AU2014100034A4 - Item and method for communicating medication information - Google Patents

Item and method for communicating medication information Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2014100034A4
AU2014100034A4 AU2014100034A AU2014100034A AU2014100034A4 AU 2014100034 A4 AU2014100034 A4 AU 2014100034A4 AU 2014100034 A AU2014100034 A AU 2014100034A AU 2014100034 A AU2014100034 A AU 2014100034A AU 2014100034 A4 AU2014100034 A4 AU 2014100034A4
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medication
patient
information
bar code
item
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AU2014100034A
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Stephen Mark Cohen
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Abstract

An item generated and printed using pharmacy software with the authority of a registered pharmacist, the item including any one of a medication label to be applied to the 5 medication packaging of a patient, prescription repeat form or information form. The item having at least one two-dimensional bar code comprising script information related to the patient and medication contained within the packaging or listed on the repeat form or the information form. The two-dimensional bar code readable using a scanning device and associated software able to read two dimensional barcode and provide audio representation 10 of at least some of said script information contained within said two-dimensional bar code. P24185AU01 140114 Anywhere Pharmacy 123 Nigh St Anywhere NSW 2599 (02)966545782 prescription date 3001/13 DrliJones Prescription No. 98765432 MRS JANE SMITH S0 tablet DIABEX 500M3 (metfornmin hydrochlorde) Take one tablet each evenim with food No rpts left Use before 30/06/113 FIG, 1 .G .I ....... Anywhere Pharmacy 123 High St Anywhere NSW 259S (02) 9666 45782 prescription date :30/01! 3 DrI Jones Prescription No, 98765433 MRS JANE SMITH:: MEDICATiON ORGANISER SUMMARY DIABEX 500MG (metformin hydrochloride) 1 tablet daily PRAVACHOL 20MG (pravastatin sodium) I tablet daily ASPIRIN 100MG (low dose aspirin) I tablet daily

