WO2010002316A1

WO2010002316A1 - System and device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs

Info

Publication number: WO2010002316A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/000358
Authority: WO
Inventors: Linda Jansson
Original assignee: Linda Jansson
Priority date: 2008-07-04
Filing date: 2009-07-06
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: SE0801600L; SE533735C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs comprising at least one lockable and refϊllable container for storing pre-packed single dose drugs, at least one dispensing unit for dispensing the pre-packed single dose drugs and at least one programmable control unit for controlling the functions of the system. The system further comprises at least one identification unit arranged to identify a user of the system by means of an identification key by which the user is given an access level which gives the user access to control/use the functions of the system depending on said access level. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs.

Description

SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR DISPENSING PRE-PACKED SINGLE DOSE DRUGS

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and a device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs according to the preamble of claim 1 and 14, respectively.

Background of the Invention

A system with pre-packed single dose drugs is an alternative to drug packages for patients on regular medication. Prescribed drugs are packed in single dose packages, wherein each single dose package contains drugs the patient is supposed to take at a single medication occasion, e.g. in the morning, at lunch and in the evening.

With such system, the handling of drugs is made easier and the chance that the patient takes right drugs is increased. The system with pre-packed single dose drugs is used by patients in elder-care and in care for disabled, in sheltered housing as well as in patients own housing. Administration of drugs in the form of pre-packed single dose drugs may be carried out by nursing staff or relatives, but it is also common that the patients themselves take care of the administration of pre-packed single dose drugs.

Even though a system with pre-packed single doses has its advantages, the system also has its disadvantages. Even if drugs are packed in "single dose portions", the risk of drug over- consumption still exists, which can lead to serious medical consequences for the patient.

Further, there is the problem of making right patient taking the drugs at right time, which is important if the drugs shall have the right medical effect, a problem which is not solved by the system of pre-packed single dose drugs described above. Also, many drugs are liable to be stolen (i.e. especially the case for drugs classified as narcotics), and pre-packing of drugs in single doses as described above do not make the drugs more difficult to steal or to be taken in any other unlawfully way. Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a system and a device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs, which fully or in part solves the above mentioned problems.

The object is achieved with a system for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs comprising at least one lockable and refillable container for storing pre-packed single dose drugs, at least a first dispensing unit for dispensing the pre-packed single dose drugs and at least one programmable control unit for controlling the functions of the system. The system further comprises at least one identification unit arranged to identify a user of the system by means of an identification key by which the user is given an access level which gives the user access to control/use the functions of the system depending on said access level.

The objects is also achieved with a device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs comprising at least one lockable and refillable container for storing pre-packed single dose drugs, at least one dispensing unit for dispensing the pre-packed single dose drugs and at least one programmable control unit for controlling the functions of the device. The device further comprises at least one identification unit arranged to identify a user of the device by means of an identification key by which the user is given an access level which gives the user access to control/use the functions of the device depending on said access level.

With a system and a device according to the present invention pre-packed single dose drugs are stored safe and secure where patients live due to the fact that the invention comprises an identification unit and an identification key by which an access level of the user is identified. Hence, access to pre-packed single dose drugs can be controlled and monitored. Also, the time for drug dispensing and other relevant parameters can easily be reprogrammed, since the system and device comprises a programmable control unit. Therefore, the invention provides a system and device with a high level of flexibility. In addition, the risk for drug over- consumption is reduced, as drugs are only availably at the time of drug dispensing, and then only in small doses.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the following detailed description preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with references to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a system according to the present invention; Figure 2 show an example of persons divided into different access groups; - Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the system according to the invention; and

- Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the system according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a system 1 according to the invention, wherein the system 1 comprises a first lockable and refillable container 2 for storing pre-packed single dose drugs. Preferably, the housing of the first container 2 is made of some strong material resistant to physical damage. The system 1 further comprises a first dispensing unit 3 connected to the first container 2, and by which the pre-packed single dose drugs are dispensed for use; and a programmable control unit 4 for controlling the functions of the system 1. For example, the programmable control unit 4 may be a Central Processing unit (CPU) together with an associated memory unit. The control unit 4 can control the different functions/units of the system 1 by means of wireless communication, but the controlling can also be performed by means of signal cables arranged for this type of communication, which is well understood by the skilled person in the field.

