the first identity verification device is successful, and unlocks the second gate when identity verification by the second identity verification device is successful.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing pharmacy management system.

Background Art

[0002] There is a demand for a system that strictly manages entry and exit to prevent suspicious persons from entering or exiting the dispensing room and the potent drug room. To achieve this, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique in which an identification detection tag is attached to each stored article such as hazardous materials, the articles are stored in a prescribed location, a scanner that detects the identification detection tag is provided at the entrance / exit to the location, and the scanner checks against an ID card carried by a pre-registered person to monitor who has taken out the stored article.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, entry management using an ID card is only performed once, so there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of fraud prevention.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing pharmacy management system capable of improving the reliability of a dispensing pharmacy.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] To solve the above problems, a pharmacy management system according to one aspect of the present invention is a pharmacy management system for managing a pharmacy, wherein the pharmacy has a first dispensing room that handles a first drug, and a second dispensing room that handles a second drug which is more strictly regulated than the first drug and is located within the first dispensing room, and comprises a first identity verification device provided at a first gate for entering and exiting the first dispensing room and verifying the identity of the person entering, a second identity verification device provided at a second gate for entering and exiting from the first dispensing room to the second dispensing room and verifying the identity of the person entering, and a management device connected to the first and second identity verification devices, which unlocks the first gate if identity verification by the first identity verification device is successful, and unlocks the second gate if identity verification by the second identity verification device is successful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, identity verification can be performed using a first identity verification device when entering and exiting the first dispensing room, and also using a second identity verification device when entering and exiting the second dispensing room within the first dispensing room, thereby improving the reliability of the dispensing pharmacy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the pharmacy management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the identity verification unit. [Figure 3] External view of the identity verification unit. [Figure 4] External view of another identity verification unit. [Figure 5] An external view of yet another identity verification unit. [Figure 6] Diagram of the dispensing server configuration. [Figure 7] A flowchart for registering pharmacists who are permitted to enter and exit the premises. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the process of unlocking a door. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the control process of a dispensing and picking system. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the pharmacy management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the process from prescription receipt to dispensing instructions. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing picking system. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating the control process of a dispensing and picking system. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the pharmacy management system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] A flowchart illustrating the process for controlling the display on the waiting room screen. [Figure 16] A flowchart illustrating the process for controlling the display on the dispensing room screen. [Figure 17] An explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of an automated delivery robot according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] An explanatory diagram showing another example of an automated delivery robot. [Figure 19] A flowchart illustrating the process of delivering medicine bags using automated delivery robots. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The pharmacy management system of this embodiment registers pharmacists U1 who are allowed to enter and exit the pharmacy 1 in advance. In this embodiment, a highly toxic drug room 13 is provided within the dispensing room 12, and identity verification is performed each time a pharmacist enters or exits the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13. For pharmacists who are permitted to enter the highly toxic drug room 13, identity verification is performed in two stages: identity verification in the dispensing room and identity verification in the highly toxic drug room.

[0010] A personal identification unit 115 serving as an "apparatus for personal identification" performs personal identification using, for example, a personal identification document with a facial photograph such as a driver's license. In personal identification, a plurality of processes are performed, for example, including determining whether the personal identification document is authentic, determining whether a facial photograph captured at the time matches a facial photograph printed or stored on the personal identification document, and determining whether a face can be captured in the orientation instructed by the personal identification unit. As will be described later, a method for simplifying the personal identification process is also provided.

[0011] In the present embodiment, strict entry management for pharmacists is implemented, and automation (semi-automation) of dispensing work is also implemented. Accordingly, in the dispensing pharmacy management system of the present embodiment, the dispensing server 110 issues instructions to each of the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131, so that dispensing work is correctly performed by a pharmacist who has entry qualification.

[0012] In the present embodiment, a waiting room display 401 and dispensing room displays 402 and 403 are provided. The waiting room display displays the progress status of dispensing work for each prescription, and the dispensing room displays 402 and 403 display information such as the names of drugs to be dispensed. Accordingly, a patient U2 waiting for a drug can check the preparation status of his or her drug, and pharmacists can mutually monitor whether incorrect dispensing is performed in the dispensing room and the potent drug room.

[0013] In the present embodiment, by using an automatic delivery robot, a drug bag can also be delivered to a patient (or a person who is authorized to receive the drug bag on behalf of the patient) inside or outside the dispensing pharmacy. Accordingly, the number of operating staff of the dispensing pharmacy and the operating cost can be reduced, and the occurrence of human error when handing over the drug bag can be prevented.

[0014] In the present embodiment configured as described above, the management of the dispensing pharmacy 1 can be automated (or semi-automated), and the operating cost can be reduced while improving the reliability of the dispensing pharmacy.

Examples

[0015] The first embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 9. Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the pharmacy management system. At pharmacy 1, pharmacist U1 dispenses medication based on prescription 101 issued by medical institution 2, and the dispensed medication is placed in a medicine bag 102 and given to the patient. An instruction manual 103 is also attached to the medicine bag 102.

[0016] First, let's describe medical institution 2. Medical institution 2 is equipped with a prescription management client 211, which is a device for issuing prescriptions, and a printer 212 connected to the prescription management client 211. When a doctor (not shown) enters prescription information into the prescription management client 211, the prescription printer 212 prints prescription 101.

