JP2024093635A - Program, system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a program, system, and method for preventing the occurrence of inappropriate use of electronic prescriptions, which may occur as prescriptions are digitized.
In a prescription management system in which a prescription management server, an electronic prescription DB server, a medical institution server, a patient terminal, and a pharmacy terminal are connected to a communication line by wire or wirelessly, the prescription management server executes an acquisition process for acquiring prescription data, a processing process for processing the prescription data to change the display mode, and an output process for outputting the prescription data. In the output process, the prescription data is output in a mode according to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.
[Selected figure] Figure 5

Description

Application for application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act filed. Released on July 11, 2022 on the website of the online medical examination and medication guidance system "CLINICS" at https://clinics-app.com/. Released on July 11, 2022 on the app distribution service "Google Play" at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=life.medley.clinics. Released on July 11, 2022 on the app distribution service "App Store" at https://apps.apple. Published on Medley Inc.'s "Tech Blog" on October 28, 2022 at https://developer.medley.jp/entry/2022/10/28/153818 [Publications, etc.]

The present invention relates to a program, a system, and a method.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for sending image data of a paper-issued prescription to a pharmacy. Patent Document 2 discloses a technology for sending an electronically issued prescription to a pharmacy.

JP 2015-95169 A JP 2022-37989 A

Digitizing prescriptions can lead to a variety of problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a program is provided. This program causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring prescription data, a processing process for processing the prescription data and changing the display mode, and an output process for outputting the prescription data. In the output process, the prescription data is output in a mode according to the acquisition mode or output destination.

This approach can help prevent problems that can occur when digitizing prescriptions.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a prescription management system 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the prescription management server 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a patient terminal 40. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of a control unit of each device. FIG. 11 is an activity diagram showing an example of a management process. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an electronic prescription DB. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the prescription management system 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of displayed prescription data. FIG. 11 is an activity diagram showing another example of the management process. FIG. 13 shows an example of a scanned paper prescription. A figure showing an example of information stored in a paper prescription DB. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the prescription management system 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. FIG. 11 is an activity diagram showing another example of the management process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule on which medication instruction can be given. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of displayed pharmacy information. A diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the prescription management server 10. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed reservation screen.

The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

The program for implementing the software used in this embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided so that it can be downloaded from an external server, or may be provided so that the program is started on an external computer and its functions are implemented on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

In this embodiment, a "unit" may also include, for example, a combination of hardware resources implemented by a circuit in the broad sense and software information processing that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. In addition, this embodiment handles various types of information, which may be represented, for example, by physical values of signal values representing voltage and current, high and low signal values as a binary bit collection consisting of 0 or 1, or quantum superposition (so-called quantum bits), and communication and calculations may be performed on a circuit in the broad sense.

In the broad sense, a circuit is a circuit realized by at least appropriately combining a circuit, circuitry, a processor, and memory. In other words, it includes application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (e.g., simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)), etc.

1. Hardware Configuration In this section, the hardware configuration of the prescription management system according to this embodiment will be described.

Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the prescription management system 1. In Figure 1, an overview of each device included in the prescription management system 1, the users who use each device, and the information processed by each device is shown. Each overview will be explained from time to time with reference to other figures.

The prescription management system 1 is an information processing system that manages prescriptions issued at medical institutions during medical treatment. A prescription is a document issued by a doctor who has examined a patient at a medical institution to prescribe a medicine and used by a pharmacist for dispensing, and describes the type of medicine, its dosage, administration method, etc. The prescription management system 1 includes a communication line 2, a prescription management server 10, an electronic prescription DB server 20, a medical institution server 30, a patient terminal 40, and a pharmacy terminal 50. The prescription management system 1 may include two or more patient terminals 40 and pharmacy terminals 50, but only one is shown in FIG. 1. The communication line 2 includes the Internet, etc., and mediates data exchange between devices connected to the communication line. Each device included in the prescription management system 1 is connected to the communication line 2 via wire or wirelessly.

The patient terminal 40 is a terminal used by a patient who is examined at a medical institution. The pharmacy terminal 50 is a terminal used by a pharmacist who dispenses medicines at a pharmacy. Each terminal is, for example, an information processing terminal such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

The prescription management server 10 is an information processing device that executes processes for managing prescriptions. The electronic prescription DB server 20 is an information processing device that controls a database that stores electronic prescriptions. An electronic prescription is computerized prescription information. The medical institution server 30 is an information processing device that constitutes the medical institution system, and executes processes related to medical services. In the prescription management system 1, electronic prescriptions are operated, and the medical institution server 30 issues electronic prescriptions.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the prescription management server 10. The prescription management server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a bus 14. The bus 14 electrically connects each unit included in the prescription management server 10.

(Control unit 11)
The control unit 11 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) not shown. The control unit 11 is a computer that realizes various functions related to the prescription management system 1 by reading out a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 12. That is, information processing by software stored in the storage unit 12 can be specifically realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. These will be described in more detail in the next section. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being single, and may be implemented with multiple control units 11 for each function. Also, a combination of these may be used.

