APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NON-INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERING A MEDICATION

• US 20130184682A1
• Filed: 01/18/2012
• Published: 07/18/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Austin, Paul R., Goetz, Frank M.
• Granted Patent: US 9,114,063 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/514
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/22 with means for metering the amount of fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2200/30 Compliance analysis for taking medication
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0409 with timers
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0427 with direct interaction with a dispensing or delivery system
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0454 for dispensing of multiple drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0463 for multiple patients
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3303 Using a biosensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2209/045 for filling, e.g. for filling reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/178 Syringes
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 3/003 Filling medical containers such as ampoules, vials, syringes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/17 delivered via infusion or injection

Abstract

A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, including: at least one specially programmed computer; and, a medication device. The at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to calculate or modify, for a patient, a dosage for a first orally-administered or injectable medication and a constraint related to administration of the dosage by using a current point in time, a point in time at which a previous dosage of the first orally-administered or injectable medication was administered, information regarding a second medication prescribed for the patient, or real time physiological data for a patient. The medication device is arranged to: extract the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and non-intravenously dispense the first orally-administered or injectable medication in accordance with the dosage and the constraint.

Claims

1. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to calculate or modify, for a patient, a dosage for a first orally-administered or injectable medication and a constraint related to administration of the dosage by using a current point in time, a point in time at which a previous dosage of the first orally-administered or injectable medication was administered, information regarding a second medication prescribed for the patient, or real time physiological data for a patient; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and

,

non-intravenously dispense the first orally-administered or injectable medication in accordance with the dosage and the constraint.

2. The computer-based apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the dosage includes an amount of the first orally-administered or injectable medication to be administered;

or,

the dosage includes a constraint regarding administration of the first orally-administered or injectable medication selected from the group consisting of a time period in which to administer the first orally-administrable or injectable medication, a time of day in which to administer the first orally-administrable or injectable medication, considerations of food or drink previously consumed by the patient, considerations of food or drink to be consumed by the patient following administration of the first orally-administrable or injectable medication, or a time at which the second medication was last taken or will next be taken.

3. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a, medication comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to receive physiological data regarding a patient; and

,

automatically modify, using the physiological data, a medication regimen for the patient by modifying a designated measure, or by modifying a designated time period; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

4. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein when an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, equal to a designated measure, is not dispensed by the medication device during a designated time period;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to, at a point in time following expiration of the designated time period, automatically modify the designated measure according to the point in time or automatically modify the designated time period according to the point in time; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

5. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to;

calculate a point in time at which a previous dosage of an orally-administered or injectable medication was dispensed by the medication device;

receive, following the point in time, a request for the orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

automatically modify, according to the point in time, a medication regiment for the a patient by modifying a designated measure or by modifying a designated point in time; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

6. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to automatically modify, according to a current time, a medication regimen by modifying a designated measure or by modifying a designated point in time; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

7. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to;

receive a request for a dose of an orally-administered or injectable medication;

determine that the request is in compliance with the medication regimen by;

determining that a second time period between a point in time for a previous dose of the orally-administered or injectable medication and a point in time for receipt of the request is no greater than a first time period;

or, by determining a measure of the orally-administered or injectable medication dispensed since a first point in time and a second point of time associated with receipt of the request is no greater than a threshold measure; and

,

enable dispensing of the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element only when the request is in compliance.

8. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to receive respective real time inputs; and

,

automatically generate, using the respective real time inputs, respective medication regimens for a plurality of patients, the respective medication regimens including respective designations of measures for respective orally-administered or injectable medications;

or,

automatically modify, using the respective real time inputs, respective medication regimens for a plurality of patients, by modifying respective designations of measures for respective orally-administered or injectable medications; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract the respective orally-administered or injectable medications from respective medication storage elements; and

,

non-intravenously dispense respective amounts of the respective orally-administered or injectable medications equal to the respective designated measures or the modified respective designated measures into respective containers.

9. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to;

automatically receive data regarding a dosage of a first medication previously administered to a patient; and

,

modify, using the data, modify, a medication regiment for the patient by modifying a designated measure or modifying a designated point in time; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

10. A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer;

a medication device; and

,

a medication storage element, wherein;

the medication storage element is insertable in and removable from the medication device;

the medication storage element is arranged to store an orally-administered or injectable medication;

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to receive a real time input; and

,

automatically generate, using the real time input, a first medication regimen for a first patient, the first medication regimen including designation of a first measure for a first orally-administered or injectable medication;

or,

automatically modify, using the real time input, a first medication regimen for a first patient, by modifying a designation of a first measure for a first orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

the medication device is arranged to;

extract the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and

,

non-intravenously dispense a first amount of the first orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the first designated measure or the modified first designated measure into a container.

11. The computer-based apparatus of claim 10, wherein:

the module is arranged to;

determine an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication present in the cartridge;

transmit an inventory signal indicating the amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication present in the cartridge; and

,

the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to;

compare the amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication present in the cartridge with a threshold amount; and

,

when the amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication present in the cartridge is below the threshold amount, to generate a supply signal to initiate a process to supply, to the apparatus, another cartridge storing the orally-administered or injectable medication.

12. The computer-based apparatus of claim 10, wherein the medication storage element includes a plurality of medication storage elements arranged to store a plurality of orally-administered or injectable medications.

