AU2020368301A1

AU2020368301A1 - Systems, devices and methods of storing, selling, accessing and dispensing of medicines

Info

Publication number: AU2020368301A1
Application number: AU2020368301A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Greg Charles Misson; Brendon George Ogilvy; Elizabeth Anne Plant; Philip David Plant
Original assignee: Eqalis Group New Zealand Ltd
Current assignee: Eqalis Group New Zealand Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-18
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2022-06-02
Also published as: WO2021075983A1; CA3162131A1

Abstract

Described are systems, devices and methods of storing, selling, accessing and dispensing medicines. The technology may find particular application in the storage, sale, providing access to and dispensing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines, such as those containing opioids and marijuana extracts and structural analogs thereof, or vaccines.

Description

SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS OF STORING, SELLING, ACCESSING AND DISPENSING OF

MEDICINES

Field of the Technology

The present technology relates to systems, devices and methods of storing, selling, accessing and dispensing medicines. The present technology may find particular application in the storage, sale, providing access to and dispensing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines, such as those containing opioids and marijuana extracts and structural analogs thereof.

Background to the Technology

There are a number of restrictions on handling, sale, providing access to and dispensing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines. In fact, products which are classified as a controlled substance or unapproved medicine exist within complex regulatory environments which inhibit patient access to compounds which could provide health benefits. For example, in many countries, it is not possible for controlled substances such as unapproved medicines to be held in stock by a dispensary or pharmacy. As a result, when a patient is prescribed a controlled substance or unapproved medicine, the patient must take their prescription to a dispensary, and the dispensary must then order the medicine from its supplier in order to fulfil the prescription. This results in delay between the patient being prescribed a medication and being able to use that.

This delay can be particularly detrimental to patients who are fundamentally in need of prompt medical assistance. Any steps which necessitate undue effort or travel for the patient such as multiple trips to the dispensary are undesirable.

Being unable to store controlled substances or unapproved medicines presents logistical challenges for a dispensary. For instance, currently when presented with a prescription for a controlled substance the dispensary must place an order, track the delivery, take ownership and responsibility of the controlled medicine(s), and secure them until collected by the patient. This typically results in additional cost for the business in order to provide the controlled medicines, which in turn can result in greater expense for the patient.

In addition, as these controlled substances or unapproved medicines are not able to be kept in stock, access and availability of these medicines becomes limited during times of emergency, such as during natural disasters. Objects of the Technology

It is an object of the technology to provide systems, devices and/or methods of storing, selling, accessing and/or dispensing medicines.

Alternatively, it is an object of the technology to provide systems, devices and/or methods of storing, selling, accessing and/or dispensing medicines that require refrigeration.

Alternatively, it is an object of the technology to provide systems, devices and/or methods of storing, selling, accessing and/or dispensing controlled substances or unapproved medicines.

Alternatively, it is an object of the technology to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Definitions

It should be appreciated that reference to medicines, vaccines, controlled substances or unapproved medicines in the present specification is done by way of example only, and it should be appreciated that the present technology may find other applications such as the sale, storage, accessing and dispensing of any substance in which the use, manufacture or possession is in some way regulated or restricted. For example, the present technology may find application in providing systems, devices and methods for storing, selling, accessing and dispensing of substances, such as chemicals and volatile agents.

Medicines are substances or compositions that are used to treat or prevent medicine.

Vaccines are substances that are used to stimulate the natural immune system to improve immunity to disease(s), and are a type of medicine in that they prevent or reduce instances of disease(s). Therefore, it should be understood that reference to the term medicine herein should be understood as including vaccines.

Controlled substances are chemical compounds the access to which is prohibited or restricted; they often have strict controls around their storage, production, sale, supply, access and/or use (if such use / access is permitted at all). However, many medicines can contain at least one controlled substance, and common examples include morphine, amphetamines and methadone. In New Zealand controlled substances are regulated under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. Similar legislation exists in other countries, such as the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in the United Kingdom.

Unapproved medicines are medicines for which consent or provisional consent has not been given by the relevant minister, or has not be through the appropriate regulatory approval process. In some countries, these made be known as unregistered medicines. In New Zealand, section 25 of the Medicines Act allows a doctor to prescribe any medicine irrespective of whether it has regulatory approval in New Zealand. However, the prescription process requires, inter alia, that the doctor gains the informed consent of the patient and before the pharmacy can dispense it, they must provide the warehouse with specific information relating to the prescriber, patient and medicine. This is covered by section 29 of the Medicines Act. Similar restrictions are known to exist in other countries, as should be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the present specification reference will be made to "dispensaries", this term should be interpreted in its broadest sense as any business or place where medicines may be dispensed. This could include pharmacies, medical clinics or hospitals.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the technology, there is provided a system for the storage, sale, access or dispensing of medicines.

According to a second aspect of the technology, there is provided a device for the storage, sale, access or dispensing of medicines.

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a method of storing, selling, accessing or dispensing medicines.

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a system for storing and providing access to one or more medicines, the system comprising: a storage device having at least one storage cavity; a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein, on receipt of the transaction-based information, the controller communicates with one or more databases to validate the transaction-based information, and upon validation of the transaction- based information, the controller is configured to generate a sales transaction and disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s).

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a system for the storage of one or more medicines, the system comprising: a storage device having at least one storage cavity; a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein the controller is configured to communicate with one or more databases to validate the transaction-based information on receipt of the transaction-based information, and further wherein the controller is configured to generate a sales transaction upon validation of the transaction-based information.

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a system for providing access to one or more medicines, the system comprising: a storage device having at least one storage cavity; a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein, on receipt of the transaction-based information, the controller communicates with one or more databases to validate the transaction-based information, and further wherein the controller is configured to disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s) upon validation of the transaction information.

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a device for storing and providing access to one or more medicines, the device comprising: a storage cavity; a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein the controller is configured to communicate with one or more databases to validate the transaction-based information, and further wherein the controller is configured to generate a sales transaction and disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s) upon validation of the transaction-based information.

According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a device for securing a storage cavity, the device comprising: a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein the controller is configured to communicate with one or more databases to validate the transaction-based information on receipt of the transaction based information, and further wherein the controller is configured to generate a sales transaction and disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s) on validation of the transaction-based information. According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a device for providing secure storage of one or more medications, the device comprising: a first storage cavity; a second storage cavity; at least one locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the first storage cavity and the second storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information and user credentials; wherein the controller is configured to disengage the at least one locking mechanism to provide access to the first storage cavity based on validation of the transaction-based information and user credentials, and the controller is configured to disengage the at least one locking mechanism to provide access to the second storage cavity based on validation of user credentials.

Preferably, the medicines may include one or more controlled substances or unapproved medicines.

