AU2010246368A1 - The Delivery of Medical Prescriptions - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for the delivery of medical prescriptions includes a host server configured to host a prescription delivery portal. A prescription data input device is configured to input prescription-related data from a medical prescription and to communicate the prescription-related data to the prescription delivery portal. A dispensing module is configured to communicate with the prescription delivery portal to receive said prescription-related data. Cn# (aa ccc C- t o 0) a)e

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION The Delivery of Medical Prescriptions FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the delivery of medical prescriptions. More particularly, this invention relates to a system for the delivery of medical prescriptions and to a method for delivering medical prescriptions. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION At present, medical prescriptions or scripts are generally delivered to a pharmacy by a patient subsequent to a visit to a medical prescriber location such as doctors' rooms or a medical centre. o Conventionally, scripts are used as follows. The medical practitioner issues a script that is handed to the patient. The patient takes that script to the pharmacy and hands it to the pharmacist. The patient is asked if the generic or name brand is required. The pharmacist processes the script. The patient pays and collects the prescribed pharmaceuticals. This system has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, it often results in delay because the script can only begin being filled when the patient arrives at the pharmacy. Secondly, it can promote "doctor shopping", in which the patient visits a number of different doctors to obtain multiple scripts. Thirdly, the fact that the script is not secured between the prescriber and the location provides 0 opportunity for forgery. It is possible at present for medical practitioners to issue scripts electronically using a product known as "escript" or "Medisecure". These are simply portals at which the electronic scripts are stored and can be accessed when necessary. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for the delivery of medical prescriptions, the system including a host server configured to host a prescription delivery portal; a prescription data input device configured to input prescription-related data from a medical prescription and to communicate the prescription-related data to the prescription delivery portal; and 30 a dispensing module configured to communicate with the prescription delivery portal to receive said prescription-related data. It will be appreciated that the medical prescriptions referred to are not necessarily paper-based prescriptions. The medical prescriptions may be in the form of electronic data that is associated with a particular patient. For example, the medical prescriptions may be in the form of electronic data associated is some way with an electronic medical record of a patient, such as a medical care card.

Furthermore, the medical prescriptions referred to are also what are known as repeat authorisations. In other words, the word "prescription" is intended to encompass "repeat authorisation" within its meaning. The prescription data input device may be in the form of a kiosk-like device or kiosk. The kiosk may include a data input device, such as a keyboard or touch screen to permit a user, for example a patient, to enter the prescription-related data to be written to the prescription delivery portal. Instead of a kiosk, the prescription data input device may be in the form of a data processing device that is configured to communicate with the prescription delivery portal using conventional Internet protocols or other network protocols. In particular, the data processing device may be a wireless 0 communications device such as an Internet-enabled mobile phone. In another example, the data processing device may be a personal computer capable of being connected to the Internet or some other Wide Area Network (WAN). Thus, the data processing device may be configured to permit the input of the prescription related data. The host server may be configured so that the prescription delivery portal is hosted on the Internet or a dedicated WAN. In particular, the prescription delivery portal may be hosted on the Internet. The host server may be configured so that the delivery portal can establish communications with the data input device over the Internet. The host server may be configured so that said communications can be established in a secure manner. The dispensing module may be defined by one or more data processing machines located at a 0 dispensing location, such as a pharmacy. The dispensing module may be configured to communicate with the delivery portal using network protocols, such as Internet protocols or dedicated WAN protocols. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for delivering medical prescriptions, the method including the steps of: hosting a prescription delivery portal; receiving, at the prescription delivery portal, prescription-related data generated by a prescription data input device relating to a medical prescription; and communicating said prescription-related data to a dispensing module. The step of hosting the prescription delivery portal may include the step of maintaining a database containing details of a number of dispensing locations at which respective dispensing modules 30 are located. The step of receiving the prescription related data may include the step of receiving identification data relating to a specific medical prescription. The method may include the step of generating, at the prescription data input device, an interface that is configured to permit a user to select a dispensing location at which the dispensing module is located. The method may include the step of generating, at the prescription data input device, an interface that is configured to permit a user to select a prescribed medicine from a selected dispensing location and to display information relating to the availability of the medicine. The method may further include the step of displaying information relating to at least one of a price of the medicine, the availability of generic medicines and, if available, the price of the generic medicines. The method may include the step of writing the identification data and information related to a medicine selected by the user to the dispensing module and, subsequently, at the dispensing module receiving prescription data related to the medicine and the identification data. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable medium that is configured so that, when read by a computer, the computer is configured to carry out the steps of the method of the second aspect of the invention. o According to fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a prescription data input device which is configured to read prescription data from a medical prescription and to write said prescription data to a prescription delivery portal. The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is intended to allow a person of ordinary skill in the art to put the invention into practice. As such, it is not intended to narrow the scope of the preceding summary or appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows one embodiment, in accordance with the invention, of a system for the delivery of medical prescriptions. o Figure 2 shows the system of Figure 1, indicating various software modules of the system. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of part of a method, in accordance with the invention for the delivery of medical prescriptions. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of another part of the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of a system, in accordance with the invention, for the delivery of medical prescriptions. The system 10 includes a host server 12. The host server 12 is in the form of one or more computers that are programmed to host a script delivery portal 14 accessible via the Internet or a dedicated WAN. It follows that the host server 12 can be configured to host the portal 14 such that 30 communication with the portal can occur with standard Internet protocols and technologies. For example, the host server 12 is configured so that communication with the portal can occur with mobile internet protocols and technologies. Alternatively, access to the script delivery portal 14 can be provided via direct communication with the host server 12 or by some other electronic communications protocol.