[0017] This section describes Pharmacy 1. Pharmacy 1 includes a reception counter 11, a dispensing room 12, and a highly toxic drug room 13. Dispensing room 12 is an example of a "first dispensing room." Highly toxic drug room 13 is an example of a "second dispensing room." The space in front of the reception counter 11 serves as a waiting area. The reception counter 11 is equipped with a reception client 111 and a prescription reader 112. Information from the prescription 101 read by the prescription reader 112 is transmitted from the reception client 111 to the dispensing server 110.

[0018] Between the reception desk 11 and the dispensing room 12, there is a management client 114 and a management identity verification unit 115(1), and a dispensing room identity verification unit 115(2) as the "first identity verification device." The dispensing room identity verification unit 115(2) is a device that verifies the identity of pharmacist U1 when they enter the dispensing room 12. If the identity verification by the dispensing room identity verification unit 115(2) is successful, the electric lock 1221 (described later in Figure 6) on the dispensing room door 122 is unlocked. After pharmacist U1 enters, the door 122 is automatically locked. Identity verification may also be performed when pharmacist U1 leaves the dispensing room 12.

[0019] The dispensing room 12 is a space where medications are dispensed. A highly toxic drug room 13 is located within the dispensing room 12. The dispensing room 12 is equipped with, for example, a dispensing server 110, a dispensing client 116, a printer 117, a general medication dispensing picking system 121, and an identity verification unit 115(3) for the highly toxic drug room.

[0020] The dispensing server 110 is a computer that controls the functions of the dispensing pharmacy 1. The dispensing client 116 is a computer terminal that prints instructions 103 about the dispensed medication from the printer 117.

[0021] The drug detection unit 115(3) for the drug detection room is a device that verifies the identity of pharmacist U1, who has entry authority, when he enters the drug detection room 13, and is an example of a "second identity detection device". If identity verification by the drug detection unit 115(3) for the drug detection room is successful, the electric lock 1321 (described later in Figure 6) of the drug detection room door 132 is unlocked. After pharmacist U1 enters, the door 132 is automatically locked. Identity verification may also be performed when pharmacist U1 leaves the drug detection room 13. Door 122 is an example of a "first gate". Door 132 is an example of a "second gate".

[0022] The standard medicine dispensing picking system 121 controls the opening and closing of each shelf in the standard medicine storage room 123 (described later in Figure 12) which stores standard medicines. Each shelf contains a predetermined number of a predetermined standard medicine, and the quantities of these stored standard medicines are managed by the dispensing server 110.

[0023] Similarly, the drug picking system 131 for drug-containing substances installed in the drug-containing substance room 13 controls the opening and closing of each shelf in the drug-containing substance storage room 133 (described later in Figure 12) where the drug-containing substances are stored. Each shelf contains a predetermined number of a predetermined drug-containing substance, and the quantities of these stored drugs are managed by the dispensing server 110. Ordinary drugs are an example of "first-class drugs," and drug-containing substances are an example of "second-class drugs."

[0024] First, let's explain the overall flow. A detailed flowchart will be provided later. Patient U2 submits prescription 101, received from a doctor, to pharmacist U1 at the dispensing reception counter 11 of pharmacy 1. Pharmacist U1 uses a prescription reader 112 connected to the reception client 111 to read the information (prescription information) written on prescription 101. The prescription reader 112 is configured like an optical scanner device with character recognition capabilities. The prescription reader 112 may also be a smartphone with character recognition capabilities.

[0025] Pharmacist U1 checks the character recognition results of the prescription information by the prescription reading unit 112, and if there are no problems, registers them with the dispensing server 110. If there are problems with the character recognition results, pharmacist U1 corrects them and registers them with the dispensing server 110.

[0026] The operator of pharmacy 1 uses a management client 114 to pre-register pharmacist U1, who is authorized to enter the dispensing room 12 and the highly toxic drug room 13, with the dispensing server 110. The management client 114 is electrically connected to the management identity verification unit 115(1) and the dispensing server 110. The management identity verification unit 115(1) reads information from photo ID documents such as a driver's license, and the read information is transmitted from the management client 114 to the dispensing server 110 for registration.

[0027] Pharmacist U1 attempting to enter dispensing room 12 is verified by the dispensing room identity verification unit 115(2). For identity verification to confirm that the pharmacist is pre-registered, a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport is used. The identity verification unit 115(2) checks the authenticity of the ID, compares the face image of the person taken with the face image on the ID, and confirms whether the photo can be taken in the instructed orientation (immediacy using liveness image capture). If identity verification is successful, the identity verification unit 115(2) sends a message to the dispensing server 110 indicating that identity verification was successful. The dispensing server 110 unlocks the electric lock 1221 on the dispensing door 122. As a result, pharmacist U1 enters dispensing room 12.

[0028] Prescription information registered in the dispensing server 110 is sent to the ordinary drug dispensing picking system 121. Pharmacist U1 in the dispensing room 12 retrieves the prescribed amount of ordinary drugs from the drug storage according to the prescription information and dispenses them. If the prescription information includes highly toxic drugs, pharmacist U1 undergoes identity verification at the highly toxic drug room identity verification unit 115(3) and enters the highly toxic drug room 13.