Preferably, the device may comprise more than one storage cavity. For example, the device may include at least two storage cavities. The use of more than one storage cavity may advantageously allow for separation of certain medicines in the device.

Preferably, the device may comprise at least one door. In use, the locking mechanism can selectively allow or prevent the door being moved to allow access to the storage cavity or cavities.

In some embodiments it may be preferable for the device to include a plurality of doors. This may be particularly advantageous in applications where access is selectively provided to one cavity at a time, i.e. the user is only provided access to a single medicine.

Preferably the door(s) may include a handle to facilitate opening and closing of the door.

In some embodiments of the technology, the device may comprise a dispensing system. For example, the device may include a grabbing device such as a claw which is configured to in use facilitate providing access to the medication. This however should not be seen as limiting on the technology and alternative dispensing systems may be used such as helical spirals which are rotated to facilitate the dispensing of the medication. In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism may facilitate providing a pharmacy or dispensary with access to the medication. In alternative embodiments of the technology, the dispensing system may dispense the medication directly to the customer.

Preferably, one or more of the storage cavities are cooled. For example, the device may comprise one or more cooling units configured to cool one or more of the storage cavities. Preferably, the locking mechanism may be configured to secure the one or more doors of the device in at least one position. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured to selectively secure the door in the closed position.

Preferably, the locking mechanism may comprise a first locking half and a second locking half.

Preferably, the first locking half may be provided to the housing and the second locking half may be provided to the door. In alternative embodiments the first locking half may be provided to the door and the second locking half may be provided to the housing.

Preferably, the locking mechanism may comprise one or more locking elements. For example, the first and second halves may each include locking elements. Alternatively, only one of the locking halves may include a locking element, i.e. the first locking half may include a locking element such as a pin or bolt, which is in used configured to be received by an aperture in the second locking half or vice-versa.

Preferably, the first locking half may comprise an actuator configured to move at least one of the locking elements to bring the locking elements into engagement with each other. The actuator may comprise electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic or magnetic actuation.

Preferably, the first locking half and / or second locking half may be attached to an internal surface of the housing. This may be particularly advantageous as it may prevent tampering of the locking mechanism in use. In alternative embodiments, the first locking half and / or second locking half may be attached to an external surface of the housing.

Preferably, the controller may be operatively connected to the locking mechanism. For example, the controller may be configured to provide a signal which results in the locking mechanism being moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Preferably, the device may further comprise an interface. For example the device may include one or more of a keyboard, a scanner i.e. a barcode scanner, button(s), joystick(s), mice, electronic tag reader(s), biometric identification (i.e. fingerprint, voice, or optical recognition), cameras, wireless (i.e. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) or touch-screen interface(s).

Preferably, the interface may be configured to in-use receive the transaction-based information.

Preferably, the controller is operatively connected to the interface to facilitate the receipt of the transaction-based information. For example, the controller may have a wired or wireless connection to the interface. Preferably, the transaction-based information may contain information regarding a prescription, sale, or transfer of goods. Alternatively, or additionally the information may include a unique identifier which links to one or more databases in order to provide additional data about the prescription, sale or transfer of goods.

Preferably, the databases may include one or more of:

• Electronic prescription databases;

• Medicine information databases;

• Patient information databases;

• Regulatory databases;

• Medical wholesaler/supplier databases;

• Pharmacy / dispensary databases; and

• Practice management databases.

Preferably, the device may store one or more pieces of information for the purposes of complying with one or more legal requirements e.g. a Statute or Regulation.

Preferably the storage of the one or more pieces of information occurs after the transaction-based information is validated. However, this should not be seen as limiting on the technology. For example, the information may be stored prior to or during validation.

For example, in New Zealand, the device may store transaction information in order to provide an electronic controlled drugs register which complies with the Misuse of Drugs act 1975. In addition, or alternatively, the device may collect and store one or more pieces of information for the purposes of complying with section 29 of the 1981 Medicines Act.

Preferably, the sales transaction may comprise the step of generating an invoice i.e. invoicing for the medicines supplied by the device.

Preferably, the device further may comprise a communication system. For example, the communication system may provide wired or wireless connectivity to the device. For example, the communication system may comprise one or more of a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, satellite link, radio and near field communications, or a wired connection such as ethernet or coaxial cable.

Preferably, the device may further comprise a restraint. For example, the restraint may be designed to substantially eliminate or prevent unauthorised movement of the device. In one embodiment the restraint comprises a tether and a fastener, for example a chain and bolt. According to a further aspect of the technology, there is provided a method of providing access to a medication comprising the following steps: i) providing a device with transaction-based information; ii) validating the transaction-based information against one or more registers; iii) providing access to the medication based on the transaction-based information; and iv) generating a sales transaction.

Preferably, the device may be substantially as described herein.

It should become apparent from the foregoing description that the present technology may provide one or more advantages including:

• A more streamlined method of providing access to or dispensing medications;

• Reduced patient waiting times for controlled substances and unapproved medicines;

• Devices which automate the verification of transaction-based information against one or more registers, reducing the amount of manual input required and possibility for human error; and

• Devices and systems which allows for consignment warehousing of controlled substances and unapproved medications.

Further aspects of the technology, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the technology.

Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the technology will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows an exemplary storage device according to a first embodiment of the present technology;

Figure IB shows the storage device of Figure 1A with the door in an open position;

Figure 2 shows a flow diagram for the system according an embodiment of the present technology; Figure 3 shows a representative schematic of databases with which a device according to an embodiment of the present technology may be configured to communicate;

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to an aspect of the present technology; Figure 5 shows a yet further alternative embodiment of a device according to an aspect of the present technology;

Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an aspect of the present technology; ; and

Figure 7 shows yet a further embodiment of a device according to an aspect of the present technology;

Figure 8 shows a front view of a retrofit component according to an aspect of the present technology;

Figure 9 shows a side view of the retrofit component of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a front view of the retrofit component of Figures 8 and 9 mounted to a 102 according to an aspect of the present technology;

Figure 11 shows a side view of Figure 10; and

Figure 12 shows a flow diagram of a method according to an aspect of the present technology.

Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

First Embodiment of a Device for Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing of Medicines Referring first to Figures 1A and IB which show a device 100 according to the present technology.

The device 100 includes a housing 102 which includes at least one storage cavity e.g. five storage cavities 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E as illustrated. The storage cavities 104A-104E are configured to store one or more items 106 e.g. controlled substances or unapproved medicines. Flowever, this should not be seen as limiting on the technology, and the device 100 of the present technology may be used to hold items 106 other than controlled substances and unapproved medicines as should be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Access to the storage cavities 104A-104E is provided via at least one door 108, which is shown in a closed position in Figure 1A and an open position in Figure IB. The door 108 may be selectively secured in at least the closed position using a locking mechanism 110. Thereby, the locking mechanism 110 can prevent unauthorised access to the cavities 104A-104E. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 110 allows the device 100 to function as a secure storage device or safe. Flowever, this should not be seen as limiting on the technology, and other suitable storage devices such as cabinets, boxes and containers may be used.