(Memory unit 12)
The memory unit 12 stores various information defined by the above description. This can be implemented, for example, as a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) that stores various programs related to the prescription management system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as a random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily required information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to the program calculation. The memory unit 12 stores various programs, variables, etc. related to the prescription management system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

(Communication unit 13)
The communication unit 13 is configured to be able to transmit various electrical signals from the prescription management server 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to be able to receive various electrical signals from the external components to the prescription management server 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, and may be implemented so that various information can be communicated between the prescription management server 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

The electronic prescription DB server 20 and the medical institution server 30 have the same hardware configuration as the prescription management server 10. Note that the control units of the electronic prescription DB server 20 and the medical institution server 30 will be described with the reference numerals control unit 21 and control unit 31, respectively, to distinguish them from the control unit 11 of the prescription management server 10.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the patient terminal 40. The patient terminal 40 includes a control unit 41, a memory unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, an output unit 45, and a bus 46. The bus 46 electrically connects the various units included in the patient terminal 40. The control unit 41, the memory unit 42, and the communication unit 43 are similar hardware to the control unit 11, the memory unit 12, and the communication unit 13 shown in Figure 2, although the specifications, model, etc. may differ.

(Input unit 44)
The input unit 44 has one or more input interfaces such as keys, buttons, a touch screen, and a mouse, and receives input from a user.
(Output unit 45)
The output unit 45 has output devices such as a display and a speaker, and displays visual information generated in a manner that is visible to the user, such as a screen, an image, an icon, text, etc., on the display surface, and outputs sound including voice.

The pharmacy terminal 50 has the same hardware configuration as the patient terminal 40. Note that the control unit and input unit of the pharmacy terminal 50 are described with the reference symbols control unit 51 and input unit 54 to distinguish them from the control unit 41 and input unit 44 of the patient terminal 40. The input unit 44 of the patient terminal 40 is equipped with an imaging device such as a digital camera. In addition, the input unit 54 of the pharmacy terminal 50 is equipped with a reading device (scanner) that reads images from paper.

2. Functional Configuration In this section, the functional configuration of the present embodiment will be described. As described above, information processing by software stored in the storage unit of each device is specifically realized by a control unit, which is an example of hardware, so that each functional unit included in the control unit can be executed.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit of each device. The control unit 11 of the prescription management server 10 includes a server display unit 111, a DB control unit 112 (DB: Database), an authentication unit 113, a data acquisition unit 114, a data processing unit 115, a data output unit 116, a terminal determination unit 117, and a prescription determination unit 118. The control unit 21 of the electronic prescription DB server 20 includes a DB control unit 211 and an authentication unit 212. The control unit 31 of the medical institution server 30 includes a server display unit 311, a DB control unit 312, an authentication unit 313, and a business processing unit 314. The control unit 41 of the patient terminal 40 includes a first user display unit 411, a first operation acceptance unit 412, and an image reading unit 413. The control unit 51 of the pharmacy terminal 50 includes a second user display unit 511, a second operation reception unit 512, and an image reading unit 513.

The server display unit 111 of the prescription management server 10 executes processing for displaying a system screen related to the prescription management system 1 on each terminal. The server display unit 111 performs processing such as generating and transmitting an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) file, and displays a web page showing the system screen on the patient terminal 40. The server display unit 111 may also perform processing such as generating and transmitting display data for an application for using the prescription management system 1.

The DB control unit 112 controls the input and output of data to various databases. The authentication unit 113 executes processes related to user authentication. The data acquisition unit 114 executes an acquisition process to acquire prescription data indicating a prescription. The manner in which prescription data is acquired (hereinafter referred to as the "acquisition manner") includes, for example, a manner in which data indicating an electronic prescription is acquired from the electronic prescription DB server 20 (the acquisition manner is an "electronic prescription") and a manner in which scanned data of a paper prescription is acquired from the patient terminal 40 or the pharmacy terminal 50 (the acquisition manner is the "scanned data of a paper prescription").

The data processing unit 115 executes a processing process to process the acquired prescription data. The data output unit 116 executes an output process to output the processed prescription data. The terminal determination unit 117 determines whether the prescription data is to be output to the patient terminal 40 or the pharmacy terminal 50. The prescription determination unit 118 determines whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription.

The DB control unit 211 of the electronic prescription DB server 20 controls the input and output of data to the electronic prescription database. The authentication unit 212 executes processes related to user authentication. The server display unit 311 of the medical institution server 30 executes processes for displaying system screens related to the medical institution's system on each terminal. The DB control unit 312 controls the input and output of data to various databases related to the medical institution's system. The authentication unit 313 executes processes related to user authentication. The business processing unit 314 executes various processes related to medical business.