[0029] Prescription information registered in the dispensing server 110 is also sent to the highly toxic drug dispensing picking system 131. Pharmacist U1 in the highly toxic drug room 13 retrieves the specified amount of highly toxic drug from the highly toxic drug storage room according to the prescription information and dispenses it.

[0030] Once dispensing is complete, pharmacist U1 uses the dispensing client 116 to print out the instruction manual 103 from the printer 117. Pharmacist U1 hands over the medicine bag 102 containing the dispensed medication and the instruction manual 103 to patient U2 at the reception desk 11. Hereafter, when identity verification units 115(1) to 115(3) are not distinguished, they will be abbreviated as identity verification unit 115.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the identity verification unit 115. The identity verification unit 115 includes, for example, a control unit 1150, a user interface unit 1151, a camera 1152, an identity verification document reading unit 1153, and a communication unit 1154. In the figure, the user interface is abbreviated as "UI".

[0032] The control unit 1150 is a computer having a processor and memory (not shown), and for example, it implements a management code management unit 11501, a media authenticity verification unit 11502, and a personal identity verification unit 11503.

[0033] The management code management unit 11501 issues and manages management codes that serve as triggers for initiating identity verification processing by the identity verification unit 115. These management codes can take the form of multi-digit numbers, two-dimensional codes, three-dimensional codes, etc. The management code is linked to information identifying pharmacist U1 and initiates identity verification processing to confirm whether the person in front of the identity verification unit 115 is the registered pharmacist U1. Note that if the number of pharmacists U1 is small, it is not necessary to initiate identity verification using a management code.

[0034] The media authenticity verification unit 11502 verifies whether the identity verification document is authentic. The media authenticity verification unit 11502 determines whether the identity verification document is genuine based, for example, on the consistency of the characters and number sequences written on both sides of the identity verification document, the presence or absence of a watermark, the presence or absence of an IC chip embedded in the identity verification document, and the serial number of the IC chip.

[0035] The identity verification unit 11503 determines whether the person standing in front of the identity verification unit 115 is the pre-registered pharmacist U1. The identity verification unit 11503 determines whether the person who entered the management code is the pharmacist by comparing the image printed on the identity verification document or the image recorded on the IC chip embedded in the identity verification document with the image taken by the camera 1152.

[0036] The identity verification unit 11503 can also prevent impersonation by instructing pharmacist U1 on the direction of their face and taking a photograph of pharmacist U1's face when they comply with the instructions.

[0037] The identity verification unit 11503 can perform identity verification not only by matching facial images, but also by using biometric information such as finger vein patterns. Furthermore, as described later, the identity verification unit 11503 can also perform simplified identity verification processes.

[0038] The user interface unit 1151 is a device that exchanges information with the pharmacist U1 operating the identity verification unit 115. The user interface unit 1151 has the function of outputting and providing information, and the function of receiving input information. The user interface unit 1151 is equipped with, for example, a touch panel, a microphone, a speaker, etc. A tablet terminal equipped with a touch panel, a microphone, a speaker, etc. can also be used as the user interface unit 1151.

[0039] Camera 1152 captures images of pharmacist U1. Camera 1152 can also capture images continuously. There may be one camera 1152 or multiple cameras.

[0040] The identity verification document reading unit 1153 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as reading unit 113) is a device that reads information from identity verification documents. The reading unit 1153 can read information printed on both sides of the identity verification document and information recorded on the IC chip embedded in the identity verification document. The reading unit 1153 may also be equipped with a function to read biometric information such as the finger vein pattern of pharmacist U1.

[0041] The communication unit 1154 is a device that communicates bidirectionally with the dispensing server 110. The communication unit 1154 is connected to the dispensing server 110 via wired or wireless communication means.

[0042] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate several examples of the external appearance of the identity verification unit 115. Other appearances are also possible.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an example of an identity verification unit 15 equipped with an integrated embedded user interface unit 1151. A camera 1152 and a speaker 1154 are located near the user interface unit 1151. A reading unit 1153 is provided below the user interface unit 1151.

[0044] The reading unit 1153 can read information from both the front and back of the placed identification document almost simultaneously, for example, by using multiple light sources. The reading unit 1153 may also be equipped with a sterilizing ultraviolet light source.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a vertical identity verification unit 115A that uses a tablet terminal as the user interface unit 1151. Figure 5 shows a horizontal identity verification unit 115B that also uses a tablet terminal as the user interface unit 1151.

[0046] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the dispensing server 110. The dispensing server 110 is configured as a computer, for example, comprising memory 1101, processor 1102, user interface unit 1103, and communication unit 1104.

[0047] Memory 1101 stores predetermined computer programs for implementing the management code issuing unit 11011 and the pharmacist information management unit 11012. The processor 1102 executes these computer programs to realize the above-mentioned functions 11011 and 11012. User interface unit 1103 is a device for exchanging information with pharmacist U1 who operates the dispensing server 110.

