DE102018104120A1 - Tablet dispenser and method for operating a tablet dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of operating a tablet dispenser (1) for administering medicaments to a patient by timed dispensing of a medicament at the dispensing slot (4), characterized by the steps of: Step 1: providing a medication plan (47) by a treating physician (32) or the like; Step 2: production, filling and printing of separable packaging units (45) as a continuous part of a tubular bag blister (5) with medicaments by a first service provider (41) according to the patient-individual and daytime individual medication plan; Step 3: Delivery of the tubular bag blisters (5) to a second service provider (38); Step 4: Equipping the tablet dispenser (1) with the tubular bag blister (5) by the second service provider (38).

Description

The invention relates to a mobile tablet dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a tablet dispenser.

A mobile tablet dispenser is used for outpatient care of patients with drugs that are dispensed from the donor in a certain amount at a certain time of the day. Frequently, automatic tablet dispensers are used which control the delivery of the drugs to prevent taking too many or too few tablets.

If several tablets have to be taken at a certain time of the day, it is advisable to arrange the tablets on a tray carrier, which makes it possible to remove several tablets at once from the tablet dispenser.

For example, a tablet carrier is a blister pack in which individual portions of tablets are packaged.

Such a tablet dispenser is in the CA 2 821 616 A1 disclosed. This document already shows a tablet dispenser in which a strip-shaped tablet carrier is inserted, which contains a matched to the patient drug and can be output as needed. The medical profile of the patient, the duration of the application or the time of application are indicated with a code (barcode, RFID) on the tablet carrier. Based on this information, which is read by a reader integrated into the tablet dispenser, the tablet carrier with the drug is dispensed from a dispensing port at a certain time. When delivering essential medications, the patient supervisor may be notified if the removal fails.

The publication EP 2 740 461 A2 also shows a tablet dispenser for the metered delivery of strip-shaped carriers containing a drug. These carriers are wound on a roll and are handled by a programmable unit controlled. In addition, a sensor unit can read information such as the duration of ingestion from the surface of the package. The drug is dispensed only in a certain time window, outside this period, a previously extended from a dispensing slot carrier is retracted.

Such previously known tablet dispensers are helpful because self-sufficient patient serving of portions of medication fails in some cases due to the patient's visual impairment or other physical limitations.

Especially elderly people, or patients are overwhelmed with the intake of industriel packaged drugs because they can not spend enough force, for example, to solve the tablets from the packaging.

Also, the variety of different drugs that must be taken constantly at a certain time, overwhelm patients.

If, for example, the patient has the weekly supply of medicines in his household, no control function is possible via a correct or scheduled intake by a caregiver. Now, if such a care staff daily control the intake of the drugs, a high staffing costs, since the staff of the nursing service is bound to individual patients.

In addition to a reminder function, some tablet dispensers also offer the option of using e.g. to notify an app or sms to family members, carers or a caregiver if tablets have been taken or if they have not been taken.

First, the patient receives at some time information (this may be acoustic or optical nature) which serves the request to remove individual tablet carrier. If not taken, the pill dispenser sends information (call / text message / app, etc.) to a caregiver or outpatient nurse, who can then remind the patient to take the medication.

However, it is disadvantageous that the tablet dispensers stored in the patient must be filled by a caregiver, nursing service or by a pharmacist. Although a filling by the patient itself is possible, but there is a risk of confusion of drugs and also hygienic concerns have to be considered at home with respect to a filling of the tablet dispenser.

Another problem is that the known tablet dispenser does not indicate how the drug should be taken and what drug it is.

The object of the present invention is therefore that it should be possible for patients with a mobile tablet dispenser, safely and comfortably at the right time from one to him with respect to the medication matched individual packaging. In addition, it should be possible for nurses, carers and relatives to receive information in real time about the use of tablets, so that close nursing care can be set up.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by the features of the independent claim, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

Advantage of the novel operating method is that in a single package now a number of personalized on the patient medication is packaged, which correspond to a tailored to him medication plan. Thus, a rheumatism drug may be included with a painkiller in a single package to be removed from the donor at lunchtime, while the single package to be removed in the evening will additionally contain a sleep aid.

