Medication support device

Abstract

To assist a patient to take appropriate countermeasures, when the patient forgets to take a prescription medicine.SOLUTION: A medicine-taking assisting device includes an acquisition part, a medicine-taking method storage part, and a countermeasure presenting part. The acquisition part acquires previous medicine-taking time which is time when the patient previously takes a prescription medicine, and next medicine-taking scheduled time which is time when the patient is scheduled to take the prescription medicine next time. The medicine-taking method storage part stores the type of the prescription medicine, and a countermeasure according to the type of the prescription medicine when the patient does not take the prescription medicine in association with each other. When the patient does not take the prescription medicine, the countermeasure presenting part presents a countermeasure against non-taking of the prescription medicine by the patient, on the basis of the countermeasure stored in the medicine-taking method storage part, the previous medicine-taking time, the next medicine-taking scheduled time, and current time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a medication support device. Background Art

[0002] Drugs such as antihypertensive agents prescribed to hypertensive patients, insulin preparations prescribed to diabetic patients, and anticancer agents are required to be taken strictly at the scheduled dosage time. Getting the next dosage timing wrong after forgetting to take a single dose of these drugs is undesirable for achieving an appropriate therapeutic effect.

[0003] However, conventionally, although techniques for preventing missed medication have been proposed, no effective proposal has been made regarding assisting patients who have forgotten to take their medicine to take appropriate measures. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-89303 Patent Document 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-151039 Patent Document 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-46130 Summary of Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings is to assist a patient to take appropriate measures when the patient forgets to take a prescribed drug. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the respective effects achieved by each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can be positioned as other problems. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The medication support device according to this embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, a medication method storage unit, and a response method presentation unit. The acquisition unit acquires the previous medication time, which is the time when the patient last took the prescribed medication, and the next scheduled medication time, which is the time when the patient is scheduled to take the prescribed medication next time. The medication method storage unit stores the type of prescribed medication and the corresponding response method for when the prescribed medication is not taken, in association with the type of prescribed medication. When the patient does not take the prescribed medication, the response method presentation unit presents a response method for when the patient did not take the prescribed medication, based on the response method stored in the medication method storage unit, the previous medication time, the next scheduled medication time, and the current time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a database stored in the memory circuit of the medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medication support device according to the first embodiment, following Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the medication support device according to the first embodiment, following Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the patient information registration process in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the prescription drug information registration process in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a different explanatory diagram from Figure 7, illustrating the prescription drug information registration process in an example of the operation of the medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of registering medication schedule information in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of calculating the next recommended medication time in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of presenting a method for dealing with missed medication in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of presenting a method for dealing with overdose in an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medication support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a medication support device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the medication support device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be given only when necessary.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. The medication support device 10 is a device that supports patients in taking prescribed medications (i.e., drugs under management). More specifically, the medication support device 10 is a device that can support appropriate medication after a patient's medication status deviates from the planned medication status by presenting healthcare professionals, etc., with methods for responding when a patient's medication status deviates from the planned medication status.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the medication support apparatus 10 includes a storage circuit 11, an input interface 12, an output interface 13, a network interface 14, and a processing circuit 15. The storage circuit 11 is an example of a medication method storage unit. The medication support apparatus 10 is connectable to an information terminal apparatus 2 of a medical worker and an information terminal apparatus 3 of a patient via a network 4. The information terminal apparatuses 2 and 3 are, for example, mobile terminal apparatuses such as mobile phones, tablet terminals, and wearable terminals. The information terminal apparatuses 2 and 3 may be fixed terminal apparatuses such as desktop PCs. The patient's information terminal apparatus 3 may be an information terminal apparatus of the patient himself / herself, or may be an information terminal apparatus of a person other than the patient such as the patient's caregiver.

[0011] The storage circuit 11 is a non-transitory storage device that stores various information, and is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an integrated circuit storage device, or the like. The storage circuit 11 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the medication support apparatus 10 and various types of data used for executing the control program. In addition to HDDs, SSDs, and the like, the storage circuit 11 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information to and from portable storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and flash memories, or semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a database stored by the storage circuit 11 in the medication support apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. As an example of data used for executing a control program that controls the medication support apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage circuit 11 stores a patient information database 111, a prescription drug information database 112, a medication schedule database 113, and a medication history database 114.

[0013] Patient information database 111 stores patient information indicating characteristics unique to each patient. The patient information includes, for example, the patient's age, the patient's constitution (e.g., allergen and genetic information, etc.), the patient's medical history, the patient's disease name, the patient's comorbid disease name, the patient's metabolic function information (e.g., liver function and kidney function, etc.), the patient's concomitant medications, and medication guidance information provided by a physician. The medication guidance information may be, for example, information such as the number of doses per day and the dosage of a prescribed drug. When storing patient information of a plurality of patients in patient information database 111, the patient information of each patient may be stored in a state where different identification information is associated with each patient.

[0014] Prescription drug information database 112 stores prescription drug information, which is information related to prescription drugs. The prescription drug information includes the type of prescription drug (e.g., antihypertensive agents, etc.), the property of the prescription drug (i.e., the property of the drug to be managed), the time that should be left until the next dose, and a coping method according to the type of prescription drug when the prescription drug is not taken (hereinafter also referred to as a coping method for forgetting to take a dose). That is, in prescription drug information database 112, the type of prescription drug and the coping method for forgetting to take a dose are stored (memorized) in association with each other. The properties of the prescription drug include, for example, the severity of side effects of the prescription drug, the likelihood of side effects of the prescription drug occurring, the effective blood concentration of the prescription drug, and the effective tissue concentration of the prescription drug. The likelihood of side effects of the prescription drug occurring includes, for example, a blood concentration-time curve indicating the temporal change in the blood concentration of the prescription drug as the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the prescription drug, the blood concentration of the prescription drug at which side effects may occur, and the tissue concentration of the prescription drug at which side effects may occur. The content of the properties of the prescription drug may differ depending on the characteristics of the patient. For example, it is conceivable that the blood concentration and tissue concentration of the prescription drug are calculated in advance according to the patient's own metabolic function and stored as unique values. In this case, it is desirable that the unique value for each patient is continuously recalculated through examinations at appropriate timings. Furthermore, when a patient is taking a plurality of prescription drugs, it is desirable that the blood concentration and tissue concentration are calculated by summing the components of these drugs. When storing prescription drug information of a plurality of patients in prescription drug information database 112, the prescription drug information of each patient may be stored in a state where different identification information is associated with each patient.

[0015] The methods for dealing with missed medication stored in the prescription drug information database 112 may include information such as, "If you realize you've missed a dose, take it immediately. However, if the next scheduled dose time is approaching, do not take it now and take it at the next scheduled dose time." It should be noted that the methods for dealing with missed medication stored in the prescription drug information database 112 are general (i.e., basic) methods depending on the type of prescription drug, and do not take into account specific times based on the patient's specific medication status. In other words, the methods for dealing with missed medication stored in the prescription drug information database 112 may differ from the methods for dealing with missed medication presented by the method presentation function 159, which take into account the time of the previous dose, the next scheduled dose time, and the current time, as will be described later.