For example, alternative embodiments of the device 100 may include more than one door 108, each door being configured to provide access to one or more storage cavities 104A-104E. This arrangement may be particularly advantageous where it is desirable that access be limited to the medications being dispensed or to which access is being provided.

In Figures 1A and IB the locking mechanism 110 includes a first locking half 112A on the housing 102 and a second locking half 112B on the door 108. One or more of the locking halves 112A, 112B may include an actuator (not shown) configured to move a locking element (not shown) between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, the first locking half 112A may include an electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic or magnetic actuator which is configured to move a locking element such as a pin or bolt into engagement with the second locking half 112B to secure the door in the closed position.

It should be appreciated however that the locking mechanism 110 may be any suitable mechanism or assembly which can selectively prevent the door 108 being opened.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A and IB, the locking mechanism 110 is mounted on an exterior surface of the housing 102. In some embodiments of the technology, it may instead be advantageous to position the locking mechanism 110 on an internal surface of the housing in order to protect the locking mechanism 110 from being tampered with.

The door 108 is also provided with a handle 114 to facilitate opening and closing of the door 108 when the locking mechanism 110 is in the unlocked position. Flowever, it should be appreciated that the handle 114 is an optional feature which may be provided by or integrated with the locking mechanism 110, or not provided.

The device 100 includes a controller 116 which is configured to control operation and functionality of the device 100. The controller may be a programmable computer apparatus as should be known to one skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the device 100 may optionally include an interface 118. In these embodiments, the interface 118 is configured to facilitate data input to the device 100 by a user. The interface may comprise one or more input mechanisms, e.g. as illustrated in Figure 1 the interface 118 includes a keyboard or keypad 120 and a scanner 122.

The scanner may be a barcode scanner as illustrated in Figures 1A and IB. Flowever, it should be appreciated that additional or alternative interfaces may be used including one or more of: a joystick, mouse, electronic tag reader(s), radio frequency (RFID) tag reader, biometric identification system (i.e. fingerprint, voice, or optical recognition), cameras, QR code reader or a touch-screen interface.

The controller 116 is operatively connected to the interface 118 such that it can receive data from the interface 118. For example, the controller 116 may have one or more wired or wireless connections to the interface 118 in order to facilitate the transfer of data between the two components.

The scanner can be used to scan a medicine as it is being dispensed to collect medicine identifying information e.g. it scans a bar code on the medicine which contains, or links to, information such as one of more of the active compounds, dose strength, disease(s) to be used to treat or prevent, batch information, and expiry date. The device is configured to validate the information captured by the scanner e.g. to check that the correct medicine is being dispensed from the deice 100. It may also facilitate details of the medicine dispensed and administered to a patient being entered into and stored in, a central record e.g. a vaccines register.

The controller 116 is also operatively connected to the locking mechanism 110, to enable it to provide a signal which results in the locking mechanism 110 being moved between a locked position and an unlocked position.

The controller may provide, or be configured to communicate with, an inventory of medicines held in the device 100. In addition, the controller 116 may be configured to update the inventory as medicines are placed into, or dispensed from, the device 100. For instance, as a medicine is dispensed, the scanner can be used to capture at least one piece of identifying information about the medicine, and the inventory can be updated to reflect that the medicine has been dispensed and that the resulting stock in the device 100 has reduced.

In use the interface 118 is configured to facilitate input of one or more pieces of information to the controller 116. The one or more pieces of information may be processed by the controller 116 to determine whether the locking mechanism 110 should be moved between the locked position and the unlocked position to thereby provide access to the storage cavities 104A-104E. In the illustrated embodiment, the information is preferably transaction-based and may include user credentials as will be explained in more detail below. For example, the information may contain at least one parameter of a prescription or an identifier for a prescription, information for the purposes of identifying the person requesting the medication from the device or details about sale or transfer of products. Alternatively, or additionally the information may include a unique identifier which links to one or more databases in order to provide additional data about the prescription, sale or transfer of goods.

The device 100 may be provided with a communication system 124 as shown in Figures 1A and IB. The communication system 124 may include any suitable wireless or wired connectivity. For example, the communication system 124 may provide a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, satellite link, radio or near field communications. To facilitate the wireless connection the communication system 124 may further include an antenna 126.

When the device 100 is installed in a pharmacy or dispensary, it may be particularly advantageous for the device to connect directly to the dispensary's existing Wi-Fi network. This may enable the device to be quickly installed without the need of additional infrastructure.

Alternatively, or additionally, a hardwired connection such as ethernet or coaxial cable may be provided. In such embodiments, the device 100 includes at least one plug or socket (not shown) to facilitate connecting to the communication system 124.

Where network connectivity cannot be guaranteed, such as in rural sites, the communication system 124 may be configured to receive database information by any suitable storage medium, such as a CD, disk or USB mass storage device.

In some embodiments, the communication system 124 may be configured to communicate with a dispensary's point of sale ("POS") system. For instance, the controller 116 is programmed, e.g. with an API, or otherwise configured, to exchange messages with the POS system via the communications system 124. The messages facilitate operation of the device 100, including provision of systems and methods as substantially described herein. The operation of the communication system 124 and its relationship to operation of the device 100 should become clearer from the following discussion.

The device 100 also comprises a restraint 128 designed to substantially eliminate or prevent unauthorised movement of the device 100. For example, the restraint 128 may be used to prevent the device 100 from being removed from the dispensary in which it is installed. In Figures 1A and IB the restraint 128 is illustrated as a chain 130 and a fastener 132 in the form of a bolt which secures the chain 130 to the ground 134. Alternatively, the restraint 128 may be used to attach the device to a wall, ceiling, or other large object or surface. Other suitable restraints such as brackets may also be used as should be known to those skilled in the art.

The device 100 also includes a cooling unit 135 such as a refrigeration unit. This cooling unit 135 is designed to lower the temperature of one or more of the storage cavities 104A-104E. This may be required in some applications to ensure the maintained efficacy of the controlled substances or unapproved medicines. However, it should not be seen as limiting on the technology and in alternative embodiments one or more of the storage cavities 104A-104E may not be cooled, i.e. the device may not include a cooling unit 135.

Other features of the device 100 which are not illustrated in Figures 1A and IB may include: tamper detection systems (e.g. tilt, shock, acceleration, GPS, sound etc), temperature monitoring, logging systems including minimum and maximum temperature logging and security systems such as cameras etc.