It can no longer happen that the patient has different medication packages in front of him and has to decide from which packaging he should take which medication in which dose. This ensures that the dosage safety is increased and that incorrect collection and / or overdosing or underdosing is avoided.

According to the method of the present invention, a service provider prepares a patient-specific blister pack which is dispensed by an automatic tablet dispenser at the right time in the correct amount. The compilation of the blister pack is based on pharmaceutical control, at a service provider.

The with the drug, e.g. the tablets, filled blister packs are made at a service provider by a packaging machine, i. they are packaged in a patient-friendly tube blister, with each package labeled with a specific code and specifically for the patient, to ensure that the patient receives the right amount of tablet at the right time, and only this amount can be withdrawn. Such a label may be, for example, the time (s) of ingestion, the drug description, as well as expiration dates and lot numbers.

Such blister packs are clear and usually contain the complete medication for 7 days or a week.

Flexible tubular bag blisters are preferably used, which can be rolled up after taking time. The tubular bag blister is an endless tube of individually manufactured in number and labeling packaging unit in which the drugs are packed by machine. Separated by a separation perforation, each packaging unit can be separated individually. Thus, any number of packaging units can be produced, which are additionally packaged in chronological order and can be printed with the name of the patient, the time of taking, the date of taking, the indication of income and information about the medication. Medication refers to the prescription and use of medications while setting a specific dosage. Thus, drugs can be packaged according to pharmaceutical aspects and the time of ingestion are matched to an optimal onset of action.

In such a packaging unit also different tablets can be summarized. For example, an antibiotic may be packaged in tablet form together with a gastric protector.

Drug blinding is a drug manufacturing process in Germany and is governed by the German Medicines Act. Thus, only pharmacies or drug manufacturers with permission according to §13 AMG can produce drug blister products.

The patient-specific medication is inserted by a service provider exactly in the blister and authenticated. (To do this, the doctor to be treated sends the medication plan and the prescription to the service provider.)

In addition, the doctor will issue the patient with a prescription and application advice for the medicine.

The patient assigns an order for a weekly compilation to the responsible nursing service, hereinafter referred to as the second service provider.

The second service provider (nursing service) makes an order, for example, a 7-day ration to a pharmacy or a drug manufacturer.

The pharmacy then makes an order to make the patient-specific blister to a first service provider.

After the first service provider, the drug according to the order patient-specific he supplies the tubular bag blister rolled up on a roll (or folded as a leporello) and packaged in a packaging unit to a pharmacy.

The first service provider equips the tablet dispenser according to the invention with the tubular bag blister.

• Schritt 1 Bereitstellung eines Medikationsplans durch einen behandelnden Arzt oder dgl.
• Schritt 2 Herstellung, Befüllung und Bedruckung von voneinander trennbaren Verpackungseinheiten als fortlaufender Teil eines Schlauchbeutel-Blisters mit Medikamenten durch einen ersten Dienstleister entsprechend dem patienten-individuellen und tageszeit-individuellen Medikationsplan
• Schritt 3 Bestückung des Tablettenspenders mit dem Schlauchbeutel-Blister durch den ersten Dienstleister.

Thus, the method according to the invention for operating a tablet dispenser for administering medicaments to a patient consists of the following steps:

• Step 1 Provision of a medication plan by a treating physician or the like
• Step 2 Production, filling and printing of separable packaging units as a continuous part of a tubular bag blister with drugs by a first service provider according to the patient-individual and daytime individual medication plan
• Step 3 Equipping the tablet dispenser with the tubular bag blister by the first service provider.