The system 10 includes a workstation 24 at a dispensing location operated by a medical practitioner 26. The workstation 24 communicates with an electronic script portal 28, the workstations 22 of the pharmacy also being in communication with the portal 28. The portal 28 is configured to define an electronic repository of electronic prescriptions for access by medical practitioners and pharmacists. The system 10 includes a prescription data input device in the form of a kiosk 16. The kiosk 16 includes a data input interface to permit a user or patient 30 to upload data relating to a prescription to the portal 14. In one example, the data input interface is in the form of a barcode reader, generally indicated at 18, to allow a barcode printed on the prescription to be read. The kiosk 16 is thus in communication with the portal 14 via a suitable Internet protocol. 0 The host server 12 is configured so that the kiosk 16 can display information to the patient 30. That information can be in the form of advertising material and also information relating to generic versions of pharmaceuticals detailed on the prescription. The kiosk 16 can carry advertising material on a housing or cover of the kiosk 16. The data input interface of the kiosk 16 can include a touch screen 17 that displays said information and allows the patient 30 to select generics or name brands and also to select particular pharmacies where the medication will be collected. A possible alternative to the touch screen 17 would be a standard keyboard or even a voice-recognition apparatus. The kiosk 16 can also be configured so that the user 30 can communicate with the kiosk 16 using a mobile communications device such as an Internet-enabled mobile phone 48. o It will be appreciated that the system 10 can include multiple kiosks in communication with the portal 14. Furthermore, the host server 12 is configured so that standardization of kiosks is facilitated. Instead of the kiosk 16, the prescription data input device can be in the form of a data processing device 48 such as the Internet-enabled mobile phone. The device 48 can be configured to communicate with the portal 14 using conventional Internet protocols or with a specific wireless protocol. In particular, the device 48 can be configured to communicate with the portal 14 in a conventional manner. The portal 14 may be secure so that access to the portal 14 is via an authentication protocol, such as a password. It is to be appreciated that the device 48 can be in the form of any Internet-enabled device, such as a conventional data processing machine, for example, a personal computer. This would allow the user or patient 30 to communicate with the portal 14 from an office or while at home. 30 Thus, the data processing device 48 enables the patient to upload the prescription-related data directly to the portal 14, such that the prescription previously entered by the medical practitioner and stored in the portal 28 can be accessed and communicated to a pharmacist. The data processing device 18 would be particularly suited for use with a system that makes use of electronic prescriptions. The electronic prescription could be emailed to the patient or downloaded from the portal 28, via the portal 14 in an encrypted and controlled manner if necessary. Alternatively, the prescription could be viewed by a patient or medical practitioner in order to review treatment, for example.