[0016] The prescription drug information database 112 may also store methods for dealing with overdosing, depending on the type of prescription drug (hereinafter also referred to as methods for dealing with overdosing). The methods for dealing with overdosing stored in the prescription drug information database 112 may include information such as "do not take the medication at the next scheduled time." It should be noted that the methods for dealing with overdosing stored in the prescription drug information database 112 are general (i.e., basic) methods depending on the type of prescription drug, and do not take into account specific times based on the patient's specific medication situation. In other words, the methods for dealing with overdosing stored in the prescription drug information database 112 may differ from the methods for dealing with overdosing that are presented by the method presentation function 159, which takes into account the time of the previous medication, the scheduled time of the next medication, and the current time, as will be described later.

[0017] The medication schedule database 113 stores medication schedule information that shows the schedule by which a patient takes their prescribed medication. The medication schedule information includes the scheduled medication time, which is the time when the patient is scheduled to take their prescribed medication. The scheduled medication time may be, for example, multiple times per day. The scheduled medication time may also be a single time per day or multiple days. If a patient is prescribed multiple medications, the medication schedule information includes the scheduled medication time for each medication. When storing medication schedule information for multiple patients in the medication schedule database 113, the medication schedule information for each patient may be stored with different identification information associated with each patient.

[0018] The medication history database 114 stores medication history information that shows the patient's medication history. The medication history information includes the time the patient took the prescribed medication. When storing medication history information for multiple patients in the medication history database 114, the medication history information for each patient may be stored with different identification information associated with each patient.

[0019] The input interface 12 is a device that receives various input operations from the operator. The input interface 12 converts the received input operations into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 15. For example, the input interface 12 receives input operations for patient information, prescription drug information, and medication schedule information. The input interface 12 can be appropriately used as, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, and touch panel display. The input interface 12 may also include an input device used to detect when a patient takes their prescribed medication. The input device used to detect medication taking may be, for example, a drug storage system that detects when a prescribed drug has been taken out of the storage container using a sensor provided in the storage container and notifies the user; a detection system that detects the act of taking medication using a surveillance camera; and a notification system that detects when a prescribed drug has been taken using a sensor attached to the prescribed drug itself and notifies the user. The input interface 12 can also be configured with an audio input device such as a microphone.

[0020] The output interface 13 is a device that outputs various types of information. For example, the output interface 13 displays images generated by the processing circuit 15 and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator. The images generated by the processing circuit 15 may include images that show how to respond if the patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence. For example, the output interface 13 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescent display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other display as appropriate. The display may be a desktop type, or it may be composed of a tablet terminal or the like that which can communicate wirelessly with the processing circuit 15. The output interface 13 can also be composed of an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0021] The network interface 14 controls communication between the healthcare worker's information terminal device 2 and the patient's information terminal device 3 via the network 4, based on instructions from the processing circuit 15. For example, the network interface 14 transmits images to at least one of the healthcare worker's information terminal device 2 and the patient's information terminal device 3 to show how to respond if the patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence. The network interface 14 is implemented, for example, by a network card, network adapter, NIC (Network Interface Controller), etc.

[0022] The processing circuit 15 is a circuit that controls the operation of the medication support device 10. The processing circuit 15 includes, for example, a control function 151, a basic information registration function 152, a medication check function 153, a medication time acquisition function 154, a medication time registration function 155, a memory information acquisition function 156, a medication forgetting detection function 157, an overdose detection function 158, and a response method suggestion function 159. The memory information acquisition function 156 is an example of an acquisition unit. The medication check function 153 is an example of a medication detection unit. The response method suggestion function 159 is an example of a response method suggestion unit.

[0023] Here, for example, each processing function performed by the components of the processing circuit 15 shown in Figure 1—the control function 151, the basic information registration function 152, the medication check function 153, the medication time acquisition function 154, the medication time registration function 155, the memory information acquisition function 156, the forgotten medication detection function 157, the overdose detection function 158, and the response method suggestion function 159—is recorded in the memory circuit 11 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 15 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuit 15 reads each program from the memory circuit 11 and executes it, thereby realizing the function corresponding to each program that has been read. In other words, the memory circuit 11, in the state where each program has been read, will have each of the functions shown in the processing circuit 15 of Figure 1.

[0024] In Figure 1, the control function 151, basic information registration function 152, medication check function 153, medication time acquisition function 154, medication time registration function 155, memory information acquisition function 156, medication forgetting detection function 157, overdose detection function 158, and response method suggestion function 159 are shown to be implemented by a single processing circuit 15. However, the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 15 may be composed of a combination of multiple independent processors, with each processor executing its own program to implement each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 15 may be implemented by appropriately distributing or integrating it across one or more processing circuits.

[0025] The control function 151 controls the operation of the basic information registration function 152, the medication check function 153, the medication time acquisition function 154, the medication time registration function 155, the memory information acquisition function 156, the forgotten medication detection function 157, the overdose detection function 158, and the response method suggestion function 159, according to the program that implements the control function 151 read from the memory circuit 11.

[0026] The basic information registration function 152, under the control of the control function 151, acquires the patient information, prescription drug information, and medication schedule information from the input interface 12. The basic information registration function 152 registers the acquired patient information in the patient information database 111 of the memory circuit 11. The basic information registration function 152 also registers the acquired prescription drug information in the prescription drug information database 112 of the memory circuit 11. The basic information registration function 152 also registers the acquired medication schedule information in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11.

[0027] The medication check function 153 detects that the patient has taken their prescribed medication under the control of the control function 151.

[0028] The medication time acquisition function 154, under the control of the control function 151, acquires the time at which the medication check function 153 detects that the patient has taken the prescribed medication as the medication time.

[0029] The medication time registration function 155, under the control of the control function 151, registers the medication time acquired by the medication time acquisition function 154 in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11.

[0030] The memory information acquisition function 156, under the control of the control function 151, extracts (i.e., selects) information from the memory circuit 11 to be used in the processing of the medication forgetting detection function 157, the overdose detection function 158, and the response method suggestion function 159.

[0031] The medication forgetting detection function 157, under the control of the control function 151, detects when a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication, thereby detecting a deviation in the patient's medication adherence from the scheduled adherence. Specifically, the medication forgetting detection function 157, via the memory information acquisition function 156, retrieves the previous medication time, which is the time the patient last took their prescribed medication, from among the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11. The medication forgetting detection function 157, via the memory information acquisition function 156, also retrieves the previous scheduled medication time, which is the time the patient was scheduled to take their prescribed medication last time, from among the scheduled medication times stored in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11. Based on the previous medication time and the previous scheduled medication time, the medication forgetting detection function 157 detects that the patient forgot to take their prescribed medication at the previous scheduled medication time. Here, "previous" means "the most recent time in the past relative to the current time."

[0032] The overdose detection function 158 detects that a patient has taken too much of their prescribed medication, under the control of the control function 151, thereby detecting a deviation in the patient's medication adherence from the planned adherence. Specifically, the overdose detection function 158 retrieves at least one past medication time, including at least the previous medication time, from among the medication time stored in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11, via the memory information acquisition function 156. The overdose detection function 158 also retrieves at least one past scheduled medication time, including at least the previous scheduled medication time, from among the scheduled medication times stored in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11, via the memory information acquisition function 156. Based on the at least one past medication time and the at least one past scheduled medication time, the overdose detection function 158 detects that the patient has taken too much of their prescribed medication.