The tablet dispenser according to the invention with the inserted tubular bag blister can be used intuitively and with little effort for the patient without prior instruction.

• Schritt 4 Aktivierung des Tablettenspenders durch den Patienten über einen Schalter oder eine Identifizierungsvorrichtung
• Schritt 5 Überwachung und Steuerung der aus dem Tablettenspender entnommenen Verpackungseinheiten
• Schritt 6 Elektronische Dokumentation der Entnahmetätigkeit des Patienten durch den Tablettenspender
• Schritt 7 Funkgestützte Übermittlung der Dokumentationsdaten an eine Daten-Cloud
• Schritt 8 Funkgestützte Übermittlung der Dokumentationsdaten von der Daten-Cloud an den zweiten Dienstleister.

Thus, the method according to the invention continues by carrying out the following further steps following step 3:

• Step 4 Activation of the tablet dispenser by the patient via a switch or identification device
• Step 5 Monitor and control the packaging units removed from the tablet dispenser
• Step 6 Electronic documentation of the patient's removal activity by the tablet dispenser
• Step 7 Radio-assisted transmission of the documentation data to a data cloud
• Step 8 Radio-based transmission of the documentation data from the data cloud to the second service provider.

In one embodiment of the invention, the patient pushes a switch on the tablet dispenser, which interrogates a timer that serves to realize different time-related functions.

The operation of a single switch ensures that the operation of the system is simple and self-explanatory, for which the operator requires no prior knowledge. This switch can be separately integrated as a push button or in a display and arranged clearly visible on the tablet dispenser.

For example, the timer can be used to query whether there is currently a time window in which a corresponding medication may be output. Outside of this time window, the polling of the timer will be ineffective and the pill dispenser will not deliver medication.

Within the time window, actuation of the patient initiates a mechanism that dispenses the tubular bag blister from a dispensing slot of the tablet dispenser. However, the individual packaging units of the tubular bag blister are dispensed only in the number required by the medication required for the patient at that time and blocked for further removal.

The packaging units may vary in length, due to a different number of drugs and advanced treatment duration.

The patient can grab the respective packaging unit at the dispensing slot and remove it from the tablet dispenser. In addition, a cutting knife on the dispensing slot may facilitate the separation of the individual packaging units from the bladder bag blister.

Preferably, a box-shaped tablet dispenser is used, in which the specially assembled for the patient tubular bag blister is rolled up on a roll or folded as a fan-fold and can be unrolled if necessary, to convey the packaging units to the dispensing slot.

The tubular bag blister preferably has a lateral or central perforation or row of holes in which rotating conveyor fingers or toothed wheels of a drive driven by a stepper motor can engage. The drive determines the feed of the tubular bag and is controlled by a circuit board. The stepper motor used is quiet and can be operated maintenance-free.

In order to make transport with the side gears even safer, the tubular bag blisters are additionally welded to the folded side. This ensures safe transport and a further security feature.
The case of the tablet dispenser box is made of a stainless material, which is suitable for medical devices. For example, it has a length between 200 mm and 220 mm, a width between 100 mm and 150 mm and a height between 200 mm and 220 mm.

The tablet dispenser checks whether the required medication was taken correctly within a defined time window. If the removal fails, a warning message is sent to a device connected to the tablet dispenser, which is located, for example, at a nursing service, a caregiver or a relative.
Also, notification may be sent upon deactivation or soon after the medication is exhausted.

The tablet dispenser has an optical reader with which an opto-electronically readable label on the blister can be read. Such a label is, for example, a barcode or a QR code and includes information about the blister and the medication therein (e.g., patient, medication plan).

In a further embodiment of the invention is located on the first roll-off from the roll packaging unit, which represents the Aktivierungsblister, an opto-electronically readable label which activates the tablet dispenser. From this point in time, for example, a seven-day dose of a particular drug may be monitored and the monitoring results sent at regular intervals to the devices connected to the tablet dispenser.