Description

1 ITEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING MEDICATION INFORMATION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an item and method for communicating medication information. In particular the invention is primarily described with reference to medication 5 labels affixed to prescription medication with the authority of a registered pharmacist, the labels including a readable 2D barcode. It is also described with reference to repeat prescription forms and other information forms. BACKGROUND Typically when a patient purchases prescription medication from a pharmacy, the pharmacist 10 dispensing the medication will affix a label to the medication packaging that provides relevant "script information" such as patient's name, medication, dosage size, doctor who issued prescription, prescription id number, date of dispensing, how patient should take medication, warnings, expiry date and if there are repeats, etc. Such labels are small so that they can be affixed to the various small sized boxes, pill bottles and other medication packaging. One of 15 the difficulties associated with such labels, is that information printed thereon can be quite small, making it difficult for visually impaired people, including the elderly to read the information provided on such labels. In recent years with improved lifestyle, healthcare, and the general standard of living, there is a much greater number of elderly and other visually impaired people living independently or 20 with minimal assistance. With the aging population in our society there is also higher dependence on medications. Whilst many elderly are maintaining relatively independent or semi-independent lifestyles, many take a plurality of medications, on an ongoing basis. This means we have an increasing segment of the population who may experience difficulties with taking medication. 25 For instance you may have an elderly couple, a husband and wife living together, who each take a plurality of prescription and non-prescription medications. They each may take the same medication but in different dosages or strengths. It is very easy in such a situation for spouses who have similar surnames and impaired vision to inadvertently take the wrong medication. 30 There are Dose Administration Aids (DAAs), also referred to as medication organisers, such as that marketed under Webster PakTM, which provide organisation and storage of medication P24185AU01 140114 2 tablets and capsules on a weekly basis. The Webster PakTM organizer is a re-usable plastic folder into which is inserted a disposable blister pack. It has spaces for four doses a day. A pharmacist takes the doctor's prescriptions and dispenses the medication into the blister pack. The organiser assists the patient in taking the correct medication. Whilst details of the 5 medication are provided with the organiser, an elderly or visually impaired person may still have difficulty in reading the information provided thereon. In Australia we have a fairly high migrant population, with many people coming from non English speaking backgrounds. Whilst many migrants, have a good command of spoken English there is a high percentage who do not read as well. This causes problems for elderly 10 people of such background in correctly understanding their prescription medications. In Australia, pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to make available to the public Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) regarding their medicines. Generally such information is available at pharmacies and on Internet websites. Again there is a problem that sometimes such CMI is not easily readable by elderly people. 15 The present invention seeks to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, by providing a device, method and system for communicating medication information. Throughout this specification "an act carried out with the authority of a registered pharmacist" should be understood to also include within its meaning an "act carried out by a registered pharmacist" or "an act carried out under the supervision of a registered pharmacist". 20 SUMMARY OF INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention consists of an item generated and printed using pharmacy software with the authority of a registered pharmacist, said item including any one of a medication label to be applied to the medication packaging of a patient, prescription repeat form or information form, said item having at least one two-dimensional bar code 25 comprising script information related to the patient and medication contained within said packaging or listed on said repeat form or said information form, said two-dimensional bar code readable using a scanning device and associated software able to read said two dimensional barcode and provide audio representation of at least some of said script information contained within said two-dimensional bar code. 30 Preferably said item is either said medication label or said information form, and said medication packaging is a medication organiser, and said item is either affixed to, or provided P24185AU01 140114 3 with said medication organiser, and said script information contained within said least one two-dimensional bar code relates to a plurality of medications contained within said medication organiser. Preferably said two-dimensional bar code provides a link, and said link may be to a website 5 with CMI relating to said medication, or to health record information stored in a remote database relating to said patient accessible by an authorised healthcare professional, or to software that translates at least some of said script information to another language, or to software that generates an email and/or sms text message containing at least some of said script information. 10 In a second aspect the present invention consists of a method of communicating information about at least one prescribed medication, said the comprising the steps of: (i) a medication label is generated and printed using pharmacy software accessing information from a database stored on computer means with the authority of a registered pharmacist, said label having at least one two-dimensional bar code comprising script information related to a 15 patient and said prescribed medication; (ii) said medication label is affixed to the packaging of said medication with authority of said registered pharmacist; and (iii) said two-dimensional bar code is read using a scanning device and associated software able to read said two dimensional barcode and provide audio representation of at least some of 20 said script information contained within said two-dimensional bar code, and wherein step (iii) is carried out by said patient prescribed the medication or a carer entrusted with the care of said patient. Preferably said packaging is a medication organiser and said script information contained within said at least one two-dimensional bar code relates to a plurality of medications 25 contained within said medication organiser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a first example of a medication label with a 2D bar code in accordance with a first embodiment of the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is a second example of a medication summary label with a 2D bar code for use with a 30 medication organiser in accordance with a first embodiment of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is an example flow diagram of the steps of generating and using the label shown in Fig. 1. P24185AU01 140114 4 Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a system for communicating information related to a prescribed medication. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In this specification the term "script information" is used to refer to the various information 5 normally provided on a script label affixed to the packaging or dose administration device containing prescription medications. Fig. 1 depicts an example of a script label 1, which is to be affixed to medication packaging (not shown) with the authority of registered pharmacist 10 (see Fig 4). Label 1 contains typical script information such as patient's name, medication name, dosage size, doctor who issued 10 prescription, date of dispensing, how patient should take medication, expiry date and if there are repeats. In addition to this information is a two-dimensional barcode (also known as a matrix barcode) TM 2. This barcode 2 is a machine readable barcode such as that marketed under the QR Code Barcode 2 may for example contain "select data" from the script information on the label. The 15 data may be read by an image sensor such as scanning device. Such a scanning device may for example be a smartphone 4 or computer tablet (not shown) using software that is able to detect barcode 2 and read "select data". The "select data" may include the patient's name, name of medication and dosage to be delivered. The software processes the select data and generates an audio representation thereof. 