Preparation management system and preparation management program

Abstract

A preparation management system (10) manages a portion or all of preparation work for preparing a drug on the basis of preparation data, and includes an acquisition processing unit (111) and a selection processing unit (112). The acquisition processing unit (111) acquires work information related to the preparation work. The selection processing unit (112) selects, for each piece of the work information, a preparation entity that performs the preparation work from among a human entity (preparation assistance device 4) and an automatic entity (automatic preparation device 5) that automatically performs at least a portion of the preparation work. The selection processing unit (112) preferentially selects the automatic entity over the human entity, and selects the human entity for the preparation work for an amount exceeding a limit range that is set corresponding to the automatic entity.

Description

Preparation management system and preparation management program

[0001] The present invention relates to a preparation management system and a preparation management program that manage a part or all of the preparation work of preparing medicines based on preparation data.

[0002] In related art, a pharmaceutical preparation support system is known that includes a pharmacy server that receives orders for pharmaceutical preparations, such as prescriptions from doctors. The pharmaceutical preparation support system maintains extensive records of received orders, detailed protocols for compounding pharmaceuticals, records of pharmaceutical preparations in response to orders, and other items. The pharmaceutical preparation support system assigns compounding tasks to multiple compounding devices, which may include manual compounding stations and one or more robotic compounders.

[0003] The compounding assistance system receives a plurality of requests, at least some of which require compounding of one or more medications, and assigns respective compounding tasks to the plurality of compounding devices according to a set of rules designed to promote efficient use of compounding resources and avoid waste. The compounding assistance system is configured to assign respective portions of a batch compounding task to at least two of the plurality of compounding devices, the respective portions of the batch compounding task assigned to each of the at least two of the plurality of compounding devices being selected based at least in part on performance records of the at least two compounding devices such that the portions of the batch compounding task assigned to the at least two compounding devices are expected to be completed simultaneously.

[0004] Patent No. 7138171

[0005] However, in the preparation support system, even in an environment where the multiple robotic compounders are installed, there is a problem in that at least some of the multiple robotic compounders are not fully used and tend to be idle (non-operating).

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a preparation management system and a preparation management program that allow for effective use of installed equipment.

[0007] A preparation management system according to one aspect of the present invention is a preparation management system that manages part or all of a preparation work for preparing medicines based on preparation data, and includes an acquisition processing unit and a selection processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires work information related to the preparation work. The selection processing unit selects, for each piece of work information, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation work from among a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least part of the preparation work. The selection processing unit prioritizes the automatic entity over the human entity, and selects the human entity for the part of the preparation work that exceeds a limit set corresponding to the automatic entity.

[0008] A preparation management system according to another aspect of the present invention is a preparation management system that manages part or all of a preparation work for preparing medicines based on preparation data, and includes an acquisition processing unit, a selection processing unit, a presentation processing unit, and an allocation processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires work information related to the preparation work. The selection processing unit selects, for each piece of work information, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation work from among a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least a part of the preparation work. The presentation processing unit presents, for each piece of work information, the preparation entity selected by the selection processing unit as a proposal. The allocation processing unit allocates the preparation work to the preparation entity of the proposal in accordance with an approval operation for the proposal presented by the presentation processing unit.

[0009] A preparation management program according to another aspect of the present invention is used to manage part or all of a preparation task of preparing medicines based on preparation data, and causes one or more processors to execute an acquisition step and a selection step. In the acquisition step, task information related to the preparation task is acquired. In the selection step, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation task is selected from a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least part of the preparation task, for each of the task information. In the selection step, the automatic entity is selected preferentially over the human entity, and the human entity is selected for any part of the preparation task that exceeds a limit set for the automatic entity.

[0010] According to the present invention, a preparation management system and a preparation management program are provided that allow for effective use of installed equipment.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a preparation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a preparation assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic external view showing an example of a preparation assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a safety cabinet used in the preparation assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention is in use. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an automatic preparation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic external view showing an example of an automatic preparation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of an automatic preparation device according to an embodiment of the present invention with the main door open. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a preparation management process performed in a preparation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sorting screen displayed in a preparation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of selection processing performed in a selection processing unit of a preparation management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sorting screen displayed in a preparation management system according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. Note that the following embodiments are examples of specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations and processing functions described in the following embodiments can be selected and combined as desired.

[0013] 1 , a preparation management system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a preparation management device 1, a client terminal 3, a preparation assistance device 4, and an automatic preparation device 5. In this embodiment, the preparation management system 10 is used to improve the efficiency of drug preparation work performed by users (operators) such as doctors or pharmacists, and manages some or all of the preparation work.

[0014] Users of the preparation management system 10 are, for example, pharmacists, doctors, nurses, medical staff, or facility managers at medical institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes for the elderly, or pharmacies. In this embodiment, as an example, the preparation management system 10 is used in a hospital, and pharmacists at the hospital (hospital pharmacists) are users of the preparation management system 10.

[0015] Furthermore, in the field of pharmaceuticals, the term "preparation" as used herein refers to mixing multiple pharmaceuticals or preparing them in appropriate amounts depending on the patient's disease or condition, and includes mixing the pharmaceuticals with each other, mixing the pharmaceuticals with a liquid such as an infusion (including an injection), and mixing the liquids with each other. The pharmaceuticals include liquid pharmaceuticals (medicinal solutions) and powdered pharmaceuticals (powdered medicines). If the pharmaceutical is a powdered medicine, dissolving the powdered medicine in a liquid (solvent) such as an infusion is also included in the mixing of the pharmaceutical with the liquid. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the preparation work, partly or in whole, supported by the preparation assistance device 4 includes a series of steps of mixing the pharmaceutical and the liquid based on preparation data and placing the mixture of the pharmaceutical and the liquid (hereinafter referred to as the "prepared pharmaceutical") in a dispensing container.

[0016] Here, for example, when a drug (medicinal liquid) is extracted from a drug container using a syringe and injected into the dispensing container containing the liquid, the prepared drug (a mixture of the drug and the liquid) is produced within the dispensing container. Even when the prepared drug is produced within the dispensing container, the prepared drug is ultimately contained within the dispensing container. Therefore, the manner in which the prepared drug is contained within the dispensing container includes not only a manner in which the prepared drug is produced outside the dispensing container and then contained within the dispensing container, but also a manner in which the prepared drug is produced within the dispensing container and then contained within the dispensing container. As an example, the preparation work involves preparing an injectable drug such as an anticancer drug.

[0017] The preparation management device 1, the client terminal 3, the preparation assistance device 4, and the automatic preparation device 5 can communicate with each other via a communication network NT1 such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, an intranet, etc. The preparation management system 10 may include a plurality of at least one of the client terminals 3, the preparation assistance devices 4, and the automatic preparation devices 5.

[0018] A higher-level system 6, such as an electronic medical record system or a prescription input terminal, which inputs prescription data to the preparation management device 1, is connected via the communication network NT1 to the preparation management device 1. For example, the prescription data includes the prescription issuance date, patient ID, patient name, patient date of birth, drug information (drug code, drug name, dosage, etc.), dosage method (oral administration, topical administration, etc.), usage information (three times a day after each meal, etc.), type of medical treatment (outpatient, inpatient, etc.), department, ward, and hospital room. It is also possible that the preparation management device 1 is capable of reading prescription data from a prescription, or that the preparation management device 1 is capable of inputting prescription data via user operation.

[0019] [Preparation management device 1] The preparation management device 1 is a computer including a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication I / F 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a drive device 16. The preparation management device 1 may be provided outside a medical institution such as a hospital or pharmacy where the preparation management system 10 is used, or may be realized by a server (or cloud computing), etc. The preparation management device 1 may also be an information processing device such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer.

[0020] The control unit 11 has control devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and EEPROM (registered trademark). The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU to execute various operations is pre-stored. The RAM is a volatile storage unit, and the EEPROM is a non-volatile storage unit. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as temporary storage memory (work area) for the various operations executed by the CPU. The control unit 11 then uses the CPU to execute various operations in accordance with various control programs (e.g., the preparation management program described below) pre-stored in the ROM, the EEPROM, or the storage unit 12.

[0021] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various control programs and various data executed by the control unit 11. Specifically, the storage unit 12 includes a program storage unit that stores an operating system (OS) and application programs such as browser software.

[0022] The storage unit 12 also stores various databases such as a medicine master, a patient master, a user master, etc. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 also stores a medicine database separate from the medicine master.