With the first "empty" blister of each blister roll, the tablet dispenser is programmed via the QR code printed on the blister and, for example, the monitoring of a seven-day sampling period is activated.
The tablet dispenser according to the invention is equipped with a display that can be easily read and operated by the operator. With the aid of the display, the output rhythm can be monitored. The output rhythm is controlled by a previous programming or the blister pack code.

Also, information texts about the intake can be displayed. One such text is, for example, "taking half a glass of water" or "taking it after each meal".

In addition, the tablet dispenser box according to the invention has a connection to the Internet. For example, communication with an Internet-connected server or a data cloud is possible via LAN connection, WLAN connection or via SIM card.

Thus, there is a central data platform with which all devices (tablet dispenser, device for nursing staff) are synchronized. This takes over the management of the connection between the tablet dispenser and, for example, a smartphone app or a tablet app. This allows the smartphone app to manage the settings of the device. The following describes a smartphone app, but the invention is not limited thereto. Also, the use of a tablet app or other application or management software is claimed with the present invention.

The data platform also contains all data generated by one or more tablet dispensers and transmitted to the data platform. These data include, for example, withdrawal time, taking cycles, emergency protocols, notifications (e.g., E-Call), number of drugs, and the type of medication.

In this case, a permanently replicated and multi-available server landscape is used in order to prevent the chain of notifications as well as the synchronization of the data from being interrupted.

It is possible to synchronize with certain devices, e.g. The device must be uniquely identified via a barcode in order to centrally manage this link in a data store.

By means of such an administration, it is possible to control after how many minutes of a removal delay a warning message is issued, which devices are to be notified in which period and for which events a push notification is to be sent (removal, emergency, or no more blisters available) ,

In a continuation of the invention, an overview with the currently taking medication and their intake cycles can be created on the basis of a smartphone app on a smartphone. This overview can be created from the collected data of one week and is constantly updated.

According to the invention, the data transmission takes place with the aid of a data cloud (data platform). The data cloud software has centralized data storage, which is replicated at least once in one data center at another location and can be synchronized in a maximum of 5 minutes cycle. The following data should be managed: devices with synchronized apps, device intake protocols and possibly patient data including medication protocols.

The subject of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

As far as individual items are referred to as "essential to the invention" or "important", this does not mean that these items necessarily have to form the subject of an independent claim. This is determined solely by the current version of the independent claim.

• 1: schematisierte Funktionsweise des Tablettenspenders
• 2: die Tablettenträgerbox
• 3: Bestellprozess
• 4: Lieferprozess
• 5: alternativer Bestell- und Bereitstellungsprozess zu 3

Show it:

• 1 : Schematic operation of the tablet dispenser
• 2 : the tablet carrier box
• 3 : Ordering process
• 4 : Delivery process
• 5 : alternative ordering and provisioning process too 3

1 shows the tablet dispenser according to the invention 1 which consists of a housing 2 that is at its front 3 an issue slot 4 having.

Inside the case 2 is a role 6 arranged on which a tubular bag blister 5 rolled up. The role 6 is about the axis of rotation 7 in the direction of the arrow 8th rotatable. This rotation is supported by a stepper motor 11 which, for example, can engage in a hole guide of the tubular bag blister s.

When processing the tubular bag blister 5 from the role 6 becomes the tubular bag blister 5 from the issue slot 4 promoted. To the tubular bag blister 5 to divide is located at the issue slot 4 a cutting knife 9 which is the separation of individual packaging units 45 facilitated. In a continuation of the invention, the cutting blade 9 automated at the removal, with a joint termination sensor 10 registered a gap of the tubular bag blister s 5 and a corresponding signal to the cutting blade 9 sends, which cuts the tubular bag blister at this joint.

The on the tubular bag blister 5 Printed opto-electronically readable labels may be from an optical reader 12 be read out. Such an optical reading device may, for example, be a QR code camera which displays a QR code of the tubular bag blister 5 reads.

