Bedside Medication Dispensing Modules for Faster Secure Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hospitalized patients often experience delays in receiving medication due to caregivers being overburdened with tasks associated with dispensing and administering medications from a centralized inventory system, leading to unsatisfactory care.

Innovation Solution

A modular automated dispensing system is introduced, where medications are stored in compact, secure enclosures located near or in patient rooms, equipped with access control interfaces and lock assemblies, allowing for secure and efficient dispensing of both required and optional medications without the need for frequent trips to a central storage location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If medications are stored in a centralized inventory system, then control over medication administration is maintained, but the time required for caregivers to retrieve and administer medications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for caregivers to retrieve medicationsVSAvoidmedication dispensing system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centralized inventory system is segmented into distributed modular dispensing units that can be placed in or near patient rooms. Each module contains storage compartments for medications and can operate independently, allowing caregivers to retrieve medications locally rather than traveling to a central location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single centralized location to multiple distributed locations across the healthcare facility. By adding the spatial dimension of distribution, the system reduces retrieval time while maintaining control through networked connectivity between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If medications are stored in distributed modular units near patient rooms, then access speed increases, but control over medication administration may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of medication dispensingVSAvoidcontrol over medication administration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular dispensing units are equipped with sensors, barcode scanners, and communication interfaces that provide real-time feedback to the central management system. Each transaction, retrieval, and administration event is tracked and reported, ensuring accountability and control despite the distributed nature of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The modular units serve multiple functions: secure storage, automated dispensing, inventory tracking, and administrative recording. This multi-functionality ensures that speed improvements do not compromise control, as the same units that enable fast access also maintain comprehensive oversight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a modular automated dispensing system is implemented, then patient satisfaction increases due to quicker medication access, but the initial setup cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient access to medicationVSAvoidautomated dispensing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Medications are pre-loaded into the modular dispensing units before patients arrive or before the system is activated. The units come pre-configured with appropriate medication inventories, reducing the need for complex ongoing manual setup and simplifying operation for end users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables patients or caregivers to access medications through automated interfaces without requiring complex manual retrieval processes. Barcode scanning, automated compartment opening, and guided dispensing procedures simplify the user experience while the underlying automation handles the complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If caregivers frequently travel to central storage locations, then comprehensive inventory control is maintained, but caregiver productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaregiver medication administration efficiencyVSAvoidinventory tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The modular units are pre-stocked with medications and the central system maintains a digital inventory record of each module's contents. This preliminary inventory preparation eliminates the need for frequent physical trips to central storage while maintaining accurate tracking through automated sensors and communication systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of traveling to central storage and physically retrieving medications is replaced with an automated electronic system. Sensors, barcode scanners, and networked communication replace the physical journey, maintaining inventory control through digital tracking rather than manual counting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9962316B2Managing medications at the bedside

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 CAREFUSION 303 INC

AI summary

Modular automated dispensing systems for dispensing secured medications in a medical environment are provided. The system includes a compact enclosure configured to be disposed in a medical treatment area without taking up valuable floor space. The system includes lockable drawers having one or more compartments for storing and dispensing medications or medical supplies. The system is unlocked by use of an access control interface internally or externally connected directly to the system, or networked to the system through a medical center network.