[0033] The response method suggestion function 159, under the control of the control function 151, suggests a response method for when a patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence, based on the properties of the prescribed medication, the time of the previous dose, the next scheduled dose time (the time the patient plans to take the prescribed medication next), and the current time. "Next" means "the most recent time in the future relative to the previous dose." The response method suggestion function 159 presents the response method for when a patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence to the healthcare worker's information terminal device 2. The response method suggestion function 159 may also present the response method for when a patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence to the patient's information terminal device 3.

[0034] Specifically, the response method suggestion function 159, when a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication (i.e., fails to take it), presents a response method for when the patient forgets to take their prescribed medication (hereinafter also referred to as a response method for forgetting to take medication) based on the response method for forgetting to take medication stored in the memory circuit 11, the time of the last medication dose, the scheduled time of the next medication dose, and the current time, thereby presenting a response method for when the patient's medication adherence deviates from the scheduled medication adherence. More specifically, when the medication forgetting detection function 157 detects that the patient forgot to take their prescribed medication at the scheduled time of the last medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 retrieves the properties of the prescribed medication and the response method for forgetting to take medication stored in the prescription medication information database 112 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156. Furthermore, the response method suggestion function 159, via the memory information acquisition function 156, acquires the previous medication time, which is the time the patient last took the prescribed medication, from among the medication time stored in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11. The response method suggestion function 159 also acquires the next scheduled medication time, which is among the scheduled medication time stored in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11, via the memory information acquisition function 156. Then, based on the acquired characteristics of the prescribed medication, the response method for forgetting to take medication, the previous medication time, the next scheduled medication time, and the current time, the response method suggestion function 159 presents a response method for forgetting to take medication.

[0035] Furthermore, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests how to respond when a patient has taken too much of their prescribed medication (hereinafter also referred to as a response to overdose), thereby suggesting how to respond when a patient's medication adherence deviates from the planned adherence. More specifically, when the overdose detection function 158 detects that a patient has taken too much of their prescribed medication, the response method suggestion function 159 retrieves the properties of the prescribed medication and the response to overdose stored in the prescription medication information database 112 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156. The response method suggestion function 159 also retrieves the previous medication time, which is the time the patient last took their prescribed medication, from among the medication time stored in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11, via the memory information acquisition function 156. The response method suggestion function 159 also retrieves the next scheduled medication time, from among the scheduled medication times stored in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11, via the memory information acquisition function 156. The response method suggestion function 159 then suggests a response method for overdosing based on the nature of the prescribed drug obtained, the method for dealing with overdose (i.e., the second response method), the time of the previous dose, the scheduled time of the next dose, and the current time.

[0036] More specifically, the response suggestion function 159 calculates the recommended next dose time, which is the time when the patient is advised to take their prescribed medication, based on the nature of the prescribed medication, the time of the previous dose, the scheduled time of the next dose, and the current time. Based on the calculated recommended next dose time, the response suggestion function 159 then presents methods for dealing with missed doses and overdoses.

[0037] For example, if the response suggestion function 159 calculates the current time as the recommended time for the next dose when medication is missed, it suggests taking the missed dose of medication at the current time as a response to the missed dose. On the other hand, if the response suggestion function 159 calculates the next scheduled dose time as the recommended time for the next dose when medication is missed, it suggests not taking the missed dose of medication at the previous scheduled dose time now, but taking it at the next scheduled dose time as a response to the missed dose.

[0038] The medication forgetting detection function 157 may, when it is detected that the patient has forgotten to take their prescribed medication, notify the patient's information terminal device 3 of the medication forgetting and prompt the patient to take a medication confirmation action. The response method suggestion function 159 may, when a medication forgetting confirmation action is detected, predict, based on the properties of the prescribed medication, the blood concentration of the prescribed medication at the time the medication forgetting confirmation action was detected, and the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed medication if the medication were taken at both the current time and the next scheduled time. The response method suggestion function 159 may then decide, based on the predicted blood concentration and maximum blood concentration, whether the current time or the next scheduled time should be the recommended time for the next medication.

[0039] Furthermore, the response method suggestion function 159, when an overdose occurs and the next scheduled medication time is calculated as the recommended time for the next medication, suggests taking the prescribed medication at the next scheduled medication time as a response to the overdose. On the other hand, when an overdose occurs and the next recommended time for the next medication time is calculated to be later than the next scheduled medication time, the response method suggestion function 159, when it comes to an overdose, suggests not taking the prescribed medication at the next scheduled medication time, but taking the prescribed medication at a time later than the next scheduled medication time.

[0040] Next, an example of operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment, configured as described above, will be explained. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment, following Figure 3. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment, following Figure 3.

[0041] First, as shown in Figure 3, the basic information registration function 152 acquires patient information, prescription drug information, and medication schedule information entered through the input interface 12. The basic information registration function 152 registers the acquired patient information in the patient information database 111 of the memory circuit 11. The basic information registration function 152 also registers the acquired prescription drug information in the prescription drug information database 112 of the memory circuit 11. Furthermore, the basic information registration function 152 registers the acquired medication schedule information in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11 (step S1).

[0042] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the patient information registration process in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the basic information registration function 152 registers patient information, including patient name, age, gender, disease name, concomitant medications, constitution, medical history, co-existing disease names, metabolic function information, and medication guidance information, in the patient information database 111.

[0043] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of registering prescription drug information in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the basic information registration function 152 registers prescription drug information in the prescription drug information database 112, including the drug name which also serves as the type of prescription drug, the properties of the prescription drug, the method for dealing with missed doses, the method for dealing with overdoses, and the time to be allowed until the next dose. Note that the type of prescription drug may be registered in the prescription drug information database 112 independently of the drug name. As shown in Figure 7, the basic information registration function 152 registers, for example, the drug name, the severity of side effects, the blood concentration at which side effects may occur, the threshold for effective blood concentration, the tissue concentration at which side effects may occur, the threshold for effective tissue concentration, and the pharmacokinetics including the blood concentration-time curve as properties of the prescription drug in the prescription drug information database 112.

[0044] Figure 8 is a different explanatory diagram from Figure 7 for illustrating the prescription drug information registration process in an example of the operation of the medication support device according to the first embodiment. For example, the basic information registration function 152 may register a blood concentration-time curve (pharmacokinetics in the body) as shown in Figure 8 in the prescription drug information database 112. In the example shown in Figure 8, the blood concentration-time curve shows the change in blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A over time when antihypertensive drug A is taken three times a day at scheduled times (9:00, 13:00, and 18:00). In the example shown in Figure 8, the threshold for effective blood concentration is 3 ng / mL. The threshold for blood concentration at which side effects may occur is 50 ng / mL.

[0045] The basic information registration function 152 may register the blood concentration-time curve shown in Figure 8 in the prescription drug information database 112 according to the input operation of the input interface 12. Alternatively, the basic information registration function 152 may predict the blood concentration-time curve shown in Figure 8 based on patient information and medication schedule information, and register the blood concentration-time curve shown in Figure 8 obtained through prediction in the prescription drug information database 112. The blood concentration-time curve obtained through prediction has individualized content for each patient according to the patient information and medication schedule information. For example, even with the same dosage of prescription drug, the blood concentration may differ depending on the patient's height and weight, etc. Therefore, by predicting an individualized blood concentration-time curve for each patient, it becomes possible to more appropriately suggest methods for dealing with missed medication and overdosing. In addition, properties of prescription drugs other than the blood concentration-time curve may also be registered individually for each patient based on patient information and medication schedule information.