Supporting for removing the tubular bag blister is located at the top of the housing 2 a display 13 , About the display 13 can optical and / or acoustic signals as information 42 be issued.

The tablet dispenser according to the invention 1 can be over a battery operation 15 be supplied. Alternatively, the tablet dispenser 1 also via a power supply 16 be powered.

The delivery of the tubular bag blister 5 is via a CPU 14 controlled.

The housing 2 has a WLAN module 17 on which in conjunction with a data cloud 18 stands. With this connection 43 For example, personal data and drug plans can be transmitted. The data cloud is in turn connected 44 with, for example, a transmitting and receiving device 19 which has an application. Such an application is for processing information, controlling purposes, and changing settings on the tablet dispenser 1 ,

2 shows a tray carrier box 21 which is provided by a service provider. The tray carrier box 21 contains the wound strip-shaped tubular bag blister 5 , The tray carrier box 21 comes with a lid 24 and a closure 25 locked. The tray carrier box 21 has a dispensing slot 23 on, out of which the tubular bag blister 5 can be pulled out.

The tubular bag blister 5 is in the example shown here a tubular bag blister with individual packaging units 45 which via a separation perforation 46 are releasably connected together. The individual packaging units 45 each have a name field 26 on, on the the name of the patient is printed. Furthermore, the packaging unit 45 a time indication 27 which may be, for example, the expiration date, the withdrawal date, or the production date of the tubular bag blister.

In addition, there is a synopsis 28 on the tubular bag blister, which shows the contents of each packaging unit 45 indicates.

In addition, the composition 29 on the tubular bag blister 5 which describes the ingredients and ingredients of each medication.

Via a QR code 30 You can use the individual data via a QR code camera as an optical reader 12 be read out. In addition to the individual information and readout fields, there is a hole guide on the side 31 in which a stepper motor means of conveyor finger for cyclic feed movement of the tubular bag blister 5 can intervene.

3 shows the ordering process, which is based on a medication plan and a recipe. This is a doctor 32 a regulation 34 for a medicine 35 to a patient 33 out. The patient 33 gives an order 36 for a weekly compilation 37 to a nursing service 38 (or a second service provider). The nursing service 38 makes an order 39 over for example one 7 -Day ration 40 to a pharmacy 50 , The pharmacy 50 makes an order 49 for producing the patient-specific blisters to a service provider 41 ,

(In an alternative procedure, the doctor may 32 also directly the medication plan 47 and the prescriptions to the pharmacy 50 to transfer.)

4 shows the delivery process using the example of a weekly medication.

The service provider delivers 41 weekly a tubular bag blister 5 , or a tray carrier box 21 to a pharmacy 50 , The pharmacy 50 then supplies the tubular bag blister 5 , or the tray carrier box 21 to a nursing service 38 , which then this tubular bag blister 5 , or the tray carrier box 21 in the tablet dispenser according to the invention in a patient 33 inserts and monitors the removal.

5 shows an alternative ordering and provisioning process, which is based on a medication plan and a recipe. This is a doctor 32 a regulation 34 for a medicine 35 to a patient 33 out. The patient 33 gives an order 36 for a weekly compilation 37 to a nursing service 38 (or a second service provider). The nursing service 38 makes an order 39 over for example one 7 -Day ration 40 to a pharmacy 50 , The pharmacy 50 makes an order 49 for producing the patient-specific blisters to a service provider 41 , This is for example via a mobile transceiver 52 possible.

The service provider delivers (delivery 51 ) the tablet dispenser the weekly personalized tablets blister to the pharmacy 50 ,

The pharmacy then delivers according to 4 once the tablet dispenser and weekly blister rolls to the nursing service 38 , or directly to the patient 33 as a private person.

(In an alternative procedure, the doctor may 32 also directly the medication plan 47 and the prescriptions to the pharmacy 50 to transfer.)