[0023] The pharmaceutical master contains information about each pharmaceutical, such as pharmaceutical ID, pharmaceutical code, pharmaceutical name, YJ code, JAN code (or RSS code), medicine bottle code, classification (dosage form: powder, tablet, liquid medicine, topical medicine, etc.), tablet shape (capsule tablet, spherical tablet, flat tablet (disk-shaped tablet), etc.), tablet color, tablet size, specific gravity, drug type (ordinary medicine, poison, narcotic, powerful drug, antipsychotic drug, therapeutic drug, etc.), formulation variations, excipients, and precautions.

[0024] The user master includes information about users, such as the pharmacy name, pharmacist name, pharmacist ID, password, user group, and processing authority. The patient master includes information about patients, such as the patient ID, name, sex, age, medical history, prescription drug history, family information, medical department, ward, and room.

[0025] The drug database stores, for each drug, information such as drug code, drug name, JAN code, RSS code, vial code, dosage form, unit, specific gravity, drug type, compounding variations, excipients, precautions, allergy information, and package insert information. In particular, for tablets, the drug database stores information such as tablet identification information (e.g., information identifying the drug type) and tablet shape. The drug database is read from a recording medium such as a CD or DVD by the drive device 16, or received from an external device via the communication network NT1 and stored in the memory unit 12. The drug database is used in the preparation management system 10 to import information into various masters such as the drug master or to reference information on the package insert for each drug. The control unit 11 may also be configured to be able to retrieve the drug database as needed from an external device or website via the communication network NT1. The drug database is used for updating the drug master, etc.

[0026] The communication I / F 13 is a communication interface having a network card or the like that performs wireless or wired data communication between external devices such as the client terminal 3, the preparation support device 4, and the automatic preparation device 5 via the communication network NT1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0027] The display unit 14 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display that displays various information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 11 .

[0028] The operation unit 15 is a device operated by a user to input various pieces of information to the preparation management device 1. Specifically, the operation unit 15 includes a keyboard and a pointing device (such as a mouse) that accept input operations on various operation screens displayed on the display unit 14. The operation unit 15 may also include a touch panel that accepts touch operations on various operation screens displayed on the display unit 14, or a voice input device that accepts input of various pieces of information by voice recognition.

[0029] The drive device 16 is a device that reads the OS or the preparation management program from a computer-readable recording medium 161 on which the OS, the browser software, or the like is recorded. The drive device 16 may be integrated into the preparation management device 1, or may be externally attached to the preparation management device 1 by being removably connected to the preparation management device 1. The recording medium 161 is a CD, DVD, BD, USB memory, or the like, and the drive device 16 is a CD drive, DVD drive, BD drive, USB port, or the like. In the preparation management device 1, the control unit 11 installs the preparation management program, etc. read from the recording medium 161 using the drive device 16, into the program storage unit of the storage unit 12.

[0030] In the preparation management device 1 configured as described above, the control unit 11 executes various processes in accordance with the preparation management program. The control unit 11 also has a function of generating prescription data (hereinafter referred to as preparation data) indicating the details of the preparation work described below based on the prescription data and inputting the preparation data to the preparation assistance device 4 and the automatic preparation device 5. As a result, the preparation assistance device 4 and the automatic preparation device 5 execute a preparation assistance process and an automatic preparation process described below based on the preparation data.

[0031] The control unit 11 displays the results of the preparation management process executed based on the preparation data on the client terminal 3, etc. Here, the control unit 11 has a function of selecting a preparation entity that performs the preparation work from a human entity and an automatic entity through the preparation management process. A human entity is an entity consisting of a "person" such as a pharmacist, and in this embodiment, the preparation support device 4 is an example of the human entity. On the other hand, an automatic entity is an entity that automatically performs at least a part of the preparation work, and in this embodiment, the automatic preparation device 5 is an example of the automatic entity.

[0032] In the preparation management system 10 according to this embodiment, the preparation management device 1 has a function of presenting the selected preparation subject as a proposal to the user from the client terminal 3. In this disclosure, "presentation" means showing information (e.g., the proposal) to the user, and may include various forms such as display, printing, audio output, transmission to another system (another device), and writing to memory. Details of the preparation management process executed by the control unit 11 will be described later.

[0033] [Client Terminal 3] The client terminal 3 is a personal computer including a control unit 31, a memory unit 32, a communication I / F 33, a display unit 34, and an operation unit 35. Each of the client terminals 3 is an operation terminal that is placed in a medical institution where the preparation management system 10 is used and is operated by a user such as a pharmacist.

[0034] The control unit 31 has the same configuration as the control unit 11 and has control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and EEPROM, and uses the CPU to execute various processes in accordance with various control programs pre-stored in the ROM, the EEPROM, or the memory unit 32.

[0035] The storage unit 32 is a non-volatile storage unit such as a hard disk or SSD that stores various control programs and various data executed by the control unit 31. Specifically, the storage unit 32 includes a program storage unit that stores an operating system (OS) and application programs such as browser software. The browser software is application software that accesses the preparation management device 1 via the communication network NT1 to display various operation screens on the display unit 34 and transmits input operations on the operation screens using the operation unit 35 to the preparation management device 1. For example, when address information such as a URL (Universal Resource Locator) corresponding to the preparation management device 1 is entered in a predetermined position on the operation screen displayed by the browser software, the control unit 31 accesses the preparation management device 1 based on the address information.

[0036] The communication I / F 33 is a communication interface having a network card or the like that performs wireless or wired data communication between external devices such as the preparation management device 1 via the communication network NT1 in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0037] The display unit 34 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 31. The operation unit 35 has a similar configuration to the operation unit 35 and is a device operated by a user to input various information into the preparation management device 1. The control unit 31 accepts user operations on the operation unit 35 and executes processing according to the content of the user operation.

[0038] In the preparation management system 10, a server-client system is configured by the preparation management device 1 and the client terminal 3, and the preparation management device 1 executes various processes in response to user operations of the client terminal 3. For example, the control unit 11 of the preparation management device 1 transmits data described in a page description language such as HTML to the client terminal 3, thereby displaying various screens on the display unit 34 of the client terminal 3. Furthermore, the control unit 31 of the client terminal 3 transmits an operation signal to the preparation management device 1 in response to an operation input to the operation unit 35.

[0039] In addition, part or all of the preparation management program may be installed in one or more of the preparation management device 1, the client terminal 3, and the preparation assistance device 4, and the preparation management process described below may be executed in cooperation with the preparation management device 1, the client terminal 3, or the preparation assistance device 4.

[0040] [Preparation Support Device 4] Next, the configuration of the preparation support device 4 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the preparation support device 4 includes a control unit 41, an operation display unit 42, a first reading unit 43, a printer 44, an operation input unit 45, an imaging unit 46, a communication I / F (interface) 47, a second reading unit 21, and a weighing unit 22. In this embodiment, the preparation support device 4 is used to improve the efficiency of drug preparation work performed by a user (operator) such as a doctor or a pharmacist.

[0041] Based on the preparation data, the preparation assisting device 4 sequentially displays procedures and instructions for each work step included in the preparation work on the operation display unit 42. This allows the user to proceed with the preparation work in order according to the display on the operation display unit 42.

[0042] Specifically, in the preparation work, the user may, for example, use a syringe to aspirate a liquid medicine (medicinal solution) from a medicine container and inject it into an infusion container such as an infusion bag containing a liquid such as saline. In addition, in the preparation work, the user may, for example, use a syringe to aspirate a liquid such as saline from an infusion container such as an infusion bag, inject it into a medicine container containing a powdered medicine (powdered medicine) to dissolve the powdered medicine, and then aspirate the dissolved medicinal solution with the syringe and inject it into an infusion container such as an infusion bag. The prepared medicine is administered to a patient using an administration container containing the prepared medicine. Therefore, when the medicine prepared in the preparation work (the prepared medicine) is injected into an infusion container, the infusion container is used as the administration container.

[0043] 3 , the second reading unit 21 and the weighing unit 22 are disposed in the work chamber 101 of the safety cabinet 100. Meanwhile, the control unit 41, the operation display unit 42, the first reading unit 43, the printer 44, the operation input unit 45, the photographing unit 46, and the communication I / F 47 are disposed outside the work chamber 101 of the safety cabinet 100. Note that the arrangement of the components of the preparation assisting device 4 shown here is merely an example and is not limited to this arrangement. For example, the photographing unit 46 may be disposed in the work chamber 101.