[0046] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of registering medication schedule information in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the basic information registration function 152 registers the scheduled times for taking antihypertensive drug A three times a day (9:00, 13:00, and 18:00) as medication schedule information in the medication schedule database 113.

[0047] After patient information, prescription drug information, and medication schedule information are registered, the medication check function 153, under the control of the control function 151, determines whether or not the patient has taken the prescribed medication (step S2), as shown in Figure 3. For example, the medication check function 153 may detect that the patient has taken the prescribed medication using a medication storage system that detects and notifies when the prescribed medication has been removed from the storage container using a sensor provided in the storage container. Alternatively, the medication check function 153 may detect that the patient has taken the prescribed medication using a detection system that detects the medication taking action using a surveillance camera. Alternatively, the medication check function 153 may detect that the prescribed medication has been taken using a notification system that detects and notifies when the prescribed medication has been taken using a sensor attached to the prescribed medication itself. The sensor may be configured to generate an electrical signal when it comes into contact with gastric juice as the prescribed medication dissolves in the stomach. Alternatively, the medication check function 153 may detect that the prescribed medication has been taken when the patient notifies the medication support device 10 of the completion of medication using the information terminal device 3 (for example, by pressing the medication button on the operation screen). If the medication check function 153 detects that the prescribed medication has been taken by a method other than notification of completion of medication from the patient, it may send an inquiry to the patient's information terminal device 3 to confirm whether or not the medication has been taken in order to improve the reliability of the detection.

[0048] If it is detected that the patient has taken the prescribed medication (Step S2: Yes), the medication time acquisition function 154 acquires the time at which the patient took the prescribed medication from a clock system (not shown) as the medication time (Step S3).

[0049] On the other hand, if it is not detected that the patient has taken the prescribed medication (Step S2: No), the medication check function 153 repeats the determination of whether or not the patient has taken the prescribed medication (Step S2).

[0050] After the medication time is obtained, the medication time registration function 155 registers the obtained medication time in the medication history database 114 (step S4).

[0051] After the medication time is registered, the medication forgetting detection function 157 starts detecting forgotten medication to support the response to missed medication (step S51). In addition, the overdose detection function 158 starts detecting overdose to support the response to overdose (step S61). The medication forgetting detection function 157 starts detecting forgotten medication, for example, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed from the scheduled medication time. In addition, the overdose detection function 158 starts detecting overdose, for example, when a new medication time is registered.

[0052] First, let's explain how to support patients who forget to take their medication. After detecting a missed dose, the memory information acquisition function 156 extracts and acquires the time of the previous dose from the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11. The memory information acquisition function 156 also extracts and acquires the time of the previous scheduled dose from the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11 (step S52).

[0053] After the time of the last medication dose and the scheduled time of the last medication dose are obtained, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines whether or not a medication has been forgotten based on the obtained time of the last medication dose and the scheduled time of the last medication dose (step S53). Specifically, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines whether or not a medication has been forgotten based on whether or not the time of the last medication dose is within the allowable time before or after the scheduled time of the last medication dose (for example, within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time of the last medication dose). In other words, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines that there has been no medication forgetting if the time of the last medication dose is within the allowable time before or after the scheduled time of the last medication dose. On the other hand, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines that there has been a medication forgetting if the time of the last medication dose is not within the allowable time before or after the scheduled time of the last medication dose.

[0054] If it is determined that medication has been missed (Step S53: Yes), the medication missed detection function 157 starts a warning to the patient about the missed medication (Step S54). Specifically, the medication missed detection function 157 sends a warning to the patient's information terminal device 3 at arbitrary intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes) until the patient notices. The warning is given, for example, by displaying an operation button on the screen of the patient's information terminal device 3 prompting the patient to take a medication check. If the medication missed detection function 157 detects a medication check operation by pressing the operation button, it stores the time the medication check operation was detected, i.e., the time the patient noticed the missed medication, in the memory circuit 11. The medication missed detection function 157 may also store the time the medication check operation was detected in, for example, the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11. The medication check operation using the operation button may be performed spontaneously by the patient without waiting for a medication missed warning. Furthermore, the medication reminder may include a note stating that the patient should not take the medication immediately because the scheduled time has already passed. In the case of medications that may cause serious side effects, the system may also contact the patient's primary care physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. This contact with healthcare professionals may be automated, for example, by the medication reminder detection function 157. Alternatively, the patient may manually contact the healthcare professional using communication methods such as telephone or email.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no missed medication doses (Step S53: No), the missed medication dose detection function 157 terminates processing until a new detection period begins.

[0056] Next, the response method suggestion function 159 extracts and obtains the next scheduled medication time from the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156. The response method suggestion function 159 also extracts and obtains the properties of the prescribed drug from the prescribed drug information database 112 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156 (step S55).

[0057] After the next scheduled medication time and the nature of the prescribed medication are obtained, the response method suggestion function 159 calculates the recommended time for the next medication based on the nature of the prescribed medication, the time of the previous medication, the scheduled time for the next medication, and the current time (step S56).

[0058] For example, the response suggestion function 159 predicts the blood concentration of the prescribed drug at the current time based on the properties of the prescribed drug. The response suggestion function 159 also predicts the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the prescribed drug is taken at both the current time and the next scheduled time, based on the properties of the prescribed drug. The response suggestion function 159 also predicts the change in the blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the drug is not taken at the current time. The response suggestion function 159 may also predict the blood concentration of the prescribed drug at the time the medication reminder operation is detected as the blood concentration of the prescribed drug at the current time. The response suggestion function 159 may also predict the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the prescribed drug is taken at both the time the medication reminder operation is detected and the next scheduled time as the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the drug is taken at both the current time and the next scheduled time. Furthermore, the response suggestion function 159 may predict the trend in the blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the medication is not taken at the time when the medication reminder operation is detected, as the trend in the blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the medication is not taken at the current time. Then, the response suggestion function 159 determines whether the current time or the next scheduled time is the recommended time for the next medication, based on the blood concentration of the prescribed drug at the current time, the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the medication is taken at both the current time and the next scheduled time, and the trend in the blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the medication is not taken at the current time.

[0059] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the calculation process for the next recommended medication time in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 10, the response method suggestion function 159 predicts, based on the blood concentration-time curve of antihypertensive drug A, the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A at the current time (the time when the medication forgetting confirmation operation is detected), the maximum blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A if the prescribed drug is taken at both the current time and the next scheduled medication time, and the trend of the blood concentration of the prescribed antihypertensive drug A if it is not taken at the current time. Specifically, the response method suggestion function 159 predicts that the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A at 15:00, the current time (the time when the medication forgetting confirmation operation is detected), is 7 ng / mL. Furthermore, the response method suggestion function 159 predicts that the maximum blood concentration if the drug is taken at both 15:00, the current time, and 18:00, the next scheduled medication time, is 90 ng / mL. Such a high maximum blood concentration is due to the time interval between the current time of 3 PM and the next scheduled medication time of 6 PM being shorter than the 4 hours (see Figure 7) that should be allowed between doses. The response suggestion function 159 detects that the maximum blood concentration of 90 ng / mL exceeds the threshold of 50 ng / mL for the blood concentration at which side effects of antihypertensive drug A may occur. On the other hand, the response suggestion function 159 predicts the trend of the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A if the medication is not taken at the current time and detects that the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A will not fall below the effective blood concentration threshold of 3 ng / mL at the next scheduled medication time (6 PM). Based on this, the response suggestion function 159 determines that the next recommended time for medication is the next scheduled medication time (6 PM).