[0048] The user interface unit 1103 includes, for example, a monitor display, keyboard, mouse, microphone, and speaker. The user interface unit 1103 can also display video from a surveillance camera (not shown) installed in the pharmacy 1. Pharmacist U1, who operates the dispensing server 110, can simultaneously monitor the status of identity verification by the identity verification unit 115 and the video from the surveillance camera.

[0049] The communication unit 1104 is connected to each identity verification unit 115 and each electric lock 1221, 1321 by wired or wireless communication means.

[0050] The dispensing server 110 outputs control signals to the electric locks 1221 and 1321 to lock or unlock them, depending on the result of identity verification by the identity verification unit 115. When pharmacist U1, who has come in front of the dispensing room 12, is confirmed to be the pharmacist by the identity verification unit 115(1), the dispensing server 110 unlocks the electric lock 1221 on the dispensing room door 122. This allows pharmacist U1 to enter the dispensing room 12.

[0051] When pharmacist U1 in dispensing room 12 enters the highly toxic drug room 13, the identity verification unit 115(2) near the highly toxic drug room door 132 performs identity verification of pharmacist U1 again. Once the identity verification unit 115(2) confirms that it is the pharmacist, the dispensing server 110 unlocks the electric lock 1321 on the highly toxic drug room door 132.

[0052] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process of registering pharmacist U1 who is permitted to enter either the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13. The lower part of Figure 7 shows an overview of the information T1 that manages pharmacists registered in the pharmacy management system. In the following explanation, we will not distinguish between cases where a pharmacist enters the dispensing room 12 and cases where they enter the highly toxic drug room 13.

[0053] The business operator or pharmacist U1 (hereinafter referred to as the administrator) authorized by the business operator accesses the dispensing server 110 using the management client 114 and registers personal information C11-C14 such as the pharmacist's name (S101). Personal information includes, for example, name C11, address C12, contact information C13, and pharmacist's qualification type C14. Contact information C13 includes, for example, telephone number, email address, and SNS (social networking service) account name.

[0054] Furthermore, the administrator registers authentication information C16 to verify the pharmacist's identity (S102). Authentication information may include, for example, the type of identification document, document number, PIN, and biometric information. Examples of biometric information include fingerprints, iris scans, finger vein patterns, and the pharmacist's facial image.

[0055] The administrator sets the access permission C15. Access permission C16 indicates whether the registered pharmacist can only enter dispensing room 12, or whether they can enter both dispensing room 12 and the highly toxic drug room 13. Access permissions can also be set by day of the week or time of day. For example, in the case of a part-time pharmacist, they can be set to only be able to enter dispensing room 12 during their working hours.

[0056] Other information stored in C17 includes the value of the verified flag, which will be described later. The verified flag is information that allows for the simplification of identity verification a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period of time once identity verification has been successfully completed.

[0057] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the locking and unlocking process for doors 122 and 132. When the identity verification unit 115 obtains the management ID C10 from the pharmacist seeking identity verification through text input or other means (S111), it refers to the pharmacist management information T1 and determines whether that management ID exists (S112).

[0058] If a non-existent management ID is entered (S112: NO), it may be due to an input error or an optical reading error, so the process returns to step S111. If a non-existent management ID is entered a predetermined number of times, error handling (not shown) is performed. In the error handling, a message such as "That management ID is not registered." is output by voice, text, or both.

[0059] The identity verification unit 115 verifies the authenticity of the identity verification document placed on the reading unit 1153 (S113), and if it determines that the identity verification document is authentic (S114: YES), it obtains a facial image from the identity verification document (S115).

[0060] If pharmacist U1 forgets their identification document, the reading unit 1153 cannot read information from the identification document, and therefore the identification document is determined to be invalid (S114: NO). In this case, the presence or absence of a verified flag is determined (S116). The verified flag is information indicating that identity verification was successful in the past. If the verified flag is set in the pharmacist management information T1 (S116: YES), the pharmacist's facial image registered in the pharmacist management information T1 is read out and compared with the image taken by the camera 1152.

[0061] The identity verification unit 115 determines whether the pharmacist is the pharmacist by comparing the pharmacist's facial image captured by the camera 1152 with the facial image obtained from the identity verification document, or by comparing the pharmacist's facial image captured by the camera 1152 with the pharmacist's facial image read from the pharmacist management information T1 (S117).

[0062] If it is determined that the pharmacist operating the identity verification unit 115 is the pharmacist pre-registered in the pharmacist management information T1 (S117:YES), that is, if identity verification is successful (S117:YES), the dispensing server 110 verifies the pharmacist's access rights (S118).

[0063] When a pharmacist attempts to enter the dispensing room 12, the dispensing server 110 checks whether information indicating "permitted to enter the dispensing room" is registered in the pharmacist's entry authority C15. When a pharmacist attempts to enter the highly toxic drug room 13 from the dispensing room 12, the dispensing server 110 checks whether information indicating "permitted to enter the highly toxic drug room" is registered in the pharmacist's entry authority C15.

[0064] If the dispensing server 110 determines that there is permission to enter (S119: YES), it unlocks the electric locks 1221 and 1321 on doors 122 and 132 (S120). Then, the dispensing server 110 sets the confirmed flag in the pharmacist management information T1 (S121).