[0044] The safety cabinet 100 includes a work chamber 101 partitioned by a transparent glass door 102 at the front. The glass door 102 is supported at a position where an opening 103 is formed below, allowing a user to access the work chamber 101 by inserting their hand through the opening 103. The safety cabinet 100 is also provided with an air purifier 104 having a HEPA filter for purifying the air in the work chamber 101 and discharging it.

[0045] 4, the user inserts both hands into the work chamber 101 through the open portion 103 and performs the preparation work of the medicine while visually checking the inside of the work chamber 101 through the glass door 102. In the preparation work, the user, for example, uses a syringe 203 to aspirate a liquid medicine (medicinal solution) from a medicine container 201 in the work chamber 101 and injects it into an infusion container 202 such as an infusion bag containing a liquid such as physiological saline.

[0046] Specifically, the work chamber 101 is equipped with the medicine container 201 and the infusion container 202. The medicine container 201 contains a predetermined amount of the medicine to be prepared in the preparation work, and may be of various types and sizes (capacities), such as a vial containing a medicine solution, a vial containing a powdered medicine, or an ampoule containing a medicine solution. The infusion container 202 contains a predetermined amount of the infusion solution used in the preparation work and is an example of a "container" containing the liquid. Examples of the liquid contained in the infusion container 202 include physiological saline, glucose, or high-calorie infusion solutions. The infusion container 202 may be of various types and sizes (capacities), such as an infusion bag (soft bag), a plastic bottle, or a vial.

[0047] In the preparation assisting device 4, when preparing non-toxic medicines or infusions, a clean bench or the like may be used instead of the safety cabinet 100.

[0048] The second reading unit 21, installed in the work chamber 101 of the safety cabinet 100, is a code reading device capable of reading code information such as one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes. The code information is attached to a container (the medicine container 201 or the infusion container 202) containing the medicine or liquid used in the preparation work. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR Code (registered trademark). The code information includes identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "content identification information") for identifying the type of the medicine or liquid contained in the medicine container 201 or the infusion container 202 to which the code information is attached. Furthermore, the code information includes identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "container identification information") for identifying the medicine container 201 or the infusion container 202 to which the code information is attached, i.e., the container itself rather than the contents. The code information read by the second reading unit 21 is input to the control unit 41.

[0049] The weighing unit 22, which is also provided in the work chamber 101 of the safety cabinet 100, is an electronic balance used for various measurements in the preparation work. The weighing results from the weighing unit 22 are input to the control unit 41 in real time. The weighing unit 22 also inputs stability information indicating whether the weighing results have stabilized to the control unit 41. This allows the control unit 41 to acquire the weighing results from the weighing unit 22 and information such as whether the results are stable. Note that the control unit 41 may be configured to actively read out the weighing results from the weighing unit 22 and information such as whether the results are stable.

[0050] The communication I / F 47 is a communication interface that performs data communication with the preparation management device 1, etc., wirelessly or via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or an intranet. The communication I / F 47 is configured to be able to perform data communication with not only the preparation management device 1, but also, for example, the second reading unit 21 and the weighing unit 22 in the workroom 101, and further the client terminal 3, a wearable terminal, or a higher-level system 6, etc.

[0051] The control unit 41 is communicably connected to the preparation management device 1, etc. via a communication I / F 47. The control unit 41 can acquire the preparation data indicating the content of the preparation work performed by the user from the preparation management device 1, etc.

[0052] For example, the preparation data may include patient information (e.g., patient ID, patient name, height, weight, and body surface area), preparation date, drug information (e.g., drug code or drug name), liquid information (e.g., infusion code or infusion name), dosage, regimen identification information, information about the drug container 201, and information about the infusion container 202. The regimen identification information is information that can identify regimen information, such as a therapy name (regimen name), a therapy ID, or a regimen ID. The preparation data may also include information about the type (e.g., an ampule containing a drug solution, a vial containing a drug solution, a vial containing powdered medicine, or an infusion bag) and size (volume) of the drug container 201 or the infusion container 202. The preparation data may also include information about the doctor, preparation content information (e.g., the syringe 203 and type and number of needles used in the preparation work), preparation procedure information (e.g., the work content, solvent, solvent amount, and amount extracted), administration date, prescription classification, medical department, and ward. The preparation data may also be the prescription data itself.

[0053] The control unit 41 is mainly composed of a computer having one or more central processing units (CPUs) 411, one or more random access memories (RAMs) 412, one or more storage units 413, and the like.

[0054] The storage unit 413 includes storage areas such as a data area, a program area, and a master area. Note that the storage unit 413 may include a plurality of storage media, and the data area, the program area, and the master area may be distributed across the plurality of storage media.

[0055] The data area accumulates and stores the preparation data acquired from the preparation management device 1, etc. The control unit 41 can also newly register or edit the preparation data in response to user operations. The data area also stores history data indicating the content of the preparation work performed by the user in accordance with the preparation data, in association with the preparation data. For example, the history data includes the user of the preparation work, the start time of the work, the end time of the work, and images taken during the preparation work.

[0056] The program area stores a control program for causing the control unit 41 to execute a preparation support process, which will be described later, etc. The program area also stores an operating system (OS) and application programs such as browser software.

[0057] The master area stores various master information such as a medicine master, a patient master, a user master, etc. For example, the medicine master includes, as container attribute information described later, information about the medicine container 201 or the infusion container 202, such as the type (ampule containing a medicine solution, vial containing a medicine solution, vial containing powdered medicine, or infusion bag), the amount of the medicine or the liquid contained in each container (predetermined amount), the capacity (maximum capacity), and the weight of the container alone.

[0058] The various information stored in the memory unit 413 may be pre-stored in the memory unit 413, may be received from outside the preparation assistance device 4 via a telecommunications line, or may be read from a computer-readable recording medium.

[0059] The operation display unit 42 has a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information in accordance with control instructions from the control unit 41, and an operation unit that is operated by a user to input various information to the control unit 41. The operation display unit 42 displays, to the user, at least the procedures and instructions related to each work step included in the preparation work, and is therefore arranged in a position that is easily visible to the user performing the preparation work.

[0060] Specifically, the operation section of the operation display section 42 is a touch panel that accepts touch operations on various operation screens displayed on the display section.

[0061] The first reading unit 43 is a code reading device capable of reading code information, such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, printed on a recipe receipt or the like corresponding to the preparation data. The code information includes identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "data identification information") for identifying the preparation data. The code information read by the first reading unit 43 is input to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 then identifies the preparation data to be subjected to the current preparation work based on the code information read from the recipe receipt using the first reading unit 43. Specifically, the control unit 41 reads the data identification information from the code information and selects the preparation data corresponding to the data identification information from the data storage unit of the storage unit 413. Note that the control unit 41 may also acquire the preparation data from the code information.

[0062] The printer 44 is used to print various types of information by the control unit 41. For example, the printer 44 is used to print the recipe receipt corresponding to the preparation data executed by the control unit 41, or to print the history of the preparation work executed according to the preparation data.

[0063] The operation input unit 45 is an operation unit through which a user inputs operations to the control unit 41 while the preparation work is being performed. As shown in Fig. 3, the operation input unit 45 has, as an example, a first foot switch 451, a second foot switch 452, and a third foot switch 453. The first foot switch 451 and the second foot switch 452 are used for operations such as selecting an item to be operated, and the third foot switch 453 is used for operations such as deciding on the item to be operated. Specifically, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control unit 41 executes various processes in response to a user operation on the operation display unit 42 or the operation input unit 45.

[0064] The photographing unit 46 is realized, for example, by a camera device fixed outside the work chamber 101. Image data (hereinafter referred to as "image data") captured by the photographing unit 46 is input to the control unit 41 in real time. The photographing unit 46 is disposed facing the inside of the work chamber 101 so as to capture, for example, an image of the syringe (syringe barrel) of the injector 203 in the work chamber 101 handled by a user. The image captured by the photographing unit 46 is, for example, a full-color still image, but is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a monochrome image or a moving image. In this embodiment, the photographing unit 46 is controlled by the control unit 41, captures an image upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 41, and inputs the obtained image data to the control unit 41. Note that the photographing unit 46 may actively capture an image and transmit the image data to the control unit 41.

[0065] In the preparation work, the user selects the necessary work processes from, for example, the prepared drug authentication process, tare process, liquid extraction process, liquid measuring process, liquid photographing process, dissolution process, drug extraction process, drug measuring process, drug photographing process, and mixing process, and executes them sequentially.