Furthermore, the system 1 also comprises an identification unit 5 arranged to identify a user of the system 1 by means of an identification key 6 by which the user has been given an access level. The access level determines which of the functions of the system 1 that the user have access to control, or alternatively to use. The expression "the function of the system" should in this context be understood generally and broadly, and relates to all possible functions which the system 1 may include, such as functions which are dependent on that the system 1 is a whole consisting of the different parts, or functions which are directly dependent on the specific individual parts as such. Examples of functions of the system 1 are: locking/unlocking of the first container 2, dispensing of the pre-packed single dose drugs, time indication for dispensing of the drugs, programming of the control unit 4, etc.

It is possible with a system 1 according to the invention to divide different users, such as nurses, home-help service staff, relatives and patients into different access groups with different corresponding access levels, as shown in the example in Figure 2, in which nurses have been given access to program the control unit 4, refill (load) the first container 2 and access drugs from the dispensing unit 3; while the groups: home-help service staff, relatives and patients have been given access levels including fewer functions, which is clear from the example in Figure 2. It is of course possible to reprogram the members of the different groups and the corresponding access levels (through reprogramming the control unit 4) according to new or changing demands. For example, when the staff gets new members or when someone quits, or when some members of the staff are given a higher or lower access level.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the identification unit 5 is a wireless identification unit 5 in the form of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, and the identification key 6 is a wireless identification key in the form of a RFID-key/tag which a user of the system 1 has been given. With such an embodiment a system 1 is provided in which the access level of the user, and hence also the security, may easily be controlled as the user only needs to hold his/hers RFID-key/tag close to the RFID reader for determination of the users identity and access level.

Regarding the physical aspects of the invention, the different parts of the system 1 may be arranged together, e.g. in a device 20 (not shown), and wherein the parts are directly connected to each other or arranged in a common housing. However, one or more parts of the system 1 may be located in different places, e.g. in different places in the home of the patient, and being controlled by the control unit 4 by means of any of the above mentioned modes of communication, wherein wireless communication may be preferable if the different parts of the system 1 are located relatively far from each other (e.g. in different rooms).

In Figure 3 another embodiment of the invention is shown in which the system 1 further comprises a lockable box 7 for storing jewellery and other valuables, and a cash dispensing and insertion unit 8. Theft of a patient's valuables and cash is common and is a major problem e.g. in elder-care and when patients have their own living. With the embodiment shown in Figure 3 in which the system 1 comprises a lockable box 7 and cash dispensing and insertion unit 8 theft of a patient's valuables and cash may be considerably reduced. The box 7 and cash dispensing and insertion unit 8 are controlled, in the same way as with the other units, by the control unit 4. Therefore, the use and access to the above units 7, 8 may easily be controlled by means of access keys as described above. In the lockable box 7, e.g. jewellery, watches, bank cards, valuable papers, stamps and medals belonging to the patient can be securely stored. In the same manner, cash (preferably banknotes) may be securely stored in the cash dispensing and insertion unit 8.

In Figure 4, yet another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the system 1 further comprises an input unit 9 by which the user can input information, e.g. program the control unit 4, The input unit 9 can be directly connected to the other parts of the system 1, but may also be implemented as a keyboard connected by means of a wireless connection or via signal cables to other relevant units of the system 1. The system 1 may also include a display unit 10 by which information, such as text, symbols, still pictures, and motion pictures can be presented to the user. According to an embodiment of the invention, the display unit 10 can be a touch screen, and hence inputting can be performed with the touch screen.

The system 1 according to the invention may further comprise a communication unit 12, which among other things includes a transmitter and a receiver, by which said system 1 can communicate with other similar systems or with e.g. computers, mobile phones, PDAs, and servers. The communication unit 12 is arranged to handle common communication protocols (e.g. TCP/IP) for communication through broadband connections, but can also be arranged to handle communication within the frameworks of different mobile communication system, such as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS and LTE, or with other wireless communication system, e.g. WLAN, and combinations thereof. Also, the system 1 can comprise a camera unit 13, which in combination with the communication unit 12 makes it possible for the user to visually communicate with the surrounding world. The camera unit 13 can also be used for surveillance, e.g. in combination with movement detectors. It is also realised by the skilled person that a microphone unit and a speaker unit can be connected to the communication unit 12 to make it possible for communication by means of speech and sound with the surrounding world.

With a communication unit 12, the system 1 can also be connected to a central control and monitoring unit (not shown in the figures) to which the system 1 can transmit data, but also to receive data from the same. The central control and monitoring unit can e.g. be placed at the care provider or the one responsible for the care, and can also be arranged to control the system 1 by remotely programming the control unit 4. To facilitate control and monitoring, the system 1 farther comprises a recording unit 11, which records use of the functions of the system 1, i.e. who uses which functions. Therefore, the history of the system 1 can be logged. These logs can be directly transmitted via the communication unit 12 to e.g. a central control and monitoring unit, or to be saved in a memory for later use. The recording unit 11 can also be used to replace existing signing lists that are used by staff to indicate that drugs have been dispensed, which lists must be signed by the staff. With the recording unit 11 together with the identification unit 5 of the system 1, the problem with staff forgetting to sign these lists when dispensing drugs is solved. Also, the problem of careless handling of these signing lists is solved.