The system 10 includes a dispensing module 20. The dispensing module 20 is defined by one or more workstations 22 at a dispensing location such as a pharmacy. The dispensing module 20 is in communication with the portal 14 so that data relating to prescriptions read at the kiosk or uploaded via the device 48 can be communicated to the module 20. In particular, the dispensing module 20 and the server 12 are configured so that the module 20 can communicate with the portal 14 using Internet protocols in a secure manner. It will be appreciated that the system 10 can include multiple dispensing modules 20 in communication with the portal 14. As with the kiosks, the dispensing modules 20 are configured so that standardization is facilitated. 0 In Figure 3, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a flowchart of part of a method, in accordance with the invention, of generating a prescription. In particular, the flowchart 50 shows the steps taken for generating a prescription and providing a pharmacy with the prescription details. A patient 30 visits the medical practitioner 26. The practitioner 26 uses the workstation 24 programmed with proprietary prescription generating software 27 to enter the prescription details that are written to the script portal 28. The prescription details are stored on the portal 28 and the workstation 24 receives an update from the portal 28. The prescription is printed and handed to the patient. The script portal 28 is configured so that the prescription can carry a barcode to be scanned or a code to be entered with the device 48. The barcode or code is thus a unique identifier that can be used 0 to identify that particular script. The patient 30 logs on to the script delivery portal 14 via the kiosk 16 or his or her device 48. The patient 30 scans the barcode if at the kiosk 16 or enters the code on the prescription if using the device 48. For example, the patient may wish to return to work and use his or her computer to order the prescribed pharmaceuticals for subsequent pick up after work. Once the barcode has been scanned or the code entered, that data is uploaded to the server 12 via the portal 14. The host server 12 writes the associated data to the script portal 28 which, in turn, using that data, writes the associated prescription details to the script delivery portal 14. The host server 12 then generates an interface on the kiosk 16 or device 48 that allows the patient 30 to select a particular pharmacy. The host server 12 writes a stock query from the portal 14 to the pharmacy stock 30 database at the pharmacy or previously uploaded to the server 12. If the particular product requested is not available, the host server 12 generates an appropriate message on the display 17 or the device 48 and returns the patient 30 to the pharmacy selection interface. The host server 12 queries whether the patient 30 is a holder of a card that would entitle some form of reduction or adjustment in price if the product is available. Examples of such cards are pension cards, concession cards, safety net cards, and repatriation cards. Upon an affirmative response, the patient is directed to enter the card details. This information is written to an application executed by the dispensing module 20 so that a price of the medication can be adjusted, in much the same way as if the patient 30 had handed the card to the pharmacist. The adjusted prices and data relating to generics are extracted from the module and written to the device 48 or kiosk 16. Upon a negative response, the host server 12 writes data relating to generics and prices to the kiosk 16 or the device 48 if product is available. The data is displayed on a suitable interface so that the patient 30 can make a selection. In Figure 4, reference numeral 60 generally indicates a flowchart of part of a method, in accordance with the invention, of generating a prescription. In particular, the flowchart 60 shows the steps taken at a pharmacy or other dispensing location once the patient 30 has ordered prescribed medicines using the kiosk 16 or the device 48. 0 The dispensing module 20 receives the order details from the delivery portal 14. The dispensing module 20 is configured to fetch the prescription details from the portal 28 using the order details, particularly the barcode or the entered code that is the prescription identifier. The pharmacist 32 can use this information to prepare the necessary medicines for supply to the patient 30. Once the medicines have been supplied to the patient 30, the dispensing module 20 is used by the pharmacist to communicate dispensing details to the portal 28. The host server 12 then tags that prescription as dispensed and updates the prescription status in the portal 14. In this manner, an unauthorized copy of the prescription cannot be used. The portals 14 and 28 can be configured to interchange data relating to prescriptions. This facilitates third party integration with the portal 14, for example by the administrator of the portal 28. 0 The kiosk 16 or the device 48 can be programmed with a software module 34 (Figure 2) of a software product of the invention so that prescription and order data entered by the patient 30 at the kiosk 16 or with the device 48 can be uploaded to the portal 14. Instead, the kiosk 16 or the device 48 can be configured as thin clients not requiring a specific application. Rather, the host server 12 can be configured to generate an applet or the like to be executed by the kiosk 16 or the device 48 to facilitate communication with the portal 14. The software product of the invention includes a software module in the form of an administrative module 36 executable by the host server 12 to administer the portal 14. More specifically, the software module 36 is such that the portal 14 acts as a centralized location for collecting analytical data relating to operation of the system 10. The software module 36 is configured to generate and administer the portal 30 14 for various functions such as billing, reconciliation, process improvement and trend data analysis. The portal 14 is also configured to provide redundancy and backup so that the system 10 can remain operational. The portal 14 communicates with the software module 34 so that the kiosk 16 or device 48 can display various options to the patient 30. These could include choice of pharmacy, generic or name brand, etc. In particular, the module 34 is configured so that the user or patient is presented with a number of simple queries such as the script detail, the pharmacy they wish to visit and if they wish to accept generic brands. The user or patient could also be presented with price, time and/or availability information. The software module 34 or thin client application is configured so that when the patient selects a particular pharmacy using the touch screen 17, the pharmacy is notified of the issuance of the prescription. This allows the pharmacist 32 to prepare the medication in accordance with the prescription in the absence of the patient 30. When the patient 30 hands the prescription to the pharmacist 32, the pharmacist 32 can provide the medication to the patient 30 with the minimum of delay. The software product of the invention includes a pharmacy interface module 40 executable by the pharmacy workstations 22. When executed, the interface module 40 provides a notification or dispense 0 request on the pharmacy workstations 22. This can take the form of a simple list/order type web interface allowing manual integration with a barcode scanner or number entry. Alternatively, it can be an automated integration component which integrates with dispensing software 42 on the pharmacy workstations. Also, various methods of notification of a dispense request may be provided, such as web based, email, electronic messaging services, fax etc. The interface module 40 can be configured to generate an in-pharmacy graphical interface. Generally, pharmacy systems such as the dispensing module 42 and point-of-sale modules 44 are located behind network firewalls and protected from outside access. Additionally, such systems may not be reliable or operational at all times. Thus, the software product of the invention can include an inventory management module 46 for 0 pushing pharmacy information to the portal 14. Thus, the portal 14 can be configured to operate as a central repository for pharmacy information. The inventory management module 46 can be configured to push the pharmacy information to the portal 14 via a suitable protocol such as a common HTTP based protocol. This minimizes complexity and the security implications are minor. The inventory management module 46 can be configured to post information relating to the inventory held at the pharmacy to the portal 14 periodically. Some alternatives to the above arrangement could include having a direct connection between the kiosks 16 and other components of the system, such as the portal 28 or the pharmacy interface module 40. It will be appreciated that the system 10 can be scaled to other devices, including handheld devices. There is also an ability to perform basic updates or maintenance from a centralized location. 30 The portal 14 can be configured to provide for data collection and mining, for example to track the use of various generics. As far as the kiosks 16 are concerned, they can be provided, branded and managed by larger pharmacies, such as pharmacy chains. It will be appreciated that the system, method and software product of the invention provides a means whereby: a. Script forgery is minimized b. "Doctor shopping" is minimized c. Practitioner's time is saved d. Patient medication information can be consolidated e. Errors during dispensing are minimized. f. Patient's time is saved It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practiced with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims (17)

1. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for the delivery of medical prescriptions, the system including a host server configured to host a prescription delivery portal; a prescription data input device configured to input prescription-related data from a medical prescription and to communicate the prescription-related data to the prescription delivery portal; and a dispensing module configured to communicate with the prescription delivery portal to receive said prescription-related data. 0

2. A system according to claim 1, in which the prescription data input device is in the form of a kiosk-like device that includes a data input device, such as a keyboard or touch screen to permit a user to enter the prescription-related data to be written to the prescription delivery portal.

3. A system according to claim 1, in which the prescription data input device is in the form of a data processing device that is configured to communicate with the prescription delivery portal using network protocols such as Internet protocols.

4. A system according to claim 3, in which the data processing device is a wireless communications 0 device capable of being connected to a WAN such as the Internet and configured to permit the input of the prescription-related data.

5. A system according to claim 4, in which the host server is configured so that the prescription delivery portal is hosted on at least one of the Internet and a dedicated WAN and so that the delivery portal can establish communications with the data input device in a secure manner.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims in which the dispensing module is defined by at least one data processing machine located at a dispensing location, such as a pharmacy, the dispensing module being configured to communicate with the delivery portal using network protocols. 30

7. A method for delivering medical prescriptions, the method including the steps of: hosting a prescription delivery portal; receiving, at the prescription delivery portal, prescription-related data generated by a prescription data input device relating to a medical prescription; and communicating said prescription-related data to a dispensing module.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, in which the step of hosting the prescription delivery portal may include the step of maintaining a database containing details of a number of dispensing locations at which respective dispensing modules are located. 40

9. A method as claimed in claim 7 or 8, in which the step of receiving the prescription-related data may include the step of receiving identification data relating to a specific medical prescription.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, which includes the step of generating, at the prescription data input device, an interface that is configured to permit a user to select a dispensing location at which the dispensing module is located.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, which includes the step of generating, at the prescription data input device, an interface that is configured to permit a user to select a prescribed medicine from a 0 selected dispensing location and to display information relating to the availability of the medicine.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, in which the method includes the step of generating, at the prescription data input device an interface that displays information relating to at least one of a price of the medicine, the availability of generic medicines and, if available, the price of the generic medicines and that is configured to permit a user to select a generic medicine.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, which includes the step of writing the identification data and information related to a medicine selected by the user to the dispensing module and, subsequently, at the dispensing module receiving prescription data related to the medicine and the identification data. 0

14. A computer readable medium that is configured so that the computer readable medium carries data for reading by a computer, the data representing executable code that is executable by the computer such that the computer carries out the method according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

15. A software product that is capable of being executed by a data processing device such that the data processing device carries out the method according to any one of claims 7 to 13.

16. A system for the delivery of medical prescriptions, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30

17. A method for delivering medical prescriptions, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.