[0065] If the dispensing server 110 determines that the user does not have access privileges (S119: NO), error handling is performed (S122). During error handling, a message such as "You cannot enter the dispensing room (or highly toxic drug room)" is output. The police, security company, or business operator may also be notified.

[0066] The confirmed flag acts as an entry ticket to pharmacy 1 and is valid for a predetermined period or a predetermined number of times. Any value can be set for the predetermined period or predetermined number of times. The predetermined period can be set to, for example, "30 minutes" or "all day today". The predetermined number of times can be set to, for example, "1 time" or "3 times". If "YES" is determined in step S116, the predetermined number of times is deducted by 1. If the confirmed flag is not set (S116: NO), error handling is performed (S122).

[0067] Alternatively, the simplification of identity verification using the verified flag may be abolished, and strict identity verification using identification documents may be performed in both cases of entering the dispensing room 12 and entering the highly toxic drug room 13. Or, the verified flag may be used for identity verification when the pharmacist enters the dispensing room 12, but identity verification using identification documents may be performed when the pharmacist enters the highly toxic drug room 13 from the dispensing room 12.

[0068] Figure 8 illustrates the process when a pharmacist enters the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13. However, identity verification may also be performed when a pharmacist leaves the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13. In this case, the dispensing server 110 can manage records of who left and when, which is useful in finding the culprit in cases of unauthorized removal of medications. Alternatively, identity verification upon exit may be omitted. This is because the footage from surveillance cameras installed to monitor the dispensing room 12 and the highly toxic drug room 13 can be saved to determine who left and when.

[0069] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process by which the dispensing server 110 controls the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131. The following explanation will not distinguish between controlling the dispensing picking system 121 in the dispensing room 12 and controlling the dispensing picking system 131 in the highly toxic drug room 13.

[0070] When the dispensing server 110 receives the reading result of the prescription 101 from the receiving client 111 (S201), it checks whether a pharmacist is present in the rooms 12 and 13 where the medications specified in the prescription are stored (S203).

[0071] If no pharmacist is present (S203: NO), return to step S202 and wait for the pharmacist to enter. Once the pharmacist enters (S203: YES), the dispensing server 110 issues instructions to the dispensing picking system (S204). This is because issuing instructions to the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 when no pharmacist is present in the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13 is not only wasteful but also undesirable from a safety management standpoint.

[0072] When the dispensing picking system receives instructions from the dispensing server 110 (S301), it opens the designated drug shelf (not shown) and allows the pharmacist to take out the medications listed on the prescription (S302). Once the pharmacist has taken out the required number of medications and closed the drug shelf, the dispensing is determined to be complete (S303: YES). The drug shelf is automatically locked when closed.

[0073] Furthermore, the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 may be configured with a picking robot and a transport vehicle, and the required number of drugs may be retrieved by recognizing them using image processing. In other words, the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 can be configured as automated devices.

[0074] According to this embodiment, since the identity verification unit 115 verifies the identity of a person when they enter the dispensing room 12 and the highly toxic drug room 13, it is possible to prevent a third party from entering the dispensing room 12 or the highly toxic drug room 13 without permission, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the dispensing pharmacy 1.

[0075] In this embodiment, identity verification in the dispensing room 12 can be simplified using a verified flag, while identity verification when entering the highly toxic drug room 13 is not simplified, thus achieving a balance between reliability, safety, and convenience.

[0076] In this embodiment, a picking system 121 for dispensing ordinary drugs is provided in the dispensing room 12, and a picking system 131 for dispensing highly toxic drugs is provided in the highly toxic drug room 13, thereby preventing human error during dispensing. Therefore, both prevention of unauthorized intrusion by third parties and prevention of manual errors can be achieved, improving the safety and reliability of the dispensing pharmacy 1. [Examples]

[0077] Example 2 will be explained using Figures 10 to 13. In the following examples, including this example, the differences from Example 1 will be explained in detail. In this example, an example of using the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 will be explained. In the dispensing pharmacy management system of this example, the prescription management client 211 is connected to the prescription management server 311 of the prescription management center 3 via the communication network CN.

[0078] As will be explained in more detail later with Figure 11, the prescription management center 3 receives and manages prescription information 101 from multiple medical institutions 2 via the prescription management server 311. The prescription management server 311 transmits prescription information in response to requests from the dispensing server 110 of the dispensing pharmacy 1.

[0079] Prescription information issued at medical institution 2 is entered into prescription management client 211, transmitted to prescription management server 311 via communication network CN, and registered with prescription management server 311.

[0080] The flowchart in Figure 11 will be used to explain the overall processing of the pharmacy management system in this embodiment.

[0081] As described above, the prescription management client 211 sends the information prescribed by the doctor (prescription information) to the prescription management server 311 (S401). When the prescription management server 311 receives the prescription information from the prescription management client 211 (S501), it registers the received prescription information in a database not shown (S502). The prescription management server 311 issues an access code to access the registered prescription information (S503) and sends the issued access code to the prescription management client 211 (S504).

[0082] When the prescription management client 211 receives an access code from the prescription management server 311 (S402), it issues an electronic prescription 101A with the access code printed on it (S403).

[0083] Patient U2 submits prescription 101A to the reception desk 11 of pharmacy 1. Pharmacist U1 reads the contents of prescription 101A with the reading unit 112 (S601) and sends it to the dispensing server 110 (S602).