For patient safety, "non-events", such as non dispensing of pre-packed single dose drugs can also be recorded to make it possible to call out said non-event by means of an alarm unit 14, the non-event so that appropriate action can be taken, e.g. that nursing staff arrive to check the status of the patient. The alarm unit 14 can also comprise other types of alarm functions, such as emergency medical alarm and burglar alarm to improve the safety of the patient. To make the patient taking drugs at the right time, the system 1 can also comprise a signalling unit 15 arranged to signal a sound signal, text signal and/or a tactile signal to remind the patient or the nursing staff that drugs should be taken.

Patients can also be prescribed "at-need drugs", which are drugs that patients temporarily should take to mitigate or cure a temporary physical ill-health or mental disorder. At-need drugs are not packed in pre-packed single dose drugs packages, but packed in conventional packages and usually as tablets. It is also important with at-need drugs that they are taken in correct doses at the right time, and that they are securely stored so that they are not unlawfully taken by unauthorised persons. For this reason, an embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention, shown in Figure 4, comprise a second lockable and refillable container 16 for storing at-need drugs in the form of tablets, and a second dispensing unit 17 which is connected to said second container 16, and by which dispensing of tablets from the second container 16 can be performed. In the same manner as for the first container 2 and first dispensing unit 3 described above, the second container 16 and the second dispensing unit 17 are controlled by the control unit 4. Also, access and use of the second container 16 and the second dispensing unit 17 are performed by means of identification keys 6 by which users are given different access levels depending on which access group they belong to. With this embodiment of the system 1, the same advantages can be provided when handling at-need drugs as for pre-packed single dose drugs.

Claims

1. System for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs comprising a first lockable and refϊllable container (2) for storing pre-packed single dose drugs, a first dispensing unit (3) for dispensing the pre-packed single dose drugs and at least one programmable control unit (4) for controlling the functions of the system (1), characterised in that the system (1) further comprises at least one identification unit (5) arranged to identify a user of the system (1) by means of an identification key (6) by which the user is given an access level which gives the user access to control/use the functions of the system (1) depending on said access level.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit (5) is a wireless identification unit (5) and the identification key (6) is a wireless identification key (6).

3. System (1) according to claim 2, wherein the identification unit (5) is a RFID reader and the identification key (6) is a RFID-key/tag.

4. System (1) according to any of claims 1-3, further comprising a lockable box (7) for storing valuables, and a cash dispensing and insertion unit (8).

5. System (1) according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising an input unit (9) by which the control unit (4) can be programmed.

6. System (1) according to any of claims 1-5, further comprising a display unit (10) by which information can be presented to the user.

7. System (1) according to claim 6, wherein the display unit (10) is a touch screen by which inputting may be performed.

8. System (1) according to any of claims 1-7, further comprising a recording unit (11) by which use of the functions of the system (1) is recorded.

9. System (1) according to any of claims 1-8, further comprising a communication unit (12) comprising a receiver and a transmitter for wired or wireless communication with another communication unit, such as a computer, mobile phone, PDA or server.

10. System (1) according to claim 9, further comprising a camera unit (13).

11. System (1) according to claim 9, further comprising an alarm unit (14) by which the system (1) can alert a central monitoring unit.

12. System (1) according to any of claims 1-11, further comprising a signalling unit (15) arranged to signal one or a combination of: a sound signal, a text signal and a tactile signal.

13. System ( 1 ) according to any of claims 1-12, further comprising a second lockable and refillable container (16) for storing drugs in the form of separate tablets, and a second dispensing unit (17) for dispensing the tablets from the second lockable and refillable container (16).

14. Device for dispensing pre-packed single dose drugs comprising at least one lockable and refillable container (2) for storing pre-packed single dose drugs, at least one dispensing unit (3) for dispensing the pre-packed single dose drugs and at least one programmable control unit (4) for controlling the functions of the device (20), characterised in that the device (20) further comprises at least one identification unit (5) arranged to identify a user of the device (20) by means of an identification key (6) by which the user is given an access level which gives the user access to control/use the functions of the device (20) depending on said access level.