Medication Bag Insert with Exposed Patient ID
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for packaging and identifying prescriptions for subsequent patient pick-up are inefficient, leading to increased procedural steps and potential identification issues due to external labels or papers becoming separated from the bag.
Innovation Solution
A packaged medication assembly featuring a bag with an information insert where the patient identifying section extends above the bag's edge, while medication details remain hidden, enhancing quick identification and maintaining patient privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If external labels or papers are used to identify prescriptions on the bag surface, then quick identification is achieved, but the labels may become separated from the bag and the packaging process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The information insert is nested within the bag structure, with the patient identifying section extending through the bag wall. This nesting ensures the identification information remains securely attached to the bag while maintaining quick visibility, eliminating the separation issue of external labels.
Solution Approach 2:
The information insert transitions from a purely external label to a multi-dimensional structure that penetrates the bag wall. The patient identifying section extends from the interior through the bag wall to the exterior, creating a three-dimensional solution that combines secure attachment with visible identification.
2Ease of operation
If all patient information is exposed on external labels, then identification is facilitated, but patient privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the information insert have different visibility qualities. The patient identifying section (name, date of birth) is positioned to extend through the bag wall for visibility, while the medication information section remains concealed inside the bag, providing local differentiation between public and private information areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The information insert is segmented into distinct functional sections: the patient identifying section that extends through the bag wall for identification purposes, and the medication information section that remains concealed within the bag to maintain privacy and security.
3Loss of information
If multiple procedural steps are used for prescription packaging with external labels, then identification information can be attached, but the packaging process becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The information insert combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: patient identification, medication information, and secure attachment to the bag are all achieved through one element rather than requiring separate labels and attachment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The information insert is pre-configured with the patient identifying section positioned to extend through the bag wall, allowing pharmacy employees to quickly place the complete information insert into the bag without requiring subsequent attachment steps for identification visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged medication assembly includes a packaged medication, a bag, and an information insert. The packaged medication includes a container and medication enclosed within the container. The bag defines a first panel, a storage chamber, and an opening to the storage chamber. The information insert includes patient information, which provides identification of a patient that the medication was packaged for, and medication information providing at least one of an identity of and a description of the medication. The information insert includes a patient identifying section including the patient information adjacent the first edge. The information insert is placed in the storage chamber such that substantially only the patient identifying section extends and remains exposed above the first panel such that a remainder of the information insert is covered by the first panel of the bag. The packaged medication is positioned within the storage chamber.