[0084] When the dispensing server 110 receives information sent from the reception client 111 (S211), it accesses the prescription management server 311 according to the access code contained in that information and requests that the prescription information be sent (S212).

[0085] When the prescription management server 311 receives a request to send prescription information from the dispensing server 110 (S505), it reads the prescription information identified by the access code from the database and sends it to the dispensing server 110 (S506).

[0086] When the dispensing server 110 receives prescription information from the prescription management server 311 (S213), it issues instructions to the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 (S214). The operation of the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 will be described further later. Since prescription information is important personal information, it is encrypted to prevent leakage to third parties.

[0087] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131. The common medicine dispensing picking system 121 includes, for example, a common medicine storage room 123 that stores multiple common medicines, and a barcode reader 124. The barcode reader 124 is connected to the dispensing server 110 via a wireless access point 151. The barcode reader 124 includes a camera 1241 and a display (not shown).

[0088] Similar to the standard drug dispensing picking system 121, the highly toxic drug dispensing picking system 131 also includes a highly toxic drug storage room 133 and a barcode reader 134. The barcode reader 134 has a camera 1341 and a display (not shown), and is connected to the dispensing server 110 via a wireless access point 151.

[0089] The general medicine storage room 123 and the highly toxic medicine storage room 133 each have multiple shelves, and these shelves are locked by electric locks (not shown). The locking and unlocking of each shelf in the medicine storage rooms 123 and 133 is performed by the dispensing server 110. Each shelf displays the name of the medicine stored there and a barcode indicating the name of the medicine (not shown).

[0090] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the control process of the dispensing picking system. Here, the dispensing picking system for ordinary drugs 121 and the dispensing picking system for highly toxic drugs 131 are described without distinction.

[0091] When the dispensing server 110 receives the reading result of the electronic prescription 101A from the receiving client 111 (S221), it refers to drug storage management information (not shown) (S222). Drug storage management information is information that manages where and how much of each drug is stored on multiple shelves in drug storage rooms 123 and 133. In other words, drug storage management information manages the inventory of drug storage rooms 123 and 133.

[0092] The dispensing server 110 transmits dispensing information to the barcode readers 124 and 134 based on the prescription information obtained from the prescription management server 311 (S223). The dispensing information includes the drug name and quantity.

[0093] When barcode readers 124 and 134 receive dispensing information from the dispensing server 110 (S701), they display the received dispensing information on their displays (S702). The pharmacist moves to the drug shelf indicated by the dispensing information and photographs the drug shelf with cameras 1241 and 1341. When barcode readers 124 and 134 acquire an image of the drug shelf with the barcode displayed on it (S703), they send the image to the dispensing server 110 (S704).

[0094] When the dispensing server 110 receives an image of the medicine shelf taken from the barcode readers 124 and 134 (S224), it determines whether the medicine identified by the barcode in the image matches the medicine specified in the dispensing information sent to the barcode readers 124 and 134 in step S223 (S225).

[0095] When the dispensing server 110 detects that the drug name identified in the image taken by the pharmacist matches the drug name specified in the dispensing information (S225: YES), it sends an unlocking signal to the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 (S226).

[0096] When the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 receive an unlocking signal from the dispensing server 110 (S311), they unlock the electric lock on a designated medicine shelf (S312). The pharmacist opens the unlocked medicine shelf and takes out a predetermined number of medicines. When the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 detect that the medicine shelf has been closed (S313: YES), they lock the electric lock on that medicine shelf (S314).

[0097] Meanwhile, after sending an unlocking signal (S226), the dispensing server 110 updates the dispensing information (S227) and determines whether all dispensing indicated in the prescription information has been completed (S228). If dispensing is not completed (S228: NO), the dispensing server 110 returns to step S224. In this way, a drug shelf is unlocked for each drug indicated in the prescription information, and the drug is retrieved by the pharmacist. The retrieved drugs are dispensed and placed in the drug bag 102.

[0098] The dispensing server 110 then hands the dispensed medication instructions 103 and medication bag 102 to the patient U2 at the reception counter 11.

[0099] This embodiment, configured in this way, also produces the same effects as Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, barcode readers 124 and 134 are used to photograph the drug shelves in drug storage rooms 123 and 133, and the drug shelf is unlocked when the drug identified by the barcode displayed on the drug shelf matches the drug indicated by the dispensing information sent to the barcode readers 124 and 134. This eliminates the possibility of the wrong drug being taken out due to human error and improves the reliability of the dispensing pharmacy 1. [Examples]

[0100] Example 3 will be explained using Figures 14 to 16. In this example, a waiting room display 401 is placed in the waiting room R1, a dispensing room display 402 is placed in the dispensing room 12, and a highly toxic drug room display 403 is placed in the highly toxic drug room 13. The waiting room display 401 is an example of a "reception display device". The dispensing room display 402 is an example of a "first dispensing room display".

[0101] Each display 401-403 is connected to the dispensing server 110 and displays information transmitted from the dispensing server 110.

[0102] Figure 15 shows the process for controlling the display on the waiting room display 401. The dispensing server 110 detects the dispensing progress for each prescription based on the status of the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 described in Figure 13, and transmits this information to the waiting room display 401.