13. The computer-based apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one specially programmed computer is:

part of the medication device not including the medication storage element;

attached to the medication storage device;

or located remote from the medication device.

14. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

calculate a dosage for a first orally-administered or injectable medication by using a current point in time, a point in time at which a previous dosage of the first orally-administered or injectable medication was administered, information regarding a second medication prescribed for the patient, or real time physiological data for the patient; and

,

transmit to a medication device instructions for;

extracting the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and

,

non-intravenously dispensing the first orally-administered or injectable medication in accordance with the dosage and the constraint, wherein the at least one specially programmed computer is part of the medication device, is attached to the medication storage element, or is located remote from the medication device.

15. The computer-based method of claim 14 wherein the dosage includes:

an amount of the first orally-administered or injectable medication to be administered;

or,

a constraint regarding administration of the first orally-administered or injectable medication selected from the group consisting of a time period in which to administer the first orally-administrable or injectable medication, a time of day in which to administer the first orally-administrable or injectable medication, considerations of food or drink previously consumed by the patient, considerations of food or drink to be consumed by the patient following administration of the first orally-administrable or injectable medication

16. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

receive physiological data regarding a patient;

automatically modify, using the physiological data, a medication regimen for the patient by modifying a designated measure, or by modifying a designated time period; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

17. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising, when an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, equal to a designated measure, is not dispensed by the medication device during a designated time period, using at least one specially programmed computer to:

automatically modify, at a point in time following expiration of the designated time period, the designated measure according to the point in time or the designated time period according to the point in time; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

18. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

calculate a point in time at which a previous dosage of an orally-administered or injectable medication was dispensed by a medication device;

receive, following the point in time, a request for the orally-administered or injectable medication;

automatically modify, according to the point in time, a medication regiment for the a patient by modifying a designated measure or by modifying a designated point in time; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

19. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

automatically modify, according to a current time, a medication regimen by modifying a designated measure or by modifying a designated point in time; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

20. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

receive a request for a dose of an orally-administered or injectable medication;

determine that the request is in compliance with the medication regimen by;

determining that a second time period between a point in time for a previous dose of the orally-administered or injectable medication and a point in time for receipt of the request is no greater than a first time period;

or, by determining a measure of the orally-administered or injectable medication dispensed since a first point in time and a second point of time associated with receipt of the request is no greater than a threshold measure; and

,

enable dispensing of the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element only when the request is in compliance.

21. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

receive respective real time inputs;

automatically generate, using the respective real time inputs, respective medication regimens for a plurality of patients, the respective medication regimens including respective designations of measures for respective orally-administered or injectable medications;

or automatically modify, using the respective real time inputs, respective medication regimens for a plurality of patients, by modifying respective designations of measures for respective orally-administered or injectable medications; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract the respective orally-administered or injectable medications from respective medication storage elements; and

,

non-intravenously dispense respective amounts of the respective orally-administered or injectable medications equal to the respective designated measures or the modified respective designated measures into respective containers.

22. A computer-based method for dispensing a medication, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

automatically receive data regarding a dosage of a first medication previously administered to a patient;

modify, using the data, modify, a medication regiment for the patient by modifying a designated measure or modifying a designated point in time; and

,

transmit, to a medication device, instructions to;

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the modified designated measure into a container;

or,

extract an orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication, during the modified designated time period, into a container.

23. An apparatus for storing and dispensing a medication, comprising:

a cartridge including a cavity for storing an orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

a module, including a specially-programmed computer, attached to the cartridge, and arranged to;

receive a real time input; and

,

automatically generate, using the real time input, a first medication regimen for a first patient, the first medication regimen including designation of a first measure for a first orally-administered or injectable medication;

or,

automatically modify, using the real time input, a first medication regimen for a first patient, by modifying a designation of a first measure for a first orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

transmit instructions to a medication device to;

extract the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and

,

non-intravenously dispense a first amount of the first orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the first designated measure or the modified first designated measure into a container.

24. A computer-based apparatus for disseminating information regarding a medication regimen, comprising:

at least one specially programmed computer; and

,

a medication device, wherein the at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to;

receive a real time input; and

,

automatically generate, using the real time input, a medication regimen for a patient, the medication regimen including designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication;

or,

automatically modify, using the real time input, a medication regimen for a patient, by modifying a designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

transmit data regarding the medication regimen to at least one computer selected from the group consisting of a computer associated with a health care provider for the patient, a computer associated with a prescriber of the orally-administered or injectable medication, a computer associated with a provider of the orally-administered or injectable medication, and a computer associated with an entity paying at least a portion of the costs for the orally-administered or injectable medication.

25. A computer-based method for disseminating information regarding a medication regimen, comprising using at least one specially programmed computer to:

receive a real time input;

automatically generate, using the real time input, a medication regimen for a patient, the medication regimen including designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication;

or automatically modify, using the real time input, a medication regimen for a patient, by modifying a designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication; and

,

transmit data regarding the medication regimen to at least one computer selected from the group consisting of a computer associated with a health care provider for the patient, a computer associated with a prescriber of the orally-administered or injectable medication, a computer associated with a provider of the orally-administered or injectable medication, and a computer associated with an entity paying at least a portion of the costs for the orally-administered or injectable medication.