It should be appreciated that the device 100 is capable of complying with one or more regulations relating to the storage, sale, access and dispensing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines. For example, the device 100 meets the storage requirements of the Medicines Act 1981 and Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 in New Zealand.

System for Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing of Medicines

Referring now to Figure 2 which shows a broad overview of one embodiment of a system 200 according to the present technology. For sake of simplicity, reference will be made herein to the features of the device 100 described above. It should be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting on the scope of the technology, and the present system 200 may be used with any suitable device, including alternative devices described herein.

The features of the system 200 are best understood with reference to how the system 200 operates in use and will be described accordingly. In addition, features of the device 100 are described in the context of the system 200 as a whole, and it should be understood that discussion of the features of the device 100 describes the features of the device itself.

The device 100 is provided in a location such as a dispensary by an owner e.g. a wholesaler or supplier of items 106. The device is stocked with items 106 and ownership of the items 106 remains with the owner not the dispensary. An inventory of items 106 in the device 100 is created, and may be stored on the controller 116 or other medium e.g. a cloud based inventory management system. As shown, the system 200 includes an idle 202 or rest state. The idle state 202 is defined as the state in which the device 100 is not making any device access decisions. It should be appreciated that in this idle state, the device 100 need not be inactive, for example the device may be communicating with one or more databases via the communication system 124.

A user such as a dispensary employee, can provide transaction-based information 203 to the device 100, or a unique identifier which links to transaction-based information. For example, the user may enter the transaction-based information into a dispensary's point of sale (POS) system such as by scanning a barcode on a paper prescription and the barcode may contain a unique identifier which links to more detailed information about the prescription in one or more databases. For example, on scanning a barcode in a POS system, the POS system can send a signal to the device 100 by communication system 124 which is received by the controller 116.

On receipt of the transaction-based information at step 203, the controller 116 is configured to commence a method of storing, selling, accessing and dispensing one or more items 106 in the device 100 (as will be discussed in more detail below).

The controller 116 may use the transaction-based information to access prescription information from one or more databases, such as an electronic prescription database e.g. the NZePS in New Zealand.

Alternatively, the transaction-based information can be input directly to the device 100 by a user e.g. using a scanner provided on the device or a keyboard.

In preferred forms, the transaction-based information also includes at least one user credential. The user credential identifies the person who is requesting the medicine from the system 200. For example, the user credential may include one or more of the user's name, role or employee identification number. This information may be required for records held by the device 100 and/or for the purposes of providing regulatory compliance information to one or more databases.

In some forms, the user credential may be provided to the system 200 via the interface 118. For instance, a user may be provided with an RFID tag and therefore the interface includes an RFID tag reader. Flowever, this should not be seen as limiting on the technology and in alternative embodiments it may be provided using any suitable interface 118 as described above. Alternatively, a user may use a fingerprint scanner or other biometric sensor (not illustrated in the figures) to verify the user's identify. The interface 118 may transmit or otherwise provide the user-credential information to the controller

116. The user credential may be provided before, after or concurrently with the transaction-based information. In alternative embodiments of the technology, the user-credential may not be provided, for example in some countries or applications it may be adequate to simply provide the transaction- based information without any user credentials.

Upon receiving the user-credential information, the device 100 enters a communication state 204 in which it communicates with one or more databases (e.g. as illustrated in Figure 3 and discussed below) to complete one or more of the following validation steps 206 in any order:

• Validate the transaction-based information. For example, where the transaction-based information includes patient information, that may be checked against one or more online databases such as a national health index (NHI) or Health Practitioner Index (HPI);

• Query one or more databases to retrieve information about the prescribed medication (i.e. amount to be prescribed, dosage information etc.). This information may be provided by the Universal List of Medicines (ULM), or otherwise be provided by an electronic prescription database such as the NZePS;

• Query one or more databases to check that the appropriate regulatory documentation has been completed and recorded on the appropriate registers; for example, ensuring that informed patient consent has been provided for unapproved medicines or controlled substances; this step may also involve sending a signal to a database via the communications system 124 with information sufficient to satisfy any regulatory requirements regarding dispensing of the prescribed medicines.

• Query one or more inventory databases, such as an inventory of items held in the device 100, which may be stored on the controller 116 or an external storage means e.g. a cloud-based database. This enables the system 200 to check stock of items held in the device 100 to determine whether the device 100 the prescribed medication in stock and can satisfy a prescription.

The controller is configured to in step 208 determine if the transaction-based information is invalid or whether the device 100 is unable to supply the items requested. If the information is invalid or the items cannot be supplied, at step 210 the device 100 will deny access to the items 106 in the one or more storage cavities 104A-104E and the device 100 will return to the idle state 202. If the information is valid, and the device 100 is able to supply the items 106 subject of the transaction, then the controller 116 processes the transaction at step 214. At step 214 the device may perform one or more of the following actions: • Commencing, and preferably processing, a sales transaction(s), including generating an invoice for the item(s) 106 supplied. For instance, the sales transaction may be from the owner (wholesaler / supplier) of the medicine and the dispensary so at this time ownership of the medicine(s) transfers to the dispensary;

• Notifying the owner (wholesaler/supplier) of the item(s) 106 subject of the sale transaction(s). This may for example be used to facilitate restocking of the device 100. This step may also be required in order to comply with specific regulations relating to the supply of controlled substances or unapproved medicines in according to the laws of country to which the device 100 is subject;

• Generating a label containing information about the item(s) 106. For example, the device could generate an adhesive label (either by sending the label information to a printer or dispensary's computer system, or by printing the label itself) which is then applied to the item(s) 106 in order to inform the patient as to how the item(s) 106 should be taken;

• Providing information to one or more databases in order to facilitate recording the transfer of the medication. For example, information may be provided to an online prescription database (such as the NZePS) to indicate that the medication has been supplied;

• Providing information to an inventory management system. For example, the device 100 may communicate with a dispensary's inventory management system to facilitate the sale of the item(s) 106 to the patient; and

• Providing information to meet one or more regulatory requirements. For example, the device 100 may provide information relating to an electronic controlled drug register or unapproved medicines supply; see for example section 29 of the 1981 Medicines Act in New Zealand.

At step 216, the controller 116 communicates with the locking mechanism 110 to unlock the door 108, in order to provide access to the item(s) 106. The user can then remove the item(s) 106 at step 218 and close the door 108. The locking mechanism 110 subsequently locks the door at step 220, and the device 100 returns to the idle state 202.