[0103] When the waiting room display 401 receives dispensing progress information from the dispensing server 110 (S801), it displays the dispensing progress information (S802). When dispensing is completed (S803:YES), the dispensing server 110 clears the display of the completed dispensing progress information (S804).

[0104] As shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the waiting room display 401 displays, for example, the prescription number, the name of the pharmacist in charge, and the progress status in association. Once dispensing is complete, the line is cleared from the waiting room display 401.

[0105] Figure 16 shows the process for controlling the display on the dispensing room display 402 (and similarly on the highly toxic drug room display 403). When the dispensing room display 402 receives dispensing information from the dispensing server 110 (S811), it displays the dispensing status (S812). As shown in Figure 16, for example, the prescription number, the name of the pharmacist in charge, and the name of the drug being dispensed are displayed on the dispensing room display 402.

[0106] Then, when the dispensing server 110 detects the completion of dispensing (S813:YES), it deletes the completed line from the work status for each prescription displayed on the display 402 (S814).

[0107] This embodiment, configured in this way, also produces the same effects as Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dispensing progress for each prescription is displayed on the waiting room display 401 installed near the reception client 111, so that patients waiting for their medication can understand how far along their medication preparation is, thus improving convenience for patients.

[0108] In this embodiment, a dispensing room display 402 and a highly toxic drug room display 403 are also provided to display information about the drugs being dispensed, making it possible for other pharmacists to detect and point out human errors made by pharmacists, thereby improving the reliability of the dispensing pharmacy 1. [Examples]

[0109] Example 4 will be explained using Figures 16 to 19. In this example, an automated delivery robot 3 is used to deliver a medicine bag 102 and an instruction manual 103 to patient U2.

[0110] Figure 17 shows the configuration of an automated delivery robot 3, which is one example of an "automated delivery device." The automated delivery robot 3 is configured as a vehicle-type delivery robot having at least one wheel 32. The automated delivery robot 3 includes, for example, a housing 31, a wheel 32, a control unit 33, a drive unit 34, a sensor unit 35, a storage unit 36, and an identity verification unit 37.

[0111] The wheels 32 may be provided in one, two, three, four, five or more configurations. Crawlers may be used instead of wheels. The control unit 33 has functions to control the operation of the automatic delivery robot 3, such as an automatic driving function and a storage compartment opening and closing function. The drive unit 34 controls the direction and rotational speed of the wheels 32.

[0112] The sensor unit 35 includes, for example, cameras that capture images of the front, rear, left, and right sides in the direction of travel, a distance sensor, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, an ultrasonic radar, and provides the control unit 33 with the information necessary for autonomous driving.

[0113] The storage section 36 is provided in the housing 31 and has a lockable shutter section 361. The storage section 36 stores the medicine bag 102 and the instruction manual 103. Multiple small compartments (not shown) may be provided within the storage section 36, and each small compartment may have a lockable door. Each small compartment can accommodate medicine bags 102 and instruction manuals 103 based on different prescriptions.

[0114] The identity verification unit 37 verifies that the person receiving the medicine bag 102 and instruction manual 103 is a person who has been registered in advance. The identity verification unit 37 includes, for example, a function to photograph the surface of the identity verification document, a function to read data from the IC chip embedded in the identity verification document 1, a function to photograph people around the automated delivery robot 3, and a function to compare the entered biometric information with registered biometric information. The identity verification unit 37 can be configured in the same way as the identity verification unit 115 described above.

[0115] The recipient is not limited to patient U2; it may also be a family member of patient U2 or a third party designated by patient U2. Information on these recipients is registered in advance with the dispensing server 110 using the management identity verification unit 115(1).

[0116] Figure 18 shows the configuration of a drone-type automated delivery robot 3A. The automated delivery robot 3A comprises, for example, a housing 31A, wings 32A, a control unit 33A, a drive unit 34A, a sensor unit 35A, and a storage unit 36A. The wings 32A may be fixed wings or rotary wings. The drive unit 34A uses the wings 32A to make the robot fly. The sensor unit 35A, storage unit 36A, etc., perform the same functions as described in Figure 17, so their explanation is omitted.

[0117] By using the automated delivery robots 3 and 3A configured in this way, the medicine bag 102 and instruction manual 103 can be automatically transported to the recipient, such as patient U2. The automated delivery robots 3 and 3A can be used both inside and outside the pharmacy 1.

[0118] Figure 19 shows the process of delivering medicine bags 102 and instruction manuals 103 by automated delivery robots 3 and 3A.

[0119] When registering a prescription to the prescription management server 311 using the prescription management client 211, patient U2 can specify whether or not to use automatic delivery (S411).

[0120] If automated delivery is performed (S411:YES), authentication information for receiving the medicine bag 102 and instruction manual 103 is registered (S412). Authentication information may include, for example, address, name, phone number, SNS account name, facial image, name of a recipient other than the patient, and biometric information such as finger vein pattern.

[0121] The prescription management client 211 registers the authentication level (the level required for identity verification) when receiving the medicine bag 102 and instruction manual 103 (S413). Then, the prescription management client 211 sends the prescription information to the prescription management server 311 (S414), and the printer 212 prints the prescription (S415).