[0066] The chemical authentication step is a step of authenticating the chemical and the liquid used in the preparation work, and is, for example, a step of reading identification information of the chemical or the liquid using the second reading unit 21. The tare step is a step of pre-weighing only the weight of the equipment used in the preparation work, such as the syringe 203, and is, for example, a step of placing the syringe 203 on the weighing unit 22.

[0067] The liquid extraction process is a process of extracting a required amount of liquid, such as physiological saline, from the infusion container 202 using the syringe 203. The liquid measurement process is a process of measuring the weight of the extracted liquid and placing the syringe 203 on the weighing unit 22. In the liquid measurement process, the control unit 41 measures the difference between the weight of the syringe 203 placed on the weighing unit 22 and the weight of the syringe 203 set by the tare as the weight of the extracted liquid. The dissolving process is a process of dissolving the medicine when the medicine is a powder and injecting the liquid extracted by the syringe 203 into the medicine container 201 as a dissolving liquid. The liquid photographing process is a process of photographing the syringe 203 from which the liquid has been extracted using the photographing unit 46.

[0068] The medicine extracting step is a step of extracting a required amount of the medicine (medicinal liquid) from the medicine container 201 using the syringe 203. The medicine measuring step is a step of measuring the weight of the extracted medicine and is a step of placing the syringe 203 on the weighing unit 22. Note that in the medicine measuring step as well, the control unit 41 measures the difference between the weight of the syringe 203 placed on the weighing unit 22 and the weight of the syringe 203 set by the tare weight subtraction as the weight of the medicine. The medicine photographing step is a step of photographing the syringe 203 from which the medicinal liquid has been extracted using the photographing unit 46.

[0069] The co-injection process is a process of injecting the dissolved drug (the prepared drug) or the drug (medicinal solution) in the syringe 203 into the administration container. That is, if the drug is in powder form (powdered drug), the drug is dissolved in the liquid as the dissolving solution in a container other than the administration container (e.g., the drug container 201), and the drug dissolved in the liquid, i.e., the prepared drug, is transferred from the other container to the administration container in the co-injection process. Also, if the drug is in liquid form (medicinal solution), the drug extracted from the drug container 201 with the syringe 203 is injected into the administration container in the co-injection process, whereby the drug and the liquid are mixed in the administration container to produce the prepared drug. Alternatively, even if the drug is in a liquid form (medicinal solution), the drug may be mixed with the liquid in a container other than the administration container (for example, the infusion container 202), and the drug mixed with the liquid, i.e., the prepared drug, may be transferred from the other container to the administration container in the co-infusion step. As a result, in the preparation work, the prepared drug is finally contained in the administration container.

[0070] The control unit 41 executes the preparation assistance process based on a control program stored in the storage unit 413. In the preparation assistance process, the control unit 41 sequentially displays work steps required for the preparation work on the operation display unit 42 based on the preparation data that is the target of the preparation work. This allows the worker to proceed with the work steps in order by following the display.

[0071] [Automatic Preparation Device 5] Next, the configuration of the automatic preparation device 5 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figure 5, the automatic preparation device 5 includes a control unit 51, a drug loading unit 54, and a preparation processing unit 55. In the automatic preparation device 5, the control unit 51 controls the operation of the preparation processing unit 55, thereby executing the automatic preparation process of injecting a drug (medicine, formulation) such as an anticancer drug indicated in the preparation data from one or more drug containers containing a predetermined amount of the drug into an infusion container.

[0072] The control unit 51 includes a first control unit 52 and a second control unit 53 that are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally via a communication network such as a LAN or the Internet (for example, the communication network NT1). The first control unit 52 is provided on the medicine loading unit 54 side, and the second control unit 53 is provided on the preparation processing unit 55 side. The first control unit 52 is connected to the preparation management device 1 via the communication network NT1, and the preparation data is input to the first control unit 52 from the preparation management device 1.

[0073] The first control unit 52 is a computer including a CPU 521, a ROM 522, a RAM 523, a data storage unit 524, and an operation unit 525. The first control unit 52 is connected to various electric components provided in the medicine loading unit 54, such as a display 541, a barcode reader 542, and an air purifying device 543, which will be described later.

[0074] The CPU 521 is a processor that executes processing in accordance with various control programs. The ROM 522 is a non-volatile memory that pre-stores programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU 521. The RAM 523 is a volatile or non-volatile memory that is used for expanding the various control programs executed by the CPU 521 and for temporarily storing data.

[0075] The data storage unit 524 is a hard disk or the like that stores various application programs executed by the CPU 521 and various data. Specifically, the data storage unit 524 stores the preparation data input from the preparation management device 1. The data storage unit 524 also stores various databases, such as a drug master, a patient master, a doctor master, a prescription category master, a medical department master, and a ward master. In addition, in the drug master, when there are multiple types of drug containers for the same drug, default amount information corresponding to each drug container is stored.

[0076] The operation unit 525 includes various operation means such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel that accepts various user operations in the first control unit 52 .

[0077] The second control unit 53 is a computer including a CPU 531, a ROM 532, a RAM 533, a data storage unit 534, an operation unit 535, etc. The second control unit 53 is connected to various electric components such as a first robot arm 551, a second robot arm 552, and a container transport unit 553, which are provided in the preparation processing unit 55 and will be described later.

[0078] The CPU 531 is a processor that executes processing in accordance with various control programs. The ROM 532 is a non-volatile memory that stores in advance programs such as BIOS to be executed by the CPU 531. The RAM 533 is a volatile or non-volatile memory that is used for expanding the various control programs by the CPU 531 and for temporarily storing data.

[0079] The data storage unit 534 is a hard disk or the like that stores various application programs and various data executed by the CPU 531. For example, the data storage unit 534 stores in advance a control program for controlling the preparation processing unit 55, etc.

[0080] The operation unit 535 includes various operation means such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel that accepts various user operations in the second control unit 53 .

[0081] 6 and 7, the chemical loading unit 54 is a clean bench equipped with a display 541, a barcode reader 542, and an air purifier 543. As shown in Fig. 7, the chemical loading unit 54 and the preparation processing unit 55 are in communication with each other through a communication opening 565 formed on a side surface of the preparation processing unit 55.

[0082] The display 541 is a display means such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the first control unit 52. Specifically, the display 541 displays preparation data that is the target of the automatic preparation process in the automatic preparation device 5. The barcode reader 542 reads a barcode written on a prescription or preparation instructions, and inputs the contents of the barcode into the first control unit 52. The air purifier 543 supplies air into the medicine loading unit 54 through a predetermined filter.

[0083] 6, the user performs preparatory work for the automatic preparation process to be executed by the automatic preparation device 5 while inserting their hand into the medicine loading unit 54. Specifically, the preparatory work includes, for example, a loading work of placing medicine containers (ampoules, vials, etc.), syringes, and infusion bags at predetermined positions in a container 566, and loading the container 566 into the preparation processing unit 55.

[0084] After the user sets the medicine container, the syringe, and the infusion bag in the container 566, the container 566 is supplied to the preparation processing unit 55 through the communication opening 565.

[0085] 6, a main door 561 is provided on the front surface of the preparation processing section 55. The main door 561 is opened and closed to access the preparation processing chamber 560 provided in the preparation processing section 55, for example, when cleaning the inside of the preparation processing chamber 560.

[0086] The preparation processing section 55 is provided with a waste storage chamber 562 in which waste materials such as the medicine containers and syringes after being used in the automatic preparation processing in the preparation processing chamber 560 are stored.

[0087] 7, the preparation processing chamber 560 is provided with a first robot arm 551 and a second robot arm 552 each having an articulated structure, a container transport unit 553, etc. The preparation processing chamber 560 is also provided with an ampoule cutter, a stirring device, a loading shelf, a medicine reading unit, a weighing scale, a preparation communication port 563, a dust cover, a plurality of cameras, a germicidal lamp, etc.

[0088] In the automatic preparation device 5, the preparation work is performed by the dual-arm first robot arm 551 and the second robot arm 552. Specifically, the second control unit 53 controls the first robot arm 551 and the second robot arm 552 to cause the first robot arm 551 and the second robot arm 552 to perform the preparation work. Note that the preparation processing unit 55 may have, for example, a configuration with one robot arm, a configuration including three or more robot arms, or a configuration without using any robot arms, as long as it has a structure that can perform the automatic preparation process.