20 This means that in use a patient (or carer) 3 can scan the barcode 2 on label 1, using smartphone 4 and hear for example, the following "select data" audibly. "Jane Smith .... Diabex 500MG tablet take one tablet after evening meal" This would particularly suit elderly and other visually impaired people and their carers to ensure they are taking correct medication. Also, if the medication has passed its expiry date an 25 audible warning could be generated. Fig. 3 depicts a flow diagram in which at block 21 a registered pharmacist 10 authorises the dispensing of medication using pharmacy software. This dispensing includes the script information. At the next step, see block 22, a label 1 is generated with script information and barcode 2. The medication is then given to a patient (or carer) 3, see block 23. At a later time 30 when the medication is to be taken, a patient (or carer) 3 may scan barcode 2, see block 24, using smartphone 4. As shown in block 25 the software, which may be a "downloadable P24185AU01 140114 5 software app", will convert the read data contained within barcode 2 into an audio representation. As shown in Fig. 2 barcode 2a, similar to the type of barcode 2 on label 1, could be used on a summary label 11 for use on a dose administration device (medication organiser) such as a 5 Webster PakTM organizer or the like (not shown). The summary label 11 would be affixed to the medication organiser at the time of preparing/dispensing the multiple medications contained within the organiser. The "select data" may include the patient's name, name of medications and dosages thereof to be delivered and when. This means that in use a patient (or carer) 3 can scan the barcode 2a on label 11, using 10 smartphone 4 and hear for example the following select data audibly. "Jane Smith .... three tablets total take after evening meal, which are one each of Diabex 500MG, Pravachol 20MG and Aspirin 100MG " Furthermore the barcodes 2 and 2a, or similar additional barcodes provided on labels 1 and 11 can also be useful for the patient to access Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) in relation 15 to the medications. The software app in smartphone 4 may be set up so that upon reading either of the barcodes 2 and 2a, the patient (or carer) can select by touching the screen of smartphone 4 to either hear the "select data", or to access CMI for the medication(s) identified on labels 2, 2a. If access to the CMI is chosen, the access may be provided in a number of ways: 20 e a link to website where the CMI is stored in document form (eg PDF format), which can be downloaded and/or printed by the patient (or carer) 3; e a link to website where CMI is stored as audio information that can be accessed and heard by the patient (or carer) 3; and/or * a link to website where CMI is stored in document form, and can be read so that the 25 software app in smartphone 4, or associated software, can read the document stored information and convert it into an audio representation that can be heard by the patient (or carer) 3. The barcodes 2 and 2a, or similar additional barcodes provided on labels 1 and 11, may be useful to healthcare professionals in certain emergency situations. Before these situations are 30 described fully it should be understood that each prescription dispensed by a pharmacist is P24185AU01 140114 6 linked to a pharmacy patient record database where unique identification numbers are used and stored. Such unique numbers in Australia may include those used to identify patients through the Medicare health system and Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. Each prescription has a unique identifying number as does each pharmacy/pharmacist 10. 5 As such the barcodes 2 and 2a, or similar additional barcodes provided on labels 1 and 11 could be used by healthcare professionals to quickly identify a patient as the barcode may provide a link to unique identifier such as a Medicare number that is in the pharmacy database and health database records. With reference to Fig. 4 there are emergency situations where a patient requires medical 10 attention and is being assessed by an emergency healthcare professional such as a triage nurse/doctor 25 or paramedic 15. Many people do not always carry in their wallets or purses Medicare identification and/or health fund identification, whilst some when exercising or leaving home for a short duration may only carry certain medications and a small amount of money or cashcard. Also people are sometimes separated from their primary means of 15 identification when involved in accidents resulting in medical emergencies. In the situation where other forms of identification are not being carried by a person involved in an accident or medical emergency, they may be carrying prescription medication bearing a label 1 with barcode 2. A healthcare professional such as paramedic 15, using a smartphone 4 or other barcode scanning device, could scan barcode 2, or an additional barcode on label 1, to quickly 20 identify a patient and the medications they are on, and listen to the scanned data audibly just as the patient would. In a more sophisticated system the scanning of barcodes 2 or 2a by a paramedic 15 using a smartphone 4 or other handheld portable device with associated software, could be used to identify and flag the health records of the patient. This could be useful in situations where this 25 information is being relayed through existing telecommunication system 50 and internet network 60 to the hospital to which the patient is being brought to by paramedic 15. Where barcodes 2 or 2a are scanned by paramedic 15, the data linking that information in the pharmacy computer database 30 to central health computer database 31 can identify and provide a health record to hospital computer database 32, so that it can accessed by a health 30 professional 25 as the patient is arriving, or even before they arrive at the hospital, medical centre or the like. This may make decision making for treating the patient more efficient, quicker and may possibly save the life of the patient. P24185AU01 140114 7 It should be understood that with this type of system and method as described with abovementioned embodiments the barcodes and software should be encrypted so that only authorised users can read barcodes 2 and 2a and any other two-dimensional barcodes on labels 1 and la. 5 There may be different versions of the software available to suit the different users. For example, the most basic software will be that typically used by the elderly and/or visually impaired patients themselves as in the flow diagram shown in Fig 2, where the primary function is to have the "select data" audibly read out to the patient by scanning the barcodes 2,2a and possibly allowing access to CMI information. This basic software may be an 10 inexpensive downloadable software app for use with smartphone app. However, more sophisticated customised versions of the software could be available to pharmacists, carers, nurses, paramedics and doctors on an authorised access basis. It should be understood that the software or add-on software can include other features, such as bi-lingual functionality. For example the script may be prepared in English, but barcode 2 15 or 2a may be generated so that audible representation of the select data can be provided in English and say a second language such as Greek or Chinese etc. This would assist patients who understand the second language better than English. Furthermore barcode 2 or 2a may provide a link to a translation website or to translation software that can translate "select data" and either display or audibly read out to the patient in 20 another language. It should be understood that the software or add-on software can include the feature of the scanned information being emailed or sent as a SMS (short text message) to the smartphone 4 used to scan the information, or some other email address or phone number entered into the software app. 25 It is also envisaged that certain elderly and visually impaired patients will not be adept at using a smartphone 4, computer tablet or other commonly available portable telecommunication device. As such a purpose built, preferably hand held electronic device could be manufactured that has the necessary software and scanner with speaker and audio output that allows a patient to easily read barcodes 2,2a, and hear the select data audibly. With advances in low cost 30 electronic technologies, such devices could be sold at pharmacies at low cost or provided as promotional gifts by healthcare organisations and the like. P24185AU01 140114 8 In the above described embodiments the two-dimensional barcodes 2, 2a are incorporated on the main labels 1, 11. However, it should be understood that where there is not enough space to print the barcode on the main label, a separate smaller distinctively shaped label could be used for either of the two-dimensional barcodes 2, 2a. 5 The abovementioned embodiment describes a medication label to be affixed to medication packaging. However, it should be understood that invention could also be used with any other item generated and printed using pharmacy software with the authority of a registered pharmacist, and utilising two-dimensional barcodes as in the abovementioned embodiment. Such items may include forms which contain information regarding prescribed medicines, 10 such as a repeat prescription form, or a "summary listing of prescribed medicines" for a particular patient. It should be understood that in one application a summary listing of prescribed medicines for a patient may be that provided for inclusion with a medication organiser, or in another use may be used by carers and health care professionals in nursing homes or assisted living arrangements. 15 The terms "comprising" and "including" (and their grammatical variations) as used herein are used in an inclusive sense and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of'. P24185AU01 140114