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 10, the next recommended time for medication was determined to be the scheduled time for the next medication. However, depending on the prediction results of the response suggestion function 159, the next recommended time for medication may be determined to be the current time. Furthermore, the response suggestion function 159 may also shift the recommended times for subsequent medications later in conjunction with the calculation of the next recommended time for medication. In this case, the system may gradually return the recommended times for subsequent medications to their normal scheduled times by adjusting the time range for shifting them later. Moreover, depending on the interactions with concomitant medications and the degree of overlap of ingredients, it may be necessary to calculate the next recommended time for medication using a more complex calculation method than simply determining either the current time or the scheduled time for the next medication. In this case, for example, the next recommended time for medication may be calculated with high accuracy by using a trained model that has been trained on the correlation between input and output, with inputs such as the medication time of the prescribed drug, the scheduled time of the prescribed drug, and the medication time of concomitant medications as inputs and the next recommended time as output. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 10, the response suggestion function 159 calculated the recommended time for the next dose using the blood concentration-time curve of antihypertensive drug A. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the response suggestion function 159 may calculate the recommended time for the next dose using the tissue concentration-time curve of antihypertensive drug A.

[0061] After calculating the recommended time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests a response to the missed medication dose, as shown in Figure 4 (step S57). Specifically, if the current time is calculated as the recommended time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests taking the missed dose of the prescribed medication now as a response to the missed dose. On the other hand, if the next scheduled medication time is calculated as the recommended time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests not taking the missed dose of the prescribed medication now, but taking it at the next scheduled medication time as a response to the missed dose. The response methods for missing medication presented by the response method suggestion function 159 are information that further limits (i.e., clarifies) the content of the response methods for missing medication stored in the prescription drug information database 112 according to the medication status. The response method suggestion function 159 may also present the response methods for missing medication stored in the prescription drug information database 112.

[0062] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of presenting a method for dealing with missed medication in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 11, the method presentation function 159 transmits the image of the method for dealing with missed medication shown in Figure 11 to the medical professional's information terminal device 2. The image of the method for dealing with missed medication includes patient information, the properties of the prescribed drug (antihypertensive drug A), the time of the last dose, the scheduled time of the next dose, as well as an example of the current time, the time of notification of missed medication T1, the blood concentration at the time of notification of missed medication, the maximum blood concentration if the medication is taken at both the time of notification of missed medication and the scheduled time of the next dose, the recommended time for the next dose, and a description of the method for dealing with missed medication. T1 is the time when the confirmation operation for missed medication is detected. In the example shown in Figure 11, the method for dealing with missed medication is to not take the medication now and take it at the scheduled time of the next dose, 18:00.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, an image displaying instructions on how to respond to missed medication is shown on the healthcare professional's information terminal device 2, allowing the healthcare professional to easily and appropriately determine how to respond to missed medication. This enables the healthcare professional to quickly and appropriately provide medication guidance to the patient regarding missed medication using communication methods such as telephone and email. Medication guidance to the patient regarding missed medication may also be provided via the patient's information terminal device 3. Furthermore, for prescription drugs that the healthcare professional has determined to have a low severity of side effects, the response method display function 159 may display instructions on how to respond to missed medication on the patient's information terminal device 3.

[0064] Next, we will explain how to support the response to overdose. After the detection of overdose is started in Figure 3, as shown in Figure 5, the memory information acquisition function 156 extracts and acquires the most recent n past medication times (n is any natural number, and so on) from the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11. The memory information acquisition function 156 also extracts and acquires the most recent n past scheduled medication times from the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11 (step S62).

[0065] After the times of past n medication doses and the scheduled times of past n medication doses have been obtained, the overdose detection function 158 determines whether or not an overdose has occurred based on the obtained times of past n medication doses and scheduled times of past n medication doses (step S63). Specifically, the overdose detection function 158 compares the times of past n medication doses with the scheduled times of past n medication doses. Then, taking into account the allowable error time for the time of medication from the scheduled time (for example, 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time), the overdose detection function 158 determines whether or not the times of past n medication doses and the scheduled times of past n medication doses match. If the times of past n medication doses and the scheduled times of past n medication doses match, the overdose detection function 158 determines that there has been no overdose. On the other hand, if there is a combination of times that do not match between the past n medication times and the past n scheduled medication times, for example, if the scheduled medication time matches the time of the medication two sessions ago rather than the time of the previous medication, the overdose detection function 158 will determine that an overdose has occurred. As a result, the overdose detection function 158 will detect an overdose. The overdose detection function 158 may also detect an overdose by receiving notification of an overdose from the patient through the patient's information terminal device 3 or the like.

[0066] If it is determined that there has been an overdose of medication (Step S63: Yes), the response method suggestion function 159 extracts and obtains the next scheduled medication time from the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156. The response method suggestion function 159 also extracts and obtains the properties of the prescribed drug from the prescribed drug information database 112 of the memory circuit 11 via the memory information acquisition function 156 (Step S64).

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no overdose (Step S63: No), the overdose detection function 158 terminates processing until a new detection period begins.

[0068] After the next scheduled medication time and the properties of the prescribed drug are obtained, the response suggestion function 159 calculates the recommended time for the next medication based on the properties of the prescribed drug, the time of the previous medication, the scheduled time for the next medication, and the current time (step S65). For example, the response suggestion function 159 predicts the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A at 10:00, the time when the overdose was detected. The response suggestion function 159 also predicts the maximum blood concentration after the scheduled time for the next medication (13:00) if antihypertensive drug A is taken both at the time the overdose was detected (10:00) and at the scheduled time for the next medication (13:00). In this example, the response suggestion function 159 predicts that the blood concentration of antihypertensive drug A at the time the overdose was detected (10:00) is 90 ng / mL. Furthermore, the response suggestion function 159 predicts that if antihypertensive drug A is taken both at the time of detection of overdose (10:00) and at the next scheduled dose time (13:00), the maximum blood concentration after the next scheduled dose time (13:00) will be 50 ng / mL. As a result, the response suggestion function 159 detects that the maximum blood concentration after the next scheduled dose time (13:00) will reach the threshold of 50 ng / mL, which is the threshold at which side effects of antihypertensive drug A may occur. This is because the time interval from the time of detection of overdose (10:00) to the next scheduled dose time (13:00) is shorter than the 4 hours (see Figure 7) that should be allowed between doses. In this case, the response suggestion function 159 calculates 15:00, which is 5 hours (more than 4 hours) after the time of detection of overdose (10:00), as the recommended time for the next dose. Furthermore, the action suggestion function 159 may calculate not only the next recommended time for taking medication, but also the recommended times for subsequent medications. For example, the action suggestion function 159 may calculate 7 PM, which is 4 hours after the next recommended time (3 PM), as the recommended time for the medication two doses later.