[0089] The preparation processing unit 55 is also provided with a container transport unit 553 that transports the container 566 supplied from the communication opening 565. The medicine containers (ampoules, vials, etc.) and syringes placed in the container 566 are transported to the preparation processing chamber 560 by the container transport unit 553. The infusion bag placed in the container 566 is transported by the container transport unit 553 and held in a state where the mixed injection port of the infusion bag is positioned at the preparation communication port 563.

[0090] The ampoule cutter is capable of breaking off the top of the ampoule.

[0091] The agitator is capable of agitating the vial. When the vial contains powdered medicine, the agitator is used to inject an infusion or a medicine into the vial to dissolve the powdered medicine and produce a mixed medicine.

[0092] The storage shelf is used to temporarily store the medicine containers, syringes, etc. during the automatic preparation process executed by the automatic preparation device 5. The storage shelf is also used as a standby position for storing the medicine containers when medicine remains in the medicine containers after the automatic preparation process has been executed. Of course, the standby position may be provided at a position separate from the storage shelf.

[0093] The medicine reading unit is capable of reading barcodes that indicate information about the medicine contained therein and are written on labels attached to the medicine containers such as the ampules and vials.

[0094] The weighing scale is used to measure the weight of the syringe in the automatic preparation process executed in the automatic preparation device 5, and the measurement result by the weighing scale is input to the second control unit 53. As a result, the second control unit 53 can obtain the amount of drug solution aspirated from the drug container by, for example, calculating the difference between the weight of the syringe after aspirating the drug from the drug container and the known weight of the syringe itself.

[0095] 7, the preparation communication port 563 is formed on the side wall of the preparation processing chamber 560. The infusion bag is held in a state where only the mixed injection port of the infusion bag is positioned inside the preparation processing chamber 560 through the preparation communication port 563.

[0096] The germicidal lamp is turned on, for example, three hours before the start of the automatic preparation process, to sterilize the inside of the preparation process chamber 560 .

[0097] The preparation processing section 55 is also provided with an exhaust system that sucks air from within the preparation processing chamber 560 through slits 564 (see FIG. 7) formed in the lower part of the side wall of the preparation processing chamber 560 and exhausts it from an exhaust fan (not shown) provided above the preparation processing chamber 560. The preparation processing section 55 is also provided with an air supply system that cleans outside air through an air intake port formed in the ceiling of the preparation processing chamber 560 and guides it into the preparation processing chamber 560, etc.

[0098] In the automatic preparation process executed by the automatic preparation device 5, the second control unit 53 controls the first robot arm 551 and the second robot arm 552, etc., and the medicine such as an anticancer drug indicated in the preparation data is injected into the infusion bag from one or more medicine containers containing a predetermined amount of the medicine.

[0099] [Control Unit 11] The preparation management system 10 includes the preparation assistance device 4 and the automatic preparation device 5, which performs the automatic preparation process. This reduces the burden on humans (operators) when performing the preparation tasks. However, in situations where multiple preparation tasks are required, the burden on humans may not be sufficiently reduced depending on how the preparation tasks are allocated between the preparation assistance device 4 (which is human-based) and the automatic preparation device 5 (which is automated-based). In other words, even in an environment where the automatic preparation device 5 is installed, if the automatic preparation device 5 is not used sufficiently and remains idle (non-operating), the installed equipment may not be utilized effectively. In contrast, the preparation management system 10 according to this embodiment facilitates effective utilization of the installed equipment through the configuration described below.

[0100] In this embodiment, the entities performing the preparation work (the preparation entities) include at least one preparation assistance device 4, which is an example of the human entity, and at least one automatic preparation device 5, which is an example of the automatic entity. That is, the preparation assistance device 4 assists in the preparation work, but the preparation work is performed by a "person," and is therefore an example of the human entity. On the other hand, the automatic preparation device 5 is an example of the automatic entity, as the preparation work is performed automatically by a robot. Hereinafter, the automatic preparation device 5 may be referred to as "Kemoro."

[0101] In the preparation management device 1, the control unit 11 is capable of executing the preparation management process to allocate multiple preparation data corresponding to the preparation work to be performed to two preparation entities, namely, the human entity (the preparation support device 4) and the automatic entity (the automatic preparation device 5).

[0102] 1 , the control unit 11 of the preparation management device 1 includes an acquisition processing unit 111, a selection processing unit 112, an allocation processing unit 113, and a presentation processing unit 114. Specifically, the control unit 11 functions as the acquisition processing unit 111, the selection processing unit 112, the allocation processing unit 113, and the presentation processing unit 114 by executing various processes in accordance with the preparation management program stored in the storage unit 12.

[0103] The acquisition processing unit 111 executes an acquisition process to acquire work information related to the preparation work. The work information includes the preparation data related to the preparation work. The acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information from the higher-level system 6 or the like, for example, periodically or irregularly, and stores the acquired work information in the storage unit 12.

[0104] The selection processing unit 112 executes a selection process to select the preparation entity that will perform the preparation work from the human entity and the automatic entity. Here, the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation entity for each piece of work information (i.e., for each preparation work). Here, the selection processing unit 112 does not allocate the preparation work to the preparation entities. In other words, it is the allocation processing unit 113 that allocates the preparation work to the preparation entities, and the selection processing unit 112 only performs a provisional allocation to select the preparation entities that are candidates for allocation of the preparation work by the allocation processing unit 113.

[0105] The selection processing unit 112 preferentially selects the automatic subject over the human subject. Then, the selection processing unit 112 selects the human subject for the portion of the preparation work that exceeds the limit set for the automatic subject. That is, the selection processing unit 112 basically selects the automatic subject (the automatic preparation device 5) out of the human subject (the preparation support device 4) and the automatic subject (the automatic preparation device 5) as the preparation subject that will perform the preparation work. Then, when the limit set for the automatic subject is exceeded, the selection processing unit 112 selects the human subject as the preparation subject for the excess portion of the preparation work.

[0106] In other words, when the human-based preparation assistance device 4 and the automated-based automatic preparation device 5 are installed, the preparation management system 10 sets priorities between the human-based and automated entities so that the automated entity is used preferentially over the human-based entity. This helps reduce the burden on people, and in an environment where the automated preparation device 5 (i.e., "Kemoro") is installed, the automated preparation device 5 (Kemoro) can be fully utilized, making it less likely that the installed equipment will be underutilized due to the automated preparation device 5 being idle (non-operating). As a result, the preparation management system 10 according to this embodiment has the advantage of making it easier to effectively utilize the installed equipment.

[0107] The allocation processing unit 113 executes allocation processing to allocate the preparation work to one of the preparation entities. As will be described in detail later, in a state where the presentation processing unit 114 presents the preparation entity selected by the selection processing unit 112 for each piece of work information as a proposal, when the user approves the proposal, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work to the preparation entity of the proposal.

[0108] The presentation processing unit 114 executes a presentation process to present the preparation subject selected by the selection processing unit 112 as the proposed content for each piece of work information. Here, there are various modes of "presentation," such as display, printing, audio output, transmission to another system (another device), and writing to memory. In the present embodiment, as an example, the presentation processing unit 114 presents the proposed content by displaying it on the display unit 34 of the client terminal 3.

[0109] [Preparation Management Process] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of the procedure of the preparation management process executed mainly by the control unit 11 of the preparation management device 1 will be described.

[0110] <Step S1> First, in step S1 shown in FIG. 8 , the acquisition processing unit 111 of the control unit 11 acquires the work information from the upper system 6 (acquisition step). At this time, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information a predetermined number of times. Here, as an example, if the predetermined number is "10," the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information for only 10 of the orders for the preparation work, even if there are 11 or more orders for the preparation work. If the number of orders for the preparation work is less than the predetermined number (e.g., 10), the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information for all of the orders. The acquisition processing unit 111 basically acquires the work information for up to a predetermined number of orders in the order in which the preparation work orders were received, starting from the oldest.

[0111] <Step S2> In the next step S2, when selecting the preparation subject from the human subject and the automatic subject for each piece of work information, the selection processing unit 112 of the control unit 11 determines whether the preparation work related to the work information fits within the limit set for the automatic subject. That is, the selection processing unit 112 determines whether the preparation work related to the work information fits within the limit set for the automatic subject, the automatic preparation device 5, and if it fits within the limit set (S2: Yes), the selection processing unit 112 proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if the preparation work related to the work information does not fit within the limit set for the automatic preparation device 5 (S2: No), that is, if it exceeds the limit set, the selection processing unit 112 proceeds to step S4.