Claims (5)

1. An item generated and printed using pharmacy software with the authority of a registered pharmacist, said item including any one of a medication label to be applied 5 to the medication packaging of a patient, prescription repeat form or information form, said item having at least one two-dimensional bar code comprising script information related to the patient and medication contained within said packaging or listed on said repeat form or said information form, said two-dimensional bar code readable using a scanning device and associated software able to read said two dimensional barcode and 10 provide audio representation of at least some of said script information contained within said two-dimensional bar code.
2. An item as claimed in claim 1, wherein said item is either said medication label or said information form, and said medication packaging is a medication organiser, and said item is either affixed to, or provided with said medication organiser, and said script 15 information contained within said least one two-dimensional bar code relates to a plurality of medications contained within said medication organiser.
3. An item as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein said two-dimensional bar code provides a link, and said link may be to a website with CMI relating to said medication, or to health record information stored in a remote database relating to said patient accessible 20 by an authorised healthcare professional, or to software that translates at least some of said script information to another language, or to software that generates an email and/or sms text message containing at least some of said script information.
4. A method of communicating information about at least one prescribed medication, said the comprising the steps of: 25 (i) medication label is generated and printed using pharmacy software accessing information from a database stored on computer means with the authority of a registered pharmacist, said label having at least one two-dimensional bar code comprising script information related to a patient and said prescribed medication; (ii) said medication label is affixed to the packaging of said medication with authority 30 of said registered pharmacist; and (iii) said two-dimensional bar code is read using a scanning device and associated software able to read said two dimensional barcode and provide audio representation of at least some of said script information contained within said two-dimensional bar P24185AU01 140114 10 code, and wherein step (iii) is carried out by said patient prescribed the medication or a carer entrusted with the care of said patient.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said packaging is a medication organiser and said script information contained within said at least one two-dimensional bar code 5 relates to a plurality of medications contained within said medication organiser. P24185AU01 140114
AU2014100034A 2013-02-04 2014-01-14 Item and method for communicating medication information Ceased AU2014100034A4 (en)

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AU2013900340A AU2013900340A0 (en) 2013-02-04 Device, method and system for communicating medication information
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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106203229A (en) * 2016-07-07 2016-12-07 立德高科(昆山)数码科技有限责任公司 The terminal unit recognition Quick Response Code of different rights is with the method for the different information of display
WO2023113748A3 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-07-27 Bekatos Yazilim Bi̇li̇şi̇m Teknoloji̇ Donanim İthalat Ve İhracat Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇ Qr code

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106203229A (en) * 2016-07-07 2016-12-07 立德高科(昆山)数码科技有限责任公司 The terminal unit recognition Quick Response Code of different rights is with the method for the different information of display
WO2023113748A3 (en) * 2021-12-14 2023-07-27 Bekatos Yazilim Bi̇li̇şi̇m Teknoloji̇ Donanim İthalat Ve İhracat Li̇mi̇ted Şi̇rketi̇ Qr code

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