[0122] Step S413 can be explained here. In this embodiment, an authentication level can be set for each receiving case. Receiving cases vary, for example, when the medication is received at the pharmacy 1, when it is received at the patient's home or nursing home, when the patient receives it themselves, when a representative of the patient receives it, when it contains only ordinary medications, or when it contains highly toxic drugs.

[0123] The greater the risk, the stricter the level of authentication used for delivery may be. For example, if a patient's representative receives a highly toxic drug at a location away from the patient's home, identity verification using identification documents such as a driver's license and an image taken on the spot may be required. However, if only ordinary medication is received at the patient's home, identity verification may be limited to facial image matching.

[0124] The medications prepared by the dispensing picking systems 121 and 131 are packed into medication bags 102 and stored in storage units 36 and 36A along with instruction manuals 103. The automated delivery robots 3 and 3A move towards the delivery destinations specified by the dispensing server 110 (S901).

[0125] The automated delivery robots 3 and 3A contact the recipient upon arrival at the delivery destination (S902). The automated delivery robots 3 and 3A may contact the recipient via automated voice call, email, or chat on social media, or the dispensing server 110, upon receiving a report of arrival from the automated delivery robots 3 and 3A, may contact the recipient.

[0126] The automated delivery robots 3 and 3A verify the identity of the recipient when they appear (S903), and if the identity verification is successful, they unlock and open the storage compartments 36 and 36A (S904). As a result, the recipient receives the medicine bag 102 and instruction manual 103 from the storage compartments 36 and 36A. After the automated delivery robots 3 and 3A have finished delivering the medicine bags 102 and instruction manuals 103, they return to the designated location (S905). The designated location may be the departure point or a location other than the departure point. For example, if multiple medical institutions and multiple pharmacies 1 cooperate to provide an automated medicine delivery service, the automated delivery robots 3 and 3A can wait in a location that is convenient from the perspective of the entire automated medicine delivery service.

[0127] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are included. For example, the embodiments described above are explained in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to add, delete, or replace parts of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1: Pharmacy, 2: Medical institution, 3,3A: Automated delivery robot, 11: Reception counter, 12: Dispensing room, 13: Highly potent drug room, 101: Prescription, 102: Medicine bag, 103: Instruction manual, 110: Dispensing server, 111: Reception client, 112: Reading unit, 114: Management client, 115(1)~115(3): Identity verification unit, 116: Dispensing client, 117: Printer, 121,131: Dispensing picking system

Claims

1. A pharmacy management system for managing a dispensing pharmacy, The aforementioned pharmacy has a first dispensing room for handling the first drug, and a second dispensing room for handling the second drug which is more strictly regulated than the first drug, and the second dispensing room is located within the first dispensing room. A first identity verification device is installed at the first gate for entering and exiting the first dispensing room, and is used to verify the identity of the person entering the room. A second identity verification device is installed at the second gate for entering and exiting the first dispensing room from the second dispensing room, and is used to verify the identity of the person entering the room. A management device connected to the first identity verification device and the second identity verification device, which unlocks the first gate if identity verification by the first identity verification device is successful, and unlocks the second gate if identity verification by the second identity verification device is successful, Equipped with, The first identity verification device, upon confirming that the person entering the room is the person in question, sets verified information that is valid for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period, and if the verified information is valid, it confirms that the person entering the room is the person in question. Pharmacy management system.

2. The first dispensing room is equipped with a first dispensing picking system for dispensing the first drug, The second dispensing room is equipped with a second dispensing picking system for dispensing the second drug. The management device controls either the first dispensing picking system or the second dispensing picking system, or both, based on the prescription information contained in the received prescription. The pharmacy management system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned first dispensing room has a reception counter. A reception display device connected to the management device is provided near the reception counter. The aforementioned control device is Based on the operating status of the first dispensing picking system and the second dispensing picking system, the progress of each prescription is detected. The progress of each detected prescription is displayed on the reception display device. The pharmacy management system according to claim 2.

4. The first dispensing room is provided with a display device for the first dispensing room that is connected to the control device. The management device displays information about the drugs being dispensed by the first dispensing picking system on the display device for the first dispensing room. The pharmacy management system according to claim 3.

5. The drug bags containing the drugs dispensed by the first or second dispensing picking system are delivered by an automated delivery device managed by the control device. The pharmacy management system according to claim 2.

6. The automated delivery device is equipped with a delivery identity verification device to confirm the person receiving the medicine bag. The pharmacy management system according to claim 5.

7. Based on the prescription information, the management device selects an identity verification method to be used by the delivery identity verification device from among a number of pre-prepared identity verification methods. The pharmacy management system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned identity verification method includes a method of verifying the identity of the person receiving the medicine bag using the account name of a registered social networking service in which the person participates. The pharmacy management system according to claim 7.

9. The automated delivery device is used outside the dispensing pharmacy. The pharmacy management system according to claim 7.

10. When the automated delivery device arrives at the location designated by the management device, it notifies the person to receive the medicine bag that it has arrived, verifies that the person receiving the medicine bag is the person in question using the identity verification method selected by the management device, and unlocks the storage compartment if the identity verification is successful. The pharmacy management system according to claim 9.

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