[0112] <Steps S3 and S4> In steps S3 and S4, the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation subject from the human subject and the automatic subject for each piece of work information (selection step). If the preparation work falls within the limit frame (S2: Yes), in step S3, the selection processing unit 112 selects the automatic subject as the preparation subject for the preparation work. In other words, the selection processing unit 112 preferentially selects the automatic subject as the preparation subject, and therefore selects the automatic subject rather than the human subject as the preparation subject as long as the preparation work falls within the limit frame.

[0113] On the other hand, if the preparation work does not fit within the limit frame (S2: No), in step S4, the selection processing unit 112 selects the human subject as the preparation subject for the preparation work. In other words, although the selection processing unit 112 preferentially selects the automatic subject as the preparation subject, if the preparation work exceeds the limit frame, it selects the human subject rather than the automatic subject as the preparation subject.

[0114] <Step S5> In the next step S5, the selection processing unit 112 determines whether the preparation subject has been selected for all of the work information acquired in step S1. If either the automatic subject (S3) or the human subject (S4) has been selected as the preparation subject for all of the work information (S5: Yes), the selection processing unit 112 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if there is even one piece of work information for which neither the automatic subject (S3) nor the human subject (S4) has been selected as the preparation subject (S5: No), the selection processing unit 112 returns the process to step S2.

[0115] As a result, the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation subject for the predetermined number of pieces of work information. Therefore, the selection processing unit 112 can select the preparation subject for multiple pieces of preparation work at once.

[0116] <Step S6> In step S6, the presentation processing unit 114 of the control unit 11 presents the preparation entity selected by the selection processing unit 112 as the proposed content for each piece of work information (proposal step). Specifically, the presentation processing unit 114 presents the proposed content by displaying a sorting screen P1 as shown in Fig. 9 on the display unit 34 of the client terminal 3. That is, the sorting screen P1 includes the preparation entity (the automatic preparation device 5 or the preparation assistance device 4) selected by the selection processing unit 112 as the proposed content for each piece of work information (the preparation work).

[0117] <Step S7> In the next step S7, the allocation processing unit 113 of the control unit 11 determines whether the user has performed the approval operation. Specifically, when an operation to approve the proposed content for any of the preparation tasks is performed on the allocation screen P1 using the operation unit 35 of the client terminal 3, the allocation processing unit 113 determines that the approval operation has been performed (S7: Yes) and proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, when an operation to approve the proposed content for any of the preparation tasks is not performed on the allocation screen P1 using the operation unit 35 of the client terminal 3, the allocation processing unit 113 determines that the approval operation has not been performed (S7: No) and proceeds to step S9.

[0118] <Step S8> In step S8, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work for which the approval operation has been performed to the preparation subject according to the proposed content. For example, for the preparation work for which the automatic preparation device 5 (the automatic subject) has been selected as the proposed content, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work to the automatic preparation device 5 when the approval operation is performed. For the preparation work for which the preparation assistance device 4 (the human subject) has been selected as the proposed content, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work to the preparation assistance device 4 when the approval operation is performed.

[0119] In this way, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work to the preparation subject of the proposal content in accordance with the approval operation for the proposal content presented by the presentation processing unit 114 (allocation step). Therefore, the user can allocate the preparation work to the preparation subject simply by performing the approval operation.

[0120] <Step S9> In step S9, the allocation processing unit 113 of the control unit 11 determines whether a change operation has been performed by the user. Specifically, when an operation to request a change to the proposed content for any of the preparation tasks is performed on the allocation screen P1 using the operation unit 35 of the client terminal 3, the allocation processing unit 113 determines that the change operation has been performed (S9: Yes) and proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when an operation to request a change to the proposed content for any of the preparation tasks is not performed on the allocation screen P1 using the operation unit 35 of the client terminal 3, the allocation processing unit 113 determines that the change operation has not been performed (S9: No) and proceeds to step S11.

[0121] <Step S10> In step S10, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work for which the change operation has been performed to a preparation entity other than the preparation entity other than the proposed content. For example, for the preparation work for which the automatic preparation device 5 (the automatic entity) has been selected as the proposed content, the change operation causes the allocation processing unit 113 to allocate the preparation work to the preparation assistance device 4. For the preparation work for which the preparation assistance device 4 (the human entity) has been selected as the proposed content, the change operation causes the allocation processing unit 113 to allocate the preparation work to the automatic preparation device 5.

[0122] In this way, the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work to the preparation subject other than the proposal content in accordance with the change operation on the proposal content presented by the presentation processing unit 114. Therefore, the user can allocate the preparation work to the preparation subject simply by performing the change operation.

[0123] <Step S11> In step S11, the allocation processing unit 113 determines whether allocation has been performed for all of the work information (the preparation work) acquired in step S1. If all of the work information has been allocated to either the automatic-based or the human-based preparation entity (S11: Yes), the allocation processing unit 113 ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if there is even one piece of work information that has not been allocated to either the automatic-based or the human-based preparation entity (S11: No), the allocation processing unit 113 returns the process to step S7.

[0124] It should be noted that the above flowchart is merely an example, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0125] [Allocation screen P1] Next, the allocation screen P1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the drawings showing the screens displayed on the display unit 34 (or the display unit 24), such as Fig. 9, the dashed dotted lines, lead lines, and reference symbols representing areas are added for explanatory purposes only and are not actually displayed on the display unit 34 (or the display unit 24).

[0126] As shown in FIG. 9, the sorting screen P1 includes an unsorted area A1, an automatic-subject area A2, a human-subject area A3, and an operation mode area A4.

[0127] The unassigned area A1 is an area where pre-assignment information related to the preparation work before allocation by the allocation processing unit 113 is displayed. The pre-assignment information is displayed, for example, in a vertical (up-down) array on the allocation screen P1. In the example of FIG. 9 , the pre-assignment information is displayed in chronological order, with the preparation work corresponding to the work information acquired later moving downward. Furthermore, the pre-assignment information includes multiple items such as recommendation, reception time, required time, ID, patient name, target drug, quantity, change, and required time (at the time of change). These multiple items are displayed in a horizontal (left-right) array on the allocation screen P1.

[0128] The recommendation field displays an approval button B1 indicating the preparation subject as the proposed content. The reception time field displays the time when the work information was acquired. The required time field displays the estimated required time for the preparation work if it is performed by the preparation subject as the proposed content. The change field displays a change button B2 indicating a preparation subject different from the proposed content. The required time (when changed) field displays the estimated required time for the preparation work if it is performed by a preparation subject different from the proposed content.

[0129] The automatic-subject area A2 and the human-subject area A3 are areas where post-allocation information related to the preparation work after allocation by the allocation processing unit 113 is displayed. In particular, the automatic-subject area A2 displays the post-allocation information related to the preparation work allocated to the automatic preparation device 5 as the automatic subject. On the other hand, the human-subject area A3 displays the post-allocation information related to the preparation work allocated to the preparation support device 4 as the human subject.

[0130] In each of the automatic-subject area A2 and the human-subject area A3, the post-sorting information is displayed, for example, in a vertical (up-down) array on the sorting screen P1. In the example of Fig. 9, the post-sorting information is displayed in chronological order, with the preparation work of the work information acquired later appearing at the bottom. Furthermore, the post-sorting information includes multiple items such as the reception time, the required time, the ID, the patient name, the target drug, and the quantity. These multiple items are displayed in a horizontal (left-right) array on the sorting screen P1.

[0131] The automatic subject area A2 displays the number of preparation tasks assigned to the automatic preparation device 5 as the automatic subject ("4 tasks" in the example of FIG. 9) and the estimated end time of the plurality of preparation tasks ("10:01" in the example of FIG. 9). Similarly, the human subject area A3 displays the number of preparation tasks assigned to the human-subject preparation support device 4 ("4 tasks" in the example of FIG. 9) and the estimated end time of the plurality of preparation tasks ("9:53" in the example of FIG. 9).

[0132] Here, it is preferable that the display mode of the sorted information differs depending on the progress of the preparation work. As an example, as shown in Fig. 9, the sorted information for which the preparation work has already started is displayed in the darkest color, the sorted information for which preparation work has been completed is displayed in the next darkest color, and the sorted information for which preparation work has not yet been completed is displayed in the lightest color. This allows the user to visually easily confirm the progress of the preparation work for the sorted information.