[0069] Furthermore, depending on the prediction results of the response method suggestion function 159, the next scheduled medication time may be calculated as the next recommended medication time. Also, as with the support for responding to missed medication, depending on the interactions with concomitant medications and the degree of overlap in ingredients, it may be necessary to calculate the next recommended medication time using a complex calculation method. In this case, as with the support for responding to missed medication, the next recommended medication time may be calculated with high accuracy by using a pre-trained model that has been trained on the correlation between input and output, with the time of administration of the prescribed medication, the scheduled time of administration of the prescribed medication, and the time of administration of concomitant medications as inputs and the next recommended medication time as output.

[0070] After calculating the recommended time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests a response method to overdose, as shown in Figure 5 (step S66). Specifically, if the next scheduled medication time is calculated as the recommended time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests taking the medication at the scheduled time as a response to overdose. On the other hand, if the recommended time for the next medication dose is calculated to be later than the scheduled time for the next medication dose, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests not taking the prescribed medication at the scheduled time, but taking the prescribed medication at a later time than the scheduled time, as a response to overdose. The response methods to overdose presented by the response method suggestion function 159 are information that further limits (specifies) the content of the response methods to overdose stored in the prescription drug information database 112 according to the medication situation. The response method suggestion function 159 may also present the response methods to overdose stored in the prescription drug information database 112.

[0071] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the process of presenting a method for dealing with overdose in an example of the operation of the medication support device 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 12, the method presentation function 159 transmits the image of the method for dealing with overdose shown in Figure 12 to the medical professional's information terminal device 2. The image of the method for dealing with overdose includes patient information, the properties of the prescribed drug (antihypertensive drug A), the time of the previous dose, the scheduled time of the next dose T2, as well as the time T1 when the overdose was detected, the blood concentration at T1, the maximum blood concentration after T2 if the drug was taken at both T1 and T2, the recommended time for the next dose, the recommended time for the dose after that, and the method for dealing with the overdose. In the example shown in Figure 12, the method for dealing with the overdose is to not take the drug at the scheduled time of the next dose (13:00), but to take it at the recommended time of the next dose (15:00), and the dose after that at 19:00.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, an image displaying instructions on how to respond to overdose is shown on the healthcare professional's information terminal device 2, allowing the healthcare professional to easily and appropriately determine how to respond to overdose. This enables the healthcare professional to quickly and appropriately provide medication guidance to the patient in case of overdose using communication methods such as telephone and email. Medication guidance for overdose may also be provided via the patient's information terminal device 3. Furthermore, for prescription drugs that the healthcare professional has previously determined to have a low severity of side effects, the response method display function 159 may display instructions on how to respond to overdose on the patient's information terminal device 3.

[0073] Up to this point, we have described specific examples of using antihypertensive drugs as prescription medications, but the first embodiment can also be applied to prescription medications such as insulin preparations and anticancer drugs. This is also true for the other embodiments described later.

[0074] As described above, in the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires the properties of the prescribed drug, the time of the last dose, and the scheduled time of the next dose. The memory circuit 11 stores the type of prescribed drug and the method for dealing with missed doses in association with each other. Furthermore, if the patient's medication adherence deviates from the scheduled adherence, the response method presentation function 159 presents a response method for the patient's deviation from the scheduled adherence, based on the properties of the prescribed drug, the method for dealing with missed doses, the time of the last dose, the scheduled time of the next dose, and the current time.

[0075] This helps patients take appropriate action if they forget to take their prescribed medication.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires at least one of the following properties of the prescription drug: the severity of the side effects of the prescription drug, the likelihood of the side effects occurring of the prescription drug, the effective blood concentration of the prescription drug, and the effective tissue concentration of the prescription drug.

[0077] This allows for more appropriate guidance on what to do if a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires at least one of the following as the likelihood of side effects occurring: a blood concentration-time curve showing the change in the blood concentration of the prescribed drug over time, the blood concentration of the prescribed drug that may cause side effects, and the tissue concentration of the prescribed drug that may cause side effects.

[0079] This allows for more appropriate guidance on what to do if a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires the properties of the prescribed drug according to the patient's characteristics.

[0081] This allows for more personalized and appropriate guidance on what to do if a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires the properties of the prescription drug, which are tailored to the patient's characteristics, in accordance with at least one of the patient's age, the patient's constitution, and the medications the patient uses in combination with the prescription drug.

[0083] This allows for more detailed, individualized, and appropriate guidance on how to handle situations where a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication.

[0084] In the first embodiment, the medication check function 153 detects that the patient has taken the prescribed medication. The memory information acquisition function 156 acquires the time when the medication check function 153 detected that the patient had taken the prescribed medication as the time of the last medication.

[0085] This makes it easy to obtain the time of the last medication dose.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the response method suggestion function 159 calculates the recommended time for the next dose based on the properties of the prescribed drug, the time of the previous dose, the scheduled time for the next dose, and the current time, and then suggests a response method based on the calculated recommended time for the next dose.

[0087] This allows for more appropriate guidance on what to do if a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication, using the recommended time for the next dose.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the response method presentation function 159 presents a response method to at least one of the information terminal devices 2,3 for the medical professional and the patient.

[0089] This allows healthcare professionals and patients to quickly receive information via their information terminal devices 2 and 3 regarding what to do if a patient forgets to take their prescribed medication.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 further acquires the previous scheduled medication time, which is the time when the patient was scheduled to take the prescribed medication last time. The medication forgetting detection function 157 and the overdose detection function 158 detect whether the patient has forgotten to take the prescribed medication or has taken too much, based on the previous medication time and the previous scheduled medication time. The response method suggestion function 159 then suggests a response method when the medication forgetting detection function 157 or the overdose detection function 158 detects that medication has been forgotten or that medication has been taken in excess.

[0091] This allows for the reliable detection of patients forgetting to take their medication or taking too much, and enables the provision of appropriate countermeasures.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the medication forgetting detection function 157 detects that the patient forgot to take their prescribed medication at the scheduled time of the previous medication, based on the time of the previous medication and the scheduled time of the previous medication.

[0093] This allows for reliable detection of missed medication doses and provides guidance on how to address them.

[0094] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the current time is calculated as the next recommended time for taking medication, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests taking the medication that was missed at the previous scheduled time now as the response method. On the other hand, if the next scheduled time for taking medication is calculated as the next recommended time for taking medication, the response method suggestion function 159 suggests not taking the medication that was missed at the previous scheduled time now, but taking it at the next scheduled time as the response method.

[0095] This allows us to provide more appropriate methods for addressing missed medication doses.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the medication forgetting detection function 157, when it detects that the patient has forgotten to take their prescribed medication, notifies the patient's information terminal device 3 of the medication forgetting warning and prompts the patient to take a medication confirmation action. The response method suggestion function 159, when it detects a medication forgetting confirmation action, predicts the blood concentration of the prescribed medication at the time the medication forgetting confirmation action was detected, and the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed medication if the medication were taken at both the current time and the next scheduled medication time, based on the properties of the prescribed medication. The response method suggestion function 159 then determines whether the current time or the next scheduled medication time should be the recommended time for the next medication, based on the predicted blood concentration and maximum blood concentration.

[0097] This allows for the simple and rapid calculation of the recommended time for the next medication dose.

[0098] In the first embodiment, the memory information acquisition function 156 acquires at least one past medication time, including at least the time of the previous medication, and at least one past scheduled medication time, including at least the time of the previous scheduled medication. The overdose detection function 158 then detects that the patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication based on at least one past medication time and at least one past scheduled medication time.