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.

Pill dispenser

Second

casing

Third

front

4th

Output slot (from 1 )

5th

Fill and Seal blister

6th

role

7th

axis of rotation

8th.

arrow

9th

cutting blade

10th

Joint demolition sensor

11th

stepper motor

12th

optical reader

13th

display

14th

CPU

15th

battery pack

16th

power adapter

17th

WLAN module

18th

Data Cloud

19th

Transmitter and receiver

20th

application

21st

Tablettenträgerbox

22nd

assignment

23rd

Output slot (from 21 )

24th

cover

25th

shutter

26th

name field

27th

time specification

28th

summary

29th

composition

30th

QR code

31st

hole guide

32nd

doctor

33rd

patient

34th

regulation

35th

drug

36th

assignment

37th

Weekly compilation

38th

nursing

39th

Order

40th

7 -Day ration

41st

service provider

42nd

information

43rd

connection

44th

connection

45th

Packaging Unit

46th

Abtrennungsperforation

47th

medication schedule

48th

feeding fingers

49th

Order

50th

pharmacy

51st

delivery

52nd

mobile transceiver

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• CA 2821616 A1 [0005]
• EP 2740461 A2 [0006]

Claims (11)

A method of operating a tablet dispenser (1) for delivering medication to a patient (33) by timed dispensing of a drug at the dispensing slot (4), characterized by the steps of: Step 1 providing a medication plan (47) by a treating physician (32) or the like Step 2 Production, filling and printing of separable packaging units (45) as a continuous part of a tubular bag blister (5) with drugs by a first service provider (41) according to the patient-individual and daytime individual medication plan (47) Step 3 Assembly of the tablet dispenser (1) with the tubular bag blister (5) by the service provider (41). Method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that subsequent to step 4 the following further steps are carried out: Step 4 Activation of the tablet dispenser (1) by the patient (33) via a switch or an identification device Step 5 Monitoring and control of the packaging units (45) removed from the tablet dispenser Step 6 Electronic documentation of the patient's retrieval activity (33) by the tablet dispenser (1) Step 7 Radio-assisted transmission (43) of the documentation data to a data cloud (18) Step 8 Radio-assisted transmission (44) of the documentation data from the data cloud (18 ) to a second service provider (38). Method according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that is queried by the operation of the tablet dispenser (1) arranged switch, whether a time window exists by a packaging units (45) may be issued. Method according to Claim 3 , characterized in that when a time window exists, a mechanism is set in motion, which emits the tubular bag blister (5) from a dispensing slot (4) from the tablet dispenser (1). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that a programming of the tablet dispenser (1) via the first "empty" blister of each blister roll (5) or blister unit using a printed on the blister barcodes or QR codes. A tablet dispenser (1) comprising a housing (2) for receiving medicament packages (45) to be dispensed and at least one conveying means (11) for conveying the medicament packages (45) to a dispensing slot (4) of the tablet dispenser (1), characterized in that the dispensers Medicament packages each patient and each day individually in each case a detachable packaging unit (45) of a tubular bag blister (5) are arranged. Tablet dispenser (1) after Claim 6 , characterized in that the tubular bag blister (5) has a lateral or central row of holes (21), in the rotating conveyor fingers (48) of a stepper motor (11) driven drive engage. Tablet dispenser (1) after Claim 6 or 7 , characterized in that the housing (2) includes an optical reading device (12) with which an opto-electronically readable label (30) on the packaging unit (45) is read out. Tablet dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 8th , characterized in that on the upper side of the housing (2) a display (13) for outputting information (42) and programming the output rhythm of the tablet dispenser (1) is arranged. Tablet dispenser (1) according to one of Claims 6 to 9 , characterized in that the tablet dispenser (1) can be activated via a switch arranged on the housing (2). Tablet dispenser after the Claims 6 to 10 to carry out the method according to the Claims 1 to 5 ,

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