[0133] The operation mode area A4 is an area for selecting and displaying the operation mode of the control unit 11. The operation modes include an automatic sorting mode, a manual sorting mode, and an all-send mode, and any of the operation modes is selected using a radio button. When the automatic sorting mode is selected, the sorting processing unit 113 automatically sorts the preparation work to the preparation subject of the proposed content without user operation. When the manual sorting mode is selected, the sorting processing unit 113 sorts the preparation work to the preparation subject of the proposed content only after the user performs the approval operation. When the all-send mode is selected, the sorting processing unit 113 sorts the preparation work for all of the work information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 to the automatic preparation device 5 as the automatic subject.

[0134] According to the allocation screen P1, when the manual allocation mode is selected, the work information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 is first displayed as pre-allocation information in the unallocated area A1. At this time, the selection processing unit 112 selects the recommended preparation entity, and the presentation processing unit 114 displays the approval button B1 indicating the preparation entity as the proposed content in the recommendation field. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , for a preparation job for which the selection processing unit 112 selected the automatic preparation device 5 as the preparation entity, the approval button B1 labeled "Kemoro" is displayed in the recommendation field of the unallocated area A1. On the other hand, for a preparation job for which the selection processing unit 112 selected the preparation support device 4 as the preparation entity, the approval button B1 labeled "Human" is displayed in the recommendation field of the unallocated area A1.

[0135] In this state, when the user operates the approval button B1 of any of the pre-allocation information marked "Kemoro" on the allocation screen P1, the approval operation is considered to have been performed, and the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work related to the pre-allocation information to the automatic preparation device 5 as the automatic subject. Therefore, the work information related to the preparation work is moved from the unallocated area A1 to the automatic subject area A2.

[0136] Similarly, when the user operates the approval button B1 of any of the pre-allocation information marked with "person" on the allocation screen P1, the approval operation is considered to have been performed, and the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work related to the pre-allocation information to the human-centered preparation support device 4. Therefore, the work information related to the preparation work is moved from the unallocated area A1 to the human-centered area A3.

[0137] On the other hand, when the user operates the change button B2 marked "Human" for any of the pre-allocation information for which "Kemoro" is marked in the approval button B1 on the allocation screen P1, the change operation is considered to have been performed, and the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work related to the pre-allocation information to the human-led preparation support device 4. In other words, the preparation work is allocated to a preparation entity other than the proposed content. Therefore, the work information related to the preparation work is moved from the unallocated area A1 to the human-led area A3.

[0138] Similarly, when the user operates the change button B2 labeled "Kemoro" for any of the pre-allocation information for which the approval button B1 is labeled "Hito" on the allocation screen P1, the change operation is considered to have been performed, and the allocation processing unit 113 allocates the preparation work related to the pre-allocation information to the automatic preparation device 5 as the automatic subject. In other words, the preparation work is allocated to a preparation subject other than the proposed content. Therefore, the work information related to the preparation work is moved from the unallocated area A1 to the automatic subject area A2.

[0139] In this way, the presentation processing unit 114 displays, on the same screen (the allocation screen P1), the pre-allocation information for the preparation work before it is allocated by the allocation processing unit 113 and the post-allocation information for the preparation work after it has been allocated by the allocation processing unit 113. Here, the presentation processing unit 114 displays at least the post-allocation information separately for each preparation subject. That is, the post-allocation information is displayed separately for each preparation subject depending on whether it is displayed in the automatic-subject area A2 or the human-subject area A3. Therefore, the user can easily check the preparation work before it is allocated by the allocation processing unit 113 and the preparation work after it has been allocated on the allocation screen P1. Furthermore, the user can easily check on the allocation screen P1 whether the allocated preparation work has been allocated to the automatic-subject or the human-subject.

[0140] In this embodiment, the sorted information can be moved (transferred) between the automatic-subject area A2 and the human-subject area A3. Specifically, the user can select any of the sorted information displayed in the automatic-subject area A2 and move the selected information to the human-subject area A3 by dragging or other operations. This changes the preparation subject for the selected sorted information from the automatic preparation device 5 to the preparation assistance device 4.

[0141] [Specific Example] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a specific example of the selection process executed mainly by the selection processing unit 112 will be described.

[0142] In this embodiment, the limit is set with respect to at least the required time for the preparation task. That is, the selection processing unit 112 prioritizes the automatic subject over the human subject, and selects the human subject for the portion of the preparation task that exceeds the required time set as the limit for the automatic subject. Specifically, the selection processing unit 112 calculates the cumulative stay time for each preparation subject, and determines that the limit has been exceeded if the cumulative stay time for the automatic subject exceeds the time set as the limit. The cumulative stay time is the time required to complete all of the assigned preparation tasks, and the later the preparation task is performed, the longer it is. This configuration enables the assignment of the preparation tasks to the automatic subjects taking into account the required time for the preparation task, thereby enabling efficient use of the automatic subjects.

[0143] As an example, the time limit set for the automatic preparation device 5, which is the automatic subject, is 20 minutes. In other words, the selection processing unit 112 determines that the limit has been exceeded if the cumulative retention time of the preparation work assigned to the automatic preparation device 5, which is the automatic subject, exceeds 20 minutes. In the example of FIG. 10 , other conditions are assumed, such as an upper limit of the number of work information items (read count) acquired by the acquisition processing unit 111 being 10, and an interval (read interval) for acquiring the work information by the acquisition processing unit 111 being 1 minute. Here, the read count refers to the number of preparation work items, including those assigned to the automatic subject and the human subject, and excludes the preparation work items for which the preparation work has been completed. Furthermore, in FIG. 10 , it is assumed that the automatic allocation mode is selected as the operating mode, and the allocation processing unit 113 automatically allocates the preparation work to the preparation subject of the proposed content without user operation.

[0144] 10, it is assumed that the preparation management device 1 receives from the host system 6 orders for a total of 14 preparation tasks, "Prescription 1" to "Prescription 14," at "9:00," and receives from the host system 6 orders for a total of six preparation tasks, "Prescription 15" to "Prescription 20," at "9:05." As shown in Tables T1 and T2, the required time (referred to as "required time (chemo)") when performed by the automatic preparation device 5 and the required time (referred to as "required time (person)") when performed by the preparation assistance device 4 are determined for each of the preparation tasks of "Prescription 1." For example, for the preparation task of "Prescription 1," the required time when performed by the automatic preparation device 5 is "5 minutes," and the required time when performed by the preparation assistance device 4 is "2.5 minutes."

[0145] In the example of FIG. 10 , at 9:00, as shown in Table T11, the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information related to "Prescription 1" to "Prescription 10" among "Prescription 1" to "Prescription 14." At this time, the selection processing unit 112 prioritizes the automatic subject (chemolo) over the human subject (human), and first selects the automatic subject (chemolo) as the preparation subject for "Prescription 1" to "Prescription 3." Here, the selection processing unit 112 calculates the cumulative residence time for each preparation subject, and the cumulative residence time for the automatic subject (chemolo) has reached 15 minutes. In other words, within the limit of 20 minutes, only preparation tasks requiring a time of 5 minutes or less can be assigned to the automatic subject (chemolo), and there are no preparations among "Prescription 4" to "Prescription 10" that require a time of 5 minutes or less when performed by the automatic preparation device 5. Therefore, the selection processing unit 112 determines that "Prescription 4" to "Prescription 10" exceed the limit, and selects the human subject (human) as the preparation subject. As a result, as shown in Table T11, "Prescription 1" to "Prescription 3" are assigned to the automatic subject (chemo-ro), and "Prescription 4" to "Prescription 10" are assigned to the human subject (human).

[0146] Next, at "9:05," as shown in Table T12, the preparation work for "Prescription 1" is completed by the automated subject (chemolo), and the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information for "Prescription 11" instead of "Prescription 1." At this time, the selection processing unit 112 attempts to select the automated subject (chemolo) as the preparation subject for "Prescription 11" by prioritizing the automated subject (chemolo) over the human subject (human). However, within the limit of "20 minutes," the preparation work for "Prescription 11," which requires "11 minutes," cannot be assigned to the automated subject (chemolo). Therefore, the selection processing unit 112 determines that "Prescription 11" exceeds the limit, and selects the human subject (human) as the preparation subject. As a result, as shown in the table T12, "Prescription 2" and "Prescription 3" are allocated to the automatic subject (chemo), and "Prescription 4" to "Prescription 11" are allocated to the human subject (human).