In some forms of the present technology, the system 200 may comprises one or more databases owned and maintained by third parties. Figure 3 provides a representative schematic of databases with which the device 100 may be configured to selectively communicate. It should be appreciated that the present technology may be configured to communicate with any number of databases, and that the databases provided as examples in the forgoing discussion should not be seen as limiting on the invention. That is to say that other databases should become apparent to those skilled in the art in the respective countries of use. For example, indicative databases with which the present technology can communicate or integrate include:

• Electronic Prescription Databases 302. One advantage of the present technology is the ability to integrate it with one or more electronic prescription databases. In this way the device 100 is able to retrieve prescription information directly from the databases used by the prescribing doctor or physician. This can advantageously ensure that the correct medications are being provided at the dosage quantities prescribed, and reduces the likelihood of human-error. Examples of Electronic Prescription Databases include the New Zealand ePrescription Service (NZePS), MediSecure and eRx in Australia.

• Medicine Information Database 304. Some countries have databases which list information regarding medicines such as the official standardised names of the medicines, whether the medicines are approved for use, what restrictions apply, whether the medicine qualifies for any subsidies, and any conditions that may apply on prescribing the medicine. Integrating the present technology with these databases may advantageously ensure that the correct medicines are being administered at the correct dosages. An example of a Medicine Information Database 304 with which the present technology communicates or integrates is the New Zealand Universal List of Medicines (NZULM). In some embodiments of the technology it may be advantageous to provide a medicine information database with information relating to the medicines stored in one or more devices 100 according to the present technology. In this way a prescribing doctor may advise the patient which pharmacy/dispensary has the required medication available at the time of prescribing the medication to the patient.

• Patient information databases 306. These databases are used to record information about the patient such as their age, date of birth, gender etc. Some of the more advanced databases also include information about allergies, current and past medications. Integrating the present technology with these databases may advantageously ensure that the correct medications are being provided to the correct person. Examples include the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR) in Australia, and the National Health Index (NHI) in New Zealand. Alternatively, the patient information database 306 may be a medical practices' Patient Management System (PMS) which contains a patient's personal health notes and records and is where prescribing of medicines frequently occurs. In yet a further embodiment, the patient information database 306 may be a National Immunisation Registry.

• Regulatory Databases 308. In many cases the prescribing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines requires that various forms be completed in order to comply with regulatory requirements. This can include such things as recording the prescriber's name, the patient's name, the name of the prescribed medication, the strength of the active ingredient in the medication and the number of doses prescribed. In addition, it may be necessary to record that the patient has provided informed consent to taking the substance or medicine. Integrating the present technology with these databases may advantageously ensure that the correct documentation and consent has been recorded before the medicines are provided to the patient. Furthermore, the present technology may facilitate the automated generation and recording of reports which are compliant with the relevant regulatory databases. For example, the requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and Medicines Act 1981 in New Zealand.

• Medical wholesaler/supplier databases 310. Direct integration with the medical wholesaler or supplier enables the present technology to be used to provide consignment storage of items 106. In other words, the wholesaler/supplier retains ownership of the items 106 until they are to be dispensed to a patient. This can be important to comply with regulations and laws which prevent a dispensary from stocking unapproved medicines prior to supplying the required regulatory information (such as required under section 29 of the Medicines Act 1981 in New Zealand). Furthermore, integration with the wholesaler and supplier databases allows for remote monitoring of the items 106 (such as expiry dates, temperatures etc) as well as automated reordering as the inventory is depleted.

• Dispensary Databases 312. Integrating the present technology with a pharmacy or dispensary database may advantageously be used to streamline the process of transferring the items 106 from consignment storage into the dispensary's stock and therefore its sale /dispensing. For example, upon providing access to the items 106 in the device 100, a sales transaction may be automatically generated by the dispensary's point of sale system and its inventory may be updated to reflect that the dispensary have taken possession of the items 106.

• Practice management systems (PMS) 314. These databases are used by prescribing physicians and doctors to facilitate the prescription process, as well as storing patient information such as age, date of birth, gender allergies, current and past medications etc. Integrating the present technology with these databases may provide a number of advantages such as ensuring that the patient information is correct, the prescribed medicine is suitable, and / or streamlining the process of generating and processing repeat prescriptions.

The ability to transmit information to, and receive information from, one or more of the third-party databases may provide a number of advantages. These include, but are not limited to, facilitate consignment storage and sales of medicines. For instance, a device 100 according to the present invention can be provided in a dispensary, and stocked with a supply of medicines. The medicines can subsequently be dispensed to patient and the dispensary can charge the patient for the transaction. There is therefore a relatively fast process to facilitate sequential sales of medicines from wholesalers / suppliers to dispensaries and then from the dispensaries to the patient, while at the same time complying with laws and regulations relating to when certain types of medicines may be sold.

Second Embodiment of a Device for Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing of Medicines

Referring now to Figure 4 which illustrates an embodiment of the present technology in which a device 400 is provided for securing a space 402. The space 402 illustrated is a room which has a door 404, however it should be appreciated that the present device is suitable for use on any appropriate storage space such as a cupboard or container.

In Figure 4, the space 402 provides a storage cavity 406 for the storage of medicines. This space 402 may be refrigerated as required or contain a refrigerator 408 which provides a region of the space 402 with cooled storage. The space may also include shelving or containers 410 to accommodate the storage of the medicines.

While not illustrated it should be appreciated that the device 400 may include any of the features of the device 100 of Figure 1. For example, the device 400 may include a locking mechanism 110, controller 116, and communication system 124. It may also optionally include an interface 118. The device 400 may also be configured to have the connectivity illustrated in Figure 3 and as discussed above.

A key difference between the device 400 of Figure 4 and the device 100 of Figures 1A and IB is that the device 400 is independent from the storage cavity. Instead, the device 400 is a standalone product configured to secure a space 402. Accordingly, the present device 400 may be used to convert existing storage spaces to consignment stock storage in accordance with the present technology.

Third Embodiment of a Device for Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing of Medicines

Referring now to Figure 5 which shows a further device 500 according to the present technology. For sake of convenience like numerals refer to like features of previous embodiments.

The device 500 of is in the form of an automated dispensing device or vending machine as should be familiar to those skilled in the art. The device comprises a housing 502 that provides one or more storage cavities 504. In the illustrated embodiment rows of medicines 506 are provided in each of the storage cavities. In use a dispensing system 536 is activated to retrieve the medicine from the device and dispense same through the door 508. The illustrated dispensing system 536 is a grabbing device which moves to collect the required medication. However alternative dispensing devices will be known to those skilled in the art, such as helical spirals which are rotated one or more turns to dispense the medicines.