[0099] This allows for the reliable detection of overdose and provides guidance on how to address it.

[0100] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the response method suggestion function 159 calculates a time later than the next scheduled medication time as the recommended time for the next medication, it suggests that the prescribed medication not be taken at the next scheduled time, but rather taken at a time later than the next scheduled time, as a response method.

[0101] This will allow us to provide more appropriate methods for dealing with overdose.

[0102] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described in which emergency medication guidance is requested when an overdose of medication is detected. Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the medication support device 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0103] As shown in Figure 13, the processing circuit 15 in the second embodiment further includes an inquiry function 1510 and an emergency medication guidance presentation function 1511, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The inquiry function 1510, when the overdose detection function 158 detects that the patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication, makes an inquiry to request emergency medication guidance from a healthcare professional regarding the patient's overdose, depending on the nature of the prescribed medication. The emergency medication guidance presentation function 1511 presents the emergency medication guidance received from the healthcare professional to the patient.

[0104] The operation example of the medication support device 10 according to the second embodiment will be explained, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation example of the medication support device 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, in the second embodiment, if the overdose detection function 158 determines that there has been an overdose (step S63: Yes), the inquiry function 1510 determines whether an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is necessary (step S67). Specifically, the inquiry function 1510 determines that an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is necessary if the severity of the side effects in relation to the nature of the prescribed drug is "high". For example, with regard to antihypertensive drugs, overdose can cause symptoms of hypotension or bradycardia, so emergency medication guidance pointing out the need for self-management may be necessary. Also, overdose of anticancer drugs can have a significant impact on the patient's physical condition, so emergency medication guidance pointing out the need for self-management may be necessary. On the other hand, the inquiry function 1510 determines that an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is unnecessary if the severity of the side effect is not "high".

[0105] If it is determined that an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is necessary (Step S67: Yes), the inquiry function 1510 sends an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance to the healthcare worker's information terminal device 2 (Step S68). If the medication support device 10 is installed in the medical institution to which the healthcare worker in charge of the patient belongs, the inquiry function 1510 may also output an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance to the healthcare worker via the output interface 13.

[0106] On the other hand, if it is determined that an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is unnecessary (Step S67: No), the inquiry function 1510 will not make an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance. In this case, a series of steps (Steps S64 to S66) will be performed to present methods for dealing with overdose.

[0107] After an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance is made, the inquiry function 1510 determines whether or not a response to the inquiry regarding emergency medication guidance has been made (step S69).

[0108] If there is a response to the emergency medication guidance request (Step S69: Yes), the emergency medication guidance presentation function 1511 presents the emergency medication guidance to the patient's information terminal device 3 (Step S610), and then proceeds to Step S64.

[0109] On the other hand, if there is no response to the emergency medication guidance request (Step S69: No), the inquiry function 1510 repeats the determination of whether or not there is a response to the inquiry regarding emergency medication guidance (Step S69). If there is no response to the emergency medication guidance request (Step S69: No), the inquiry function 1510 may repeat the inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance (Step S68).

[0110] The inquiry function 1510 may also receive direct inquiries from patients via the patient's information terminal device 3 and forward the received patient inquiries to healthcare professionals. In this case as well, the emergency medication guidance presentation function 1511 may present the emergency medication guidance provided by the healthcare professionals to the patient.

[0111] As described above, in the second embodiment, when the overdose detection function 158 detects that a patient has taken an overdose of medication, the inquiry function 1510 makes an inquiry requesting emergency medication guidance from a healthcare professional regarding the overdose, depending on the nature of the prescribed medication. The emergency medication guidance presentation function 1511 then presents the emergency medication guidance received from the healthcare professional to the patient.

[0112] This will make it possible to provide more appropriate responses to medication overdose.

[0113] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment for preventing medication forgetting will be described. The basic configuration of the medication support device 10 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (Figure 1). Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medication support device according to the third embodiment.

[0114] As shown in Figure 15, in the third embodiment, after patient information, prescription drug information, and medication schedule information are registered (step S1), the medication check function 153 determines whether or not the scheduled medication time has arrived (step S21). Specifically, the medication check function 153 determines whether or not the scheduled medication time has arrived based on the medication schedule information stored in the medication schedule database 113 of the memory circuit 11.

[0115] When the scheduled medication time arrives (Step S21: Yes), the medication check function 153 notifies the patient's information terminal device 3 of the scheduled medication time (Step S22). Notifying the patient of the scheduled medication time can encourage them to take their prescribed medication. The notification of the scheduled medication time may also include a message encouraging the patient to take their medication.

[0116] On the other hand, if it is not yet the scheduled time for taking medication (Step S21: No), the medication check function 153 repeatedly determines whether or not it is the scheduled time for taking medication (Step S21).

[0117] After notifying the patient of the scheduled medication time, the medication check function 153 determines whether or not the patient has taken the prescribed medication (step S23). For example, the medication check function 153 may detect medication intake by means such as the aforementioned drug storage system, surveillance cameras, or sensors attached to the prescribed medication itself.

[0118] If the patient takes the prescribed medication (Step S23: Yes), the medication check function 153 determines whether the time the patient took the prescribed medication is within the acceptable time frame from the scheduled time of medication (Step S24).

[0119] On the other hand, if the patient has not taken their prescribed medication (Step S23: No), the medication check function 153 determines whether the number of notifications for the scheduled medication time has reached m (Step S7). Note that m may be a predetermined fixed value, or it may be a variable value that can be arbitrarily set by input operations via the input interface 12.

[0120] If the time the patient takes the prescribed medication is within the acceptable time frame from the scheduled time of administration (Step S24: Yes), the medication time acquisition function 154 acquires the time the patient takes the prescribed medication as the medication time (Step S3).

[0121] On the other hand, if the time the patient takes the prescribed medication is not within the acceptable time frame from the scheduled time of medication (Step S24: No), the medication time acquisition function 154 registers "No medication taken" in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11 (Step S8).

[0122] After the medication time is obtained, the medication time registration function 155 registers the obtained medication time in the medication history database 114 (step S4).

[0123] When the number of notifications reaches the mth time (Step S7: Yes), the medication time acquisition function 154 registers "No medication taken" in the medication history database 114 of the memory circuit 11 (Step S8).

[0124] On the other hand, if the number of notifications has not reached m times (Step S7: No), the medication check function 153 repeatedly notifies the patient's information terminal device 3 of the scheduled time for taking the medication (Step S22).

[0125] After "No medication taken" is registered, the medication forgetting detection function 157 issues a warning to the patient about forgetting to take their medication (step S9). Specifically, the medication forgetting detection function 157 repeatedly sends a medication forgetting warning to the patient's information terminal device 3 at arbitrary intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes) until the patient notices. The specific form of the medication forgetting warning is the same as, for example, the first embodiment (step S54 in Figure 4).

[0126] After a warning is issued to the patient about forgetting to take their medication, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines whether or not the patient has responded to the warning (step S10). Specifically, the medication forgetting detection function 157 determines whether or not the patient has responded to the warning based on whether or not a medication forgetting confirmation operation by operating the operation button described in Figure 4 of the first embodiment has been detected.

