초록 ▼

The present invention features a pharmaceutical dispensing system including a plurality of standardized or universal-type cells disposed in a large array called a module. One or more modules may be disposed in a given pharmacy, and one or more pharmacies may be monitored by a central computer. The s

The present invention features a pharmaceutical dispensing system including a plurality of standardized or universal-type cells disposed in a large array called a module. One or more modules may be disposed in a given pharmacy, and one or more pharmacies may be monitored by a central computer. The system for filling prescriptions includes a graphical interface processing system for monitoring operations of each cell, wherever located, and for sequentially and interactively prompting an operator to perform appropriate; predetermined steps. The system for filling prescriptions sequentially prompts a technician or operator to perform predetermined steps, dependent upon verification of the completion of a prior or previously completed step in the sequence. In a semi-automatic mode, the pharmacist is directed, by suitable prompts on the computer display screen, as to the necessary steps and locations in filling each prescription. The main computer stores information of a plurality of drugs in predetermined, separately-addressable cells, and arranges that information to provide optimum efficiency of pharmacy operations, dependent upon certain parameters: (1) a proximity to a predetermined packaging/shipping location; (2) the probability of future drug access at a predetermined inventory storage location; (3) the size of separately-addressable storage locations; and (4) the location of confusingly similar drugs or dosages. The separately-addressable storage locations in inventory have adjustable shelves.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An interactive system for filling prescriptions at a central, prescription-filling workstation comprising:a graphical interface and processing means disposed at said central, prescription-filling workstation for monitoring operations of a pharmacy operatively connected th

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An interactive system for filling prescriptions at a central, prescription-filling workstation comprising:a graphical interface and processing means disposed at said central, prescription-filling workstation for monitoring operations of a pharmacy operatively connected thereto, said central, prescription-filling workstation sequentially and interactively prompting an operator to perform appropriate, predetermined steps in filling a prescription at a predetermined inventory location, said graphical interface and processing means comprising means for monitoring the status of at least one drug at said predetermined inventory location and for graphically displaying its status;storage means for storing a plurality of drugs in predetermined, separately-addressable storage locations, said storage means being operatively connected to said graphical interface and processing means disposed at said central, prescription-filling workstation;input means operatively connected to said graphical interface and processing means for feeding information representative of said status of said at least one drug and of pharmacy operations into said processing meansan array of dispensing cells in communicative relationship with said processing means, each cell comprising its own microprocessor, said microprocessor comprising a computer program for singulating a predetermined pharmaceutical, said computer program adapted to singulate and dispense each respective, predetermined pharmaceutical.