In use the device 500 works in a similar manner to the embodiment of Figure 1. That is to say, a user provides transaction-based information to the interface 518 via one or more input devices such as a keyboard 520 or scanner 522. The controller 516 validates the transaction-based information against one or more databases via the communication system 524. Once validated, the controller may generate a sales transaction, dispense the one or more medicines 506 and update one or databases to reflect that the prescribed medicine has been provided.

Like the previous embodiments, the device may further include on or more of a refrigeration system, a restraint 528 (for example a tether 530 and fastener 532), tamper detection systems (e.g. tilt, shock, acceleration, GPS, sound etc), and security systems such as cameras etc.

In addition to the features of previous embodiments, the device of Figure 5 further includes a payment processor 536 to facilitate a sales transaction between the customer and the wholesaler/supplier of the medicine. This payment processor may facilitate the use of electronic transactions such as credit card, EFTPOS, and NFC transactions, and/or cash transactions.

One key advantage of the embodiment of Figure 5 is that the medicines may be provided directly to a customer, rather than providing the goods through a pharmacy or dispensary. This can reduce the labour overhead of providing medicines and enable medicines to be provided more quickly and efficiently than previous technologies. However, this application should not be seen as limiting on the technology and devices 500 of this type may also be used to facilitate the supply of medicines between a wholesaler and a dispensary or pharmacy (for example on a consignment basis).

In light of the above, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present technology, provides a range of devices and systems which can be used to simplify and streamline the supply of medicines to a patient. In certain embodiments of the technology the devices may be used to facilitate and/or assist with the prescribing, storage, access to, dispensing and sale of medications. In alternative embodiments of the technology the devices and systems may be configured to provide one or more of the functions listed above.

Methods of Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing Medicines Referring now to Figure 6 which is a flow diagram that illustrates a preferred method of the present technology using a device 100, 400, 500 and system 200 described herein.

In general terms the flow diagram has been separated into two distinct stages, indicated as stage one 620 and stage two 622 respectively. Stage one 620 relates to the prescribing of medications and stage two 622 relates to the dispensing of medications. It should be understood that the method of Figure 6 provides additional details of the method of Figure 2 and exemplifies how the present technology facilitates prescribing, selling, accessing and dispensing of medicines such as controlled substances.

Stage one 620, generally starts with a doctor searching for patient information 602. In order to ensure that they have the correct information, medical history for the patient etc, this step often involves communication to at least one patient information database 650. For example, the patient information database 650 may be a national health index N H I, or the practise management database used by the doctor/medical centre.

Once the patient's details have been confirmed, the doctor then looks up suitable medicines and dosage rates to treat the patient's ailment 604. This may involve communicating with at least one medicine information database 652 such as a universal list of medicines.

The doctor then generates, or causes to be generated, a prescription 606. In countries where electronic prescription databases 654 are used, a record of the prescription is stored in the electronic prescription database 654. In some countries it may also be necessary for the doctor to print a paper copy of the prescription and date/sign that document to comply with one or more legal or regulatory requirements e.g. the New Zealand Medicines Act 1981. Where the doctor is prescribing an unapproved medicine or controlled substance, the doctor may also need to record further details of the prescription in one or more regulatory compliance databases. For example, this could include recording that the doctor has the patient's informed consent.

Once stage one 620 has been completed, the prescription information is conveyed to a dispensary. Traditionally this involves the patient taking a paper copy of the prescription information to the dispensary 608. Note that this is not limiting on the technology, and it should be appreciated that the patient may instead maintain an electronic record of the prescription such as by email or on a smartphone app etc, or the prescription could be transmitted to the dispensary directly from the doctor via a communication network.

Once the dispensary has the prescription information, stage 622 starts. In the method illustrated, the prescription information is entered into a device 100, 400, 500 according to the present technology 610. In a preferred form of the technology, the prescription information is scanned by the dispensary's point of sale (POS) system (not illustrated in the Figures). The POS system communicates with the device 100, 400, 500 to check inventory of controlled substances stored within the device 100, 400, 500 and whether it can supply the medicine(s) prescribed.

However, it is also envisaged that the prescription information may be entered directly into the device 100, 400, 500 using other methods. For instance, this step may be achieved using any of the methods described above, for example a unique identifier on the prescription may be entered using the interface 118.

The device 100, 400, 500 communicates to the dispensary's POS system a signal indicating whether it can or cannot supply the requested items.

If the signal indicates that medicines can be supplied, then the POS system approves the dispensing of the medicines by sending an appropriate signal to the device 100, 400, 500. If the signal indicates that the medicines cannot be supplied, then the POS system conveys this to a user e.g. an employee at the dispensary.

The device 100, 400, 500 then commences and processes a sales transaction. This may involve generating an invoice addressed to the dispensary, for sale of the items to be dispensed. The invoice may be sent by the device to the dispensary according to its invoicing and stock management procedures e.g. to the dispensary's POS system, accounting system or accounts receivable team. It should be appreciated that it is at this time that the ownership of the items(s) covered by the invoice changes from a third party to the dispensary. For instance, the owner of the device 100 may be a wholesaler of medicines who retains ownership of all items in the device 100, 400, 500 until an invoice is generated and sent to the dispensary.

The controller may initiate and complete one or more of steps 650, 652, 654, 662 in which the device 100, 300, 400 communicates with one or more databases. For example, at step 650 the patient's details may be validated via one or more patient information databases e.g. 306, at step 622 the prescribed medicine and dosage may be verified against one or more medicine information databases e.g. 304, at step 654 details of the prescription may be checked against one or more electronic prescription databases e.g. 302, and at step 662 the necessary regulatory compliance documentation may be sent to the owner (wholesaler/supplier) of the items e.g. 310. It should be understood that steps 650, 652, 654, and 662 may be completed concurrently with each other or sequentially in any order. If all criteria for dispensing of an item are satisfied, the items are dispensed from the device 100, 400, 500 at step 612. In this step, the controller 116 sends a signal to the locking mechanism 110 to move to an unlocked positioned to thereby allow the door 108 to be opened. A user can then access the items.

The interface 188 can be used to check the medicine(s) e.g. the scanner can be used to scan the medicine(s) and verify that the correct medicine is being dispensed. This may assist with step 622 as the medicine being dispensed is checked, and then validated against one or more medicine databases e.g. 304. In addition, the scanner can capture information such as batch number and expiry, or that information can be input manually into the device 100 using a keyboard or other input.

The device 100 can subsequently be locked e.g. the locking mechanism can be manually or automatically engaged to move to a locked position to hold the door 108 closed and thereby prevent unauthorised access to the items 106.