[0147] Next, at the time of "9:06," as shown in Table T13, the preparation work for "Prescription 4" is completed in the human subject (human), and the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information for "Prescription 12" instead of "Prescription 4." At this time, the selection processing unit 112 prioritizes the automatic subject (chemolo) over the human subject (human), thereby selecting the automatic subject (chemolo) as the preparation subject for "Prescription 12." As a result, as shown in Table T13, "Prescription 2," "Prescription 3," and "Prescription 12" are assigned to the automatic subject (chemolo), and "Prescriptions 5" to "Prescription 11" are assigned to the human subject (human).

[0148] At 9:10, four minutes later, the human subject (human) completes the preparation of "Prescription 5." However, at that time, for the next "Prescription 13," the preparation of "Prescription 13," which requires 7 minutes, cannot be assigned to the automatic subject (chemo-ro) within the 20-minute limit. Therefore, the selection processing unit 112 determines that "Prescription 13" exceeds the limit, and selects the human subject (human) as the preparation subject.

[0149] Next, at the time of "9:11," as shown in Table T14, the preparation work for "Prescription 2" is completed in the automatic subject (chemolo), and the acquisition processing unit 111 acquires the work information for "Prescription 14" instead of "Prescription 2." At this time, the selection processing unit 112 prioritizes the automatic subject (chemolo) over the human subject (human), and thereby selects the automatic subject (chemolo) as the preparation subject for "Prescription 14." As a result, as shown in Table T14, "Prescription 3," "Prescription 12," and "Prescription 14" are assigned to the automatic subject (chemolo), and "Prescriptions 6" to "Prescription 11" and "Prescription 13" are assigned to the human subject (human).

[0150] As described above, the selection processing unit 112 recalculates the preparation subject to be selected at the read interval, taking into account the cumulative retention time (at least of the automatic subject) that changes over time, so that the number of reads falls within the number of reads and the cumulative retention time falls within the limit. Furthermore, in the above specific example, the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation subject so that the time set as the limit does not exceed, but this is not limiting, and the selection processing unit may select the preparation subject by allowing up to a time exceeding the time set as the limit.

[0151] [Other Functions] As another function, the limit may be set with respect to at least the number of pieces of work information. That is, the selection processing unit 112 prioritizes the automatic subject over the human subject, and selects the human subject for the preparation work that exceeds the number set as the limit corresponding to the automatic subject. Specifically, the selection processing unit 112 determines that the limit has been exceeded when the number of preparation work pieces that have been assigned to the automatic subject (and have not yet been completed) exceeds the number set as the limit. This configuration enables the assignment of the preparation work pieces to the automatic subject taking into account the number of preparation work pieces, thereby enabling efficient use of the automatic subject.

[0152] Furthermore, both the limit on the time required for the preparation work and the limit on the number of pieces of work information may be set. In this case, when either one of the two types of limit on the time or the number of pieces of work information is exceeded, the selection processing unit 112 determines that the limit has been exceeded and allocates the preparation work to the human subject.

[0153] Furthermore, the selection processing unit 112 can select the preparation entity regardless of the limit frame when an exception condition is satisfied. Here, the exception condition may be, for example, that the preparation work by the human entity (the preparation support device 4) is an absolute requirement for the target drug of the preparation work. In other words, when the target drug of the preparation work is an absolute requirement for the preparation work by the human entity, the exception condition is satisfied and the selection processing unit 112 selects the human entity as the preparation entity for the preparation work, even if the preparation falls within the limit frame. Conversely, when the target drug of the preparation work is an absolute requirement for the preparation work by the automatic entity (the automatic preparation device 5), the exception condition is satisfied and the selection processing unit 112 selects the automatic entity as the preparation entity for the preparation work, even if the preparation exceeds the limit frame.

[0154] Furthermore, the exception condition may include, for example, that the drug to be prepared is a designated drug for drug vial optimization (DVO) and that there is a remaining drug. In other words, if the preparation work is for a designated drug for DVO, in which one vial is used in multiple preparation works to reduce wasted drugs, and there is a remaining drug in either the preparation assistance device 4 or the automatic preparation device 5, the exception condition is considered to be met, and the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation entity on the side where the remaining drug is present as the preparation entity for the preparation work, regardless of the restriction frame.

[0155] In this way, the exceptional conditions can be set, which allows flexible selection of the preparation entity without being bound by the restrictions.

[0156] [Modification] The components included in the preparation management system 10 may be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, the components (such as the preparation management device 1 and the client terminal 3) that are distributed across multiple housings in the above embodiment may be integrated into a single housing.

[0157] 11 shows an example of the sorting screen P1 according to a modified example. The sorting screen P1 shown in FIG. 11 includes a first person-subject area A31 and a second person-subject area A32 as the person-subject area A3. That is, the sorting screen P1 according to this modified example assumes that there are multiple (two) human subjects, not just one.

[0158] In the example of FIG. 11 , the selection processing unit 112 selects the preparation subject from "Kemoro" (the automatic preparation device 5), "Human 1" (the preparation assistance device 4), and "Human 2" (the preparation assistance device 4) for each piece of work information. "Human 1" and "Human 2" are both the preparation assistance devices 4, but the workers (users) who use the preparation assistance devices 4 are different people. Therefore, the selection processing unit 112 can select the preparation subject taking into consideration, for example, the proficiency of the workers.

[0159] 11, "Change 1" and "Change 2" are provided as the change column in which the change button B2 indicating the preparation subject different from the proposed content is displayed. For example, if the proposed content is "Kemoro," the change button B2 for "Human 1" is displayed in "Change 1," and the change button B2 for "Human 2" is displayed in "Change 2." This allows the user to specify whether the preparation work is assigned to "Human 1" or "Human 2" by operating either the change button B2.

Claims

1. A preparation management system that manages all or part of the preparation work of preparing medicines based on preparation data, comprising: an acquisition processing unit that acquires work information related to the preparation work; and a selection processing unit that selects, for each piece of work information, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation work from between a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least a part of the preparation work, wherein the selection processing unit gives priority to selecting the automatic entity over the human entity, and selects the human entity for any part of the preparation work that exceeds a limit set for the automatic entity.

2. The preparation management system according to claim 1, wherein the limit is set with respect to at least the number of pieces of work information.

3. A preparation management system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the limit is set with respect to at least the time required for the preparation work.

4. A preparation management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a presentation processing unit that presents the preparation subject selected by the selection processing unit as a proposal content for each of the work information.

5. A preparation management system as described in claim 4, further comprising an allocation processing unit that allocates the preparation work to the preparation entity of the proposal content in accordance with an approval operation for the proposal content presented by the presentation processing unit.

6. The preparation management system described in claim 5, wherein the allocation processing unit is configured to allocate the preparation work to a preparation entity other than the proposed content in accordance with a change operation on the proposed content presented by the presentation processing unit.

7. A preparation management system as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the presentation processing unit displays pre-allocation information relating to the preparation work before it is allocated by the allocation processing unit and post-allocation information relating to the preparation work after it has been allocated by the allocation processing unit on the same screen, and displays at least the post-allocation information separately for each preparation entity.

8. A preparation management system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the acquisition processing unit acquires the work information a predetermined number of times, and the selection processing unit selects the preparation subject for the predetermined number of pieces of work information.

9. A preparation management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the selection processing unit is capable of selecting the preparation subject regardless of the restriction frame when an exception condition is satisfied.

10. A preparation management system that manages all or part of the preparation work of preparing medicines based on preparation data, comprising: an acquisition processing unit that acquires work information related to the preparation work; a selection processing unit that selects, for each piece of work information, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation work from between a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least a part of the preparation work; a presentation processing unit that presents the preparation entity selected by the selection processing unit as a proposal content for each piece of work information; and an allocation processing unit that allocates the preparation work to the preparation entity of the proposal content presented by the presentation processing unit in accordance with an approval operation for the proposal content presented by the presentation processing unit.

11. A preparation management program used to manage all or part of a preparation task of preparing medicines based on preparation data, the preparation management program having one or more processors execute an acquisition step of acquiring task information relating to the preparation task, and a selection step of selecting, for each task information, a preparation entity that will perform the preparation task from among a human entity and an automatic entity that will automatically perform at least a part of the preparation task, wherein, in the selection step, the automatic entity is selected with priority over the human entity, and the human entity is selected for any portion of the preparation task that exceeds a limit set for the automatic entity.

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