[0127] If the patient responds to the warning (Step S10: Yes), the medication forgetting detection function 157 stores the time the patient responded to the warning, that is, the time the patient realized they had forgotten to take their medication, in the memory circuit 11. Then, the memory information acquisition function 156 extracts and acquires the time of the previous medication from the medication history database 114 in the memory circuit 11 (Step S58).

[0128] On the other hand, if the patient does not respond to the warning (Step S10: No), the medication forgetting detection function 157 repeatedly warns the patient about forgetting to take their medication (Step S9).

[0129] After obtaining the time of the last medication dose, steps S55 to S57, as described in the first embodiment, are performed to present a method for dealing with missed medication doses.

[0130] In addition to the steps shown in Figure 15, a series of steps to support the response to overdose, as shown in steps S2 to S61 in Figure 3 and steps S62 to S66 in Figure 5, may also be implemented.

[0131] In the third embodiment, the medication check function 153 encourages the patient to take their medication by repeatedly notifying them of the scheduled time to take their medication.

[0132] This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of forgetting to take medication. Furthermore, even if medication is missed, it becomes possible to provide appropriate guidance on how to address the issue.

[0133] In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). A processor functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Alternatively, instead of storing the program in a memory circuit, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing the program incorporated into the circuitry. Furthermore, a processor is not limited to being a single circuit; it may also be composed of multiple independent circuits combined to form a single processor and achieve its functions. Additionally, the multiple components shown in Figure 1 may be integrated into a single processor to achieve its functions.

[0134] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to help patients take appropriate action when their medication adherence deviates from the planned medication adherence.

[0135] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel apparatus and methods described herein can be implemented in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the apparatus and methods described herein, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and equivalents are intended to include such embodiments and modifications that are included in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 2. Information terminal devices for healthcare workers 3. Patient information terminal device 10 Medication support device 11 Memory circuit 156 Memory Information Acquisition Function 157 Medication reminder detection function 158 Overdose detection function 159. Function to suggest solutions 1510 Inquiry function 1511 Medication guidance presentation function

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires the time of the previous medication administration, which is the time when the patient last took the prescribed medication, and the time of the next scheduled medication administration, which is the time when the patient is scheduled to take the prescribed medication next time. A medication method storage unit that stores the type of prescribed drug and the corresponding response method when the prescribed drug is not taken, in association with the type of prescribed drug. If the patient fails to take the prescribed medication, the response method presentation unit presents a response method for the patient's failure to take the prescribed medication, based on the response method stored in the medication method memory unit, the time of the previous medication administration, the scheduled time of the next medication administration, and the current time. A medication support device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit is, The severity of the side effects of the aforementioned prescription drug, The likelihood of side effects occurring with the aforementioned prescription drug, The effective blood concentration of the aforementioned prescribed drug and The effective tissue concentration of the aforementioned prescribed drug and At least one of these is obtained as a property of the prescription drug, The medication support device according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding method presentation unit presents the corresponding method based on the properties of the prescribed drug.

3. The acquisition unit is, A blood concentration-time curve showing the time change in the blood concentration of the aforementioned prescribed drug, The blood concentration of the prescription drug that may cause the aforementioned side effects, The tissue concentration of the prescription drug that may cause the aforementioned side effects, The medication support device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the above is obtained as the likelihood of the occurrence of the side effect.

4. The medication support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the properties of the prescribed drug in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of the patient.

5. The acquisition unit is, The age of the aforementioned patient and, The aforementioned patient's constitution and, The medications that the aforementioned patient uses in combination with the prescribed medication, The medication support device according to claim 4, which obtains the properties of the prescription drug corresponding to at least one of the following as the properties of the prescription drug corresponding to the characteristics of the patient.

6. The system further includes a medication detection unit that detects whether the patient has taken the prescribed medication. The medication support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the time at which the medication detection unit detects that the patient has taken the prescribed medication as the time of the previous medication.

7. The medication support device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the response method presentation unit calculates the next recommended time for the patient to take the prescribed medication based on the properties of the prescribed medication, the time of the previous medication, the scheduled time for the next medication, and the current time, and presents the response method based on the calculated next recommended time for medication.

8. The medication support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the corresponding method presentation unit presents the corresponding method to at least one of the information terminal devices of a medical professional and a patient.

9. The acquisition unit further acquires the time of the previous scheduled dose, which is the time when the patient was scheduled to take the prescribed medication last time. The medication support device further includes a medication forgetting detection unit that detects, based on the time of the previous medication administration and the scheduled time of the previous medication administration, that the patient did not take the prescribed medication at the scheduled time of the previous medication administration. The medication support device according to claim 7, wherein the response method presentation unit presents the response method when the medication forgetting detection unit detects that the patient has not taken the prescribed medication.

10. The aforementioned method presentation unit is: If the current time is calculated as the recommended time for the next dose, the suggested course of action is to take the portion of the prescribed medication that was not taken at the previously scheduled time now. The medication support device according to claim 9, wherein, if the next scheduled medication time is calculated as the next recommended medication time, the device suggests, as a response method, that the patient not take the prescribed medication at the previous scheduled medication time, and instead take it at the next scheduled medication time.

11. When the medication forgetting detection unit detects that the patient has not taken the prescribed medication, it notifies the patient's information terminal device of a warning about the medication forgetting and prompts the patient to take action to confirm that they have taken the medication. The medication support device according to claim 10, wherein, when the medication forgetting confirmation operation is detected, the response method presentation unit predicts, based on the properties of the prescribed drug, the blood concentration of the prescribed drug at the time the medication forgetting confirmation operation is detected, and the maximum blood concentration of the prescribed drug if the prescribed drug is taken at both the current time and the next scheduled time, and determines, based on the predicted blood concentration and maximum blood concentration, which of the current time and the next scheduled time should be the recommended time for the next medication.

12. The medication method memory unit further stores the type of prescribed drug and a second response method corresponding to the type of prescribed drug when an overdose of the prescribed drug occurs, in association with each other. The medication support device further includes an overdose detection unit that detects whether the patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication based on the time of the previous medication and the scheduled time of the previous medication. The medication support device according to claim 9, wherein the response method presentation unit presents a response method for when a patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication, based on the second response method stored in the medication method memory unit, the time of the previous medication, the scheduled time of the next medication, and the current time.

13. The acquisition unit acquires at least one past medication time, which includes at least the previous medication time and is the time when the patient previously took the prescribed drug, and at least one past scheduled medication time, which includes at least the previous scheduled medication time and is the time when the patient previously planned to take the prescribed drug. The medication support device according to claim 12, wherein the overdose detection unit detects that the patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication based on the time of at least one past medication administration and the time of at least one past scheduled medication administration.

14. The aforementioned method presentation unit is: The medication support device according to claim 13, wherein if the next recommended time for taking the medication is calculated to be later than the next scheduled time, the device suggests that the patient not take the prescribed medication at the next scheduled time, but take the prescribed medication at a later time than the next scheduled time, as a way to address the patient taking too much of the prescribed medication.

15. When the overdose detection unit detects that the patient has taken too much of the prescribed medication, the inquiry unit makes an inquiry to request emergency medication guidance from a healthcare professional regarding the patient's overdose, depending on the nature of the prescribed medication. An emergency medication guidance presentation unit presents the emergency medication guidance received from a healthcare professional to the patient, The medication support device according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

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