Prior to, during or after step 612, the device 100, 400, 500 may communicate with one or more databases to record the dispensing of the items. For example, at step 658 the pharmacy's database 312 (stock inventory database) is updated to note the dispensary's stock of the items (as the medicine is sold from the owner (supplier/wholesaler) to the dispensary on commencement of the sale transaction). At step 660 the doctor's practice management database 314 may be updated to store a record of the prescription being fulfilled; this may advantageously provide the doctor with better insight to patient medical history or be used as a means of triggering repeat prescriptions.

At step 662, the controller 116 may send a signal to the owner (wholesaler/supplier) database 310 advising that items 106 in the device 100, 400, 500 have been dispensed. This may initiate a reordering process for the device 100, 400, 500.

In some applications or countries, it may also be necessary to provide the supplier/wholesaler with regulatory compliance documentation in order for the items 106 to be dispensed. When the device 100, 400, 500 is used in these applications or applications, the controller 116 could send a signal at step 662 which provides information necessary to satisfy the regulatory requirements.

Referring now to Figure 12 which shows a flow diagram of an alternate method 900 of dispensing medicines. The method 900 is performed by a suitably configured device 100, 300, 400 or 500. For the sake of simplicity similar references refer to similar components and steps.

The method 900 may find particular use in storing and dispensing medicines in a medical practice e.g. vaccines. This may be particularly useful where a medical practitioner is required to administer the medicine(s) and the patient does not take these away for later administration. In addition, the method is suitable for use where the medicine(s) are owned by the medical practice from which they are dispensed.

It should be understood that method 900 is similar to the method of Figure 6. However certain steps e.g. step 656 and 662 may be omitted or changed to meet the requirements of the particular application.

For instance, the prescription generated at step 606 may be used by the prescriber or other authorised medical person to access the medicine(s) from the device 100, 300, 400, 500.

In method 900, at step 924 a database recording administration of medicines is updated. In some embodiments the database may be the electronic prescription database 302, or other database e.g. a central vaccines register.

In addition, at step 612 the method may include the steps of checking medicine identifier information e.g. the medicine batch and expiry date, and entering that information into the device 100, 300, 400, 500. The device 100, 300, 400, 500 can then provide the medicine identifier information to the database recording administration. This facilitates collecting a record of medicines such as vaccines administered to patient(s).

Fourth Embodiment of a Device for Storing, Selling, Accessing and Dispensing of Medicines

Yet a further embodiment of the technology is shown in Figure 7. For sake of simplicity like features are identified with like numerals.

In this embodiment a device 700 is provided for a care facility such as a rest-home. The device 700 includes a housing 702 which includes at least two storage cavities 704A, 704B, access to which is provided by two doors 708A, 708B. The doors 708A, 708B may be selectively secured in one or more positions using a locking mechanism 710.

The locking mechanism 710 comprises a first locking half 712A which is provided to the housing 702, a second locking half 712B, provided to the first door 708A and a third locking half 712C provided to the second door 708B. One advantage of the present arrangement is that the first locking 712A half may selectively lock one or more of the doors 708A, 708B; for example, by using an actuator (not illustrated).

One aspect of the device 700 is that it can provide storage, sale and access to controlled substances and/or unapproved medications as described in relation to the previous embodiments. However, the device 700 can also store controlled substances and/or unapproved medications after those have been initially accessed by a user e.g. care facility staff and medical practitioner.

In use a care provider may access the device 700 using any of the methods described above. For example, the care provider may provide transaction-based information together with a user credential in order to release the locking mechanism 110 and gain access to the device 700. A medicine can then be accessed based on the transaction-based information provided.

Once the medicine has been accessed, the device 700 then allows for the medicine to be reinserted into the device 700 for secure storage until required. For example, a patient may be prescribed multiple doses of a medication, and administered only a single dose at a time.

The use of multiple doors 708A, 708B may advantageously allow for one storage cavity 704A to be exclusively provided for consignment storage of medications. That is, both transaction-based information, together with at least one user credential may be required for access. The other storage cavity 704B may be reserved for storage of a patient's medications once those have been initially accessed from the storage cavity 704A. This cavity could simply be accessed if the correct user credentials are provided and verified by the device 700.

Retrofit Arrangement

Referring now to Figures 8 to 11 which show a retrofit component 800 according to one aspect of the present technology. For ease of reference like references refer to like components.

The retrofit component 800 can be used to convert an existing storage system e.g. a vaccine fridge 802 into a device 100, 300, 400 or 500 as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vaccine fridge 802 includes a housing 102 having a cavity (not illustrated in the Figures), and a door 108.

The retrofit component 800 components a controller 116 which is configured to be mounted to the vaccine fridge 802. For instance, the controller 116 may include a mounting bracket or fasteners (neither illustrated in the Figures) which facilitate the controller 116 being securely mounted in position.

The retrofit component 800 includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent the door 108 being opened. As illustrated in Figures 8 to 11, the locking mechanism 110 comprises a locking member 804 moveably mounted to the retrofit component 800 e.g. pivotally mounted. A spring (not illustrated in the Figures) is configured to bias the locking member 804 towards a locking position. An aperture 806 can be formed in the door 108 such as by using a drill. In use, the spring (not illustrated) biases the locking member 804 towards a locked position in which it is disposed in the aperture 806; this position is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11.

The retrofit component 600 comprises an actuator (not illustrated) configured to move the locking member 804 out of the aperture 806 to allow the door 108 to be moved and thereby access into the cavity (not illustrated). The actuator may be any suitable form of actuator e.g. a solenoid or servo motor.

The retrofit component 800 includes components to facilitate the retrofit component 800 providing the functionality of the device 100, 300, 400 or 500 as described herein. For instance, the retrofit component 800 may include a display, an interface 118 which can provide a key board or scanner (not illustrated in Figures 8 to 11).

In addition, the retrofit component 800 may include a communication system 124 e.g. any suitable communication system such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RF, satellite link, radio or near field communications.

To facilitate the wireless connection the communication system 124 may further include an antenna 126. The communication system 124 facilitates the retrofit component 800 providing the communication functionality of the device 100 as described herein. For instance, the communication system 124 may be configured to communicate with a POS system to perform one or more steps of the method(s) described herein.

Furthermore, the retrofit component 800 can facilitate converting an existing storage unit into a device 100 according to the technology described herein. It may therefore allow the storage unit to comply with one or more regulations relating to the storage, sale, access and dispensing of controlled substances or unapproved medicines. For example, the vaccine fridge 802 with the retrofit controller 800 meets the storage requirements of the Medicines Act 1981 and Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 in New Zealand.

The retrofit component 800 can be provided with a sensor 810 configured to determine whether the door 108 is open and / or closed. The sensor 810 is connected to the controller 116, and the controller 116 is configured to produce an alert if the door 108 is open e.g. has been open for longer than a pre determined time period. For instance, a visual signal may be produced using an alert light 820 or an audible signal produced using a speaker (not shown). The retrofit component 800 can be provided with a temperature sensor 812 e.g. a thermistor. The temperature sensor 812 can be mounted inside the cavity (not illustrated) and monitor the temperature therein. The temperature sensor 812 is in communication with the controller 116 to enable the controller 116 to monitor and record the temperature in the cavity. The controller 116 is configured to produce an alert if the temperature is outside of a pre-determined range e.g. a visible or audible signal. For instance, the alert light 820 may be engaged or an audible signal produced using a speaker (not shown).

The retrofit component 800 can be provided with an input 814 configured to facilitate a person providing user credentials e.g. RFID reader 814. The controller 116 is configured to check the user credentials and determine whether the user is authorised to dispense the medicine(s). If the user is authorised then the controller 116 is engaged to move the locking member 804 out of the aperture 806. If the user is not authorised, the controller 116 can provide an audible or visible alert e.g. using the alert light 820.

The retrofit component 800 can be provided with a scanner 816. In use, a user can use the scanner 816 to scan medicine(s) as these are dispensed. The controller 116 is configured to validate and store identifying details of the medicine(s).

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

The technology may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present technology.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A system for storing and providing access to one or more medicines, the system comprising: a storage device having at least one storage cavity; a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity; and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein, on receipt of the transaction-based information the system is configured to disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s).

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is configured to, on receipt of the transaction-based information, validate the transaction-based information.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system is configured to disengage the locking mechanism once the transaction-based information has been validated.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the system is configured to communicate with at least one external database to validate the transaction-based information.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one external database comprises one or more of an electronic prescription database, a medicine information database, a patient information database, a regulatory database, a medical wholesaler or supplier database, a pharmacy or dispensary database, and a practice management database.

6. The system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the system is configured to generate a sales transaction once the transaction-based information has been validated.

7. The system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the system is configured to generate a sales invoice once the transaction-based information has been validated.

8. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to receive user credentials.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system is configured to provide access to the at least one storage cavity based on the user credentials.

10. The system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the system is configured to provide access to the at least one storage cavity based on a combination of user credentials and transaction- based information.

11. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transaction-based information is prescription information.

12. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the medicines comprise controlled substances or unapproved medicines.

13. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cooling unit configured to cool one or more of the storage cavities.

14. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interface configured to facilitate input of the transaction-based information to the system by a user.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the interface comprises one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a button, a joystick, a mouse, an electronic tag reader, a biometric identification mechanism, a camera, a wireless or touch-screen interface.

16. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication system.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the communication system is a wireless communication system.

18. The system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a restraint configured to prevent unauthorised movement of one or more components of the system.

19. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the restraint comprises a tether and a fastener.

20. The system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the tether comprises a chain, and the restraint comprises a bolt.

21. A device for storing and providing access to one or more medicines, the device comprising: a storage unit having at least one storage cavity, a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity, and a controller configured to receive transaction-based information; wherein, on receipt of the transaction-based information the device is configured to disengage the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s).

22. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the device is configured to, on receipt of the transaction-based information, validate the transaction-based information.

23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the device is configured to disengage the locking mechanism once the transaction-based information has been validated.

24. The device as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the device is configured to communicate with at least one external database to validate the transaction-based information.

25. The device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one external database comprises one or more of an electronic prescription database, a medicine information database, a patient information database, a regulatory database, a medical wholesaler or supplier database, a pharmacy or dispensary database, and a practice management database.

26. The device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the device is configured to generate a sales transaction once the transaction-based information has been validated.

27. The device as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the device is configured to generate a sales invoice once the transaction-based information has been validated.

28. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the controller is configured to receive user credentials.

29. The device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the device is configured to provide access to the at least one storage cavity based on the user credentials.

30. The device as claimed in claim 28 or 29, wherein the device is configured to provide access to the at least one storage cavity based on a combination of user credentials and transaction- based information.

31. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the transaction-based information is prescription information.

32. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the medicines comprise controlled substances or unapproved medicines.

33. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 32, further comprising a cooling unit configured to cool one or more of the storage cavities.

34. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 33, further comprising an interface configured to facilitate input of the transaction-based information to the system by a user.

35. The device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the interface comprises one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a button, a joystick, a mouse, an electronic tag reader, a biometric identification mechanism, a camera, a wireless or touch-screen interface.

36. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 35, further comprising a communication system.

37. The device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the communication system is a wireless communication system.

38. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 37, further comprising a restraint configured to prevent unauthorised movement of the device.

39. The device as claimed in claim 38, wherein the restraint comprises a tether and a fastener.

40. The device as claimed in claim 39, wherein the tether comprises a chain, and the restraint comprises a bolt.

41. A method of storing and providing access to one or more medicines in a device comprising a storage unit having at least one storage cavity, a locking mechanism configured to selectively allow access to the at least one storage cavity and, a controller configured to receive transaction-based information, the method comprising the steps of: receiving transaction-based information; and disengaging the locking mechanism to provide access to the medicine(s).

42. The method as claimed in claim 41, further comprising the step of validating the transaction- based information on receipt of the transaction-based information.

43. The method as claimed in claim 42, further comprising the step of disengaging the locking mechanism once the transaction-based information has been validated.

44. The method as claimed in claim 42 or 43, further comprising the step of communicating with at least one external database to validate the transaction-based information.

45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the at least one external database comprises one or more of an electronic prescription database, a medicine information database, a patient information database, a regulatory database, a medical wholesaler or supplier database, a pharmacy or dispensary database, and a practice management database.

46. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, further comprising the step of generating a sales transaction once the transaction-based information has been validated.

47. The method as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 46, further comprising the step of generating a sales invoice once the transaction-based information has been validated.

48. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 47, further comprising the step of receiving one or more user credentials.

49. The method as claimed in claim 48, further comprising the step of providing access to the at least one storage cavity based on the user credentials.

50. The method as claimed in claim 48 or 49, further comprising the step of providing access to the at least one storage cavity based on a combination of user credentials and transaction- based information.

51. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 50, wherein the transaction-based information is prescription information.

52. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 51, wherein the medicines comprise controlled substances or unapproved medicines.

53. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 52, further comprising the step of cooling one or more of the storage cavities.

54. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 53, further comprising the step of receiving the transaction-based information via an interface.

55. The method as claimed in claim 54, wherein the interface comprises one or more of a keyboard, a scanner, a button, a joystick, a mouse, an electronic tag reader, a biometric identification mechanism, a camera, a wireless or touch-screen interface.

56. The method as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 55, further comprising the step of attaching a restraint to prevent unauthorised movement of the device.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56, wherein the restraint comprises a tether and a fastener.

58. The method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the tether comprises a chain, and the restraint comprises a bolt.