The first operation reception unit 412 of the patient terminal 40 controls the display on the display, which is a display means possessed by the patient terminal 40. The first user display unit 411, for example, causes the display means to display a web page or an app screen transmitted from the server display unit 111. The first operation reception unit 412 receives operations performed by the patient. The image reading unit 413 generates scan data by reading the paper prescription using the imaging device of the input unit 44.

The second user display unit 511 of the pharmacy terminal 50 controls the display on the display, which is a display means possessed by the pharmacy terminal 50. The second user display unit 511, for example, causes the display means to display a web page or an app screen transmitted from the server display unit 111. The second operation acceptance unit 512 accepts operations performed by the pharmacist. The image reading unit 513 generates scan data by reading the paper prescription using the reading device of the input unit 44.

3. Information Processing In this section, information processing that the program causes the computer to execute in this embodiment will be described. The prescription management system 1 includes a processor capable of executing a program so as to perform each step (each process) described below. The prescription management system 1 executes management processing for managing prescription data. First, the management processing when an electronic prescription is issued will be described below.

Note that both patients using the patient terminal 40 and pharmacists using the pharmacy terminal 50 are registered as users of the prescription management system 1, and can use the prescription management system 1 by logging in using user authentication information. Therefore, in the prescription management system 1, it is possible to determine who is using each terminal from the user authentication information, and it is also possible to determine the user information (such as name) registered by the user.

In addition, the prescription management server 10, the electronic prescription DB server 20, and the medical institution server 30 may each have different user identification information, or the user identification information may be the same. Even if the user identification information is different, it is assumed that the conversion table will enable the user to determine that the user is the same person. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the patient identification information is assumed to be the same as the "patient ID."

Figure 5 is an activity diagram showing an example of management processing. The activity shown in Figure 5 is started when a patient is examined at a medical institution and the doctor performs an operation to input prescription information. First, the medical institution server 30 accepts the input of prescription information by the doctor (A11). Next, the medical institution server 30 generates an electronic prescription that includes the input prescription information and information such as the medical institution and patient name stored in the medical institution system (A12).

The medical institution server 30 transmits information contained in the generated electronic prescription (hereinafter referred to as "electronic prescription information") to the electronic prescription DB server 20. In this embodiment, the medical institution server 30 also transmits information regarding the medical institution where the patient for whom the electronic prescription was issued was examined (hereinafter referred to as "medical information") to the electronic prescription DB server 20. The electronic prescription DB server 20 stores the transmitted electronic prescription information and medical information in the electronic prescription DB by the DB control unit 211 (A13).

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in an electronic prescription DB. In the electronic prescription DB1 shown in Figure 6, the type of drug, dosage, administration method, issue date, medical institution name, doctor name, patient name, patient ID, etc. are stored as electronic prescription information. In addition, the electronic prescription DB1 stores examination results, medical records, hospital location, doctor information, etc. as medical information. In this way, electronic prescription information and medical information are accumulated in the electronic prescription DB server 20.

The medical information may be stored in the prescription management server 10 instead of the electronic prescription DB server 20. In this case, the prescription management server 10 has a medical information DB for storing the medical information, and stores the medical information in the medical information DB. The electronic prescription information stored in the electronic prescription DB server 20 and the medical information stored in the prescription management server 10 are associated with each other by a patient ID. In addition, although described in more detail below, paper prescription information including scan data obtained by optically reading and digitizing a paper prescription is also stored in the electronic prescription DB server 20.

Next, the patient performs an operation on the patient terminal 40 to obtain an electronic prescription to submit to a pharmacy.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the prescription management system 1. The system screen G1 shown in FIG. 7 displays a character string "Search for prescriptions.", input fields C11, C12, C13, C14, and C15 for inputting "Patient name", "Patient ID", "Medical institution name", "Issue date", and "Record date", and a prescription data display button B11. "Patient name" and "Patient ID" may display user information registered by the patient in advance. "Patient name" and "Patient ID" are information for searching both electronic prescription information and paper prescription information. "Medical institution name" and "Issue date" are information mainly for searching electronic prescription information. On the other hand, "Record date" is information for searching paper prescription information, and will be described in detail later.

When the display button B11 is operated with at least the patient name or patient ID entered, the patient terminal 40 accepts the operation as a prescription request operation through the first operation acceptance unit 412, and transmits request data to the prescription management server 10 requesting output of prescription data including information on the entered items (A21). When the display button B11 is operated, the first operation acceptance unit 412 transmits request data with its own terminal (patient terminal 40) as the output destination. The prescription management server 10 requests prescription data by transferring the request data transmitted from the patient terminal 40 to the electronic prescription DB server 20 through the data acquisition unit 114 (A22).

The electronic prescription DB server 20 reads out an electronic prescription including information on the items indicated by the transmitted request data through the DB control unit 211 (A23). The DB control unit 211 transmits prescription data indicating the read electronic prescription to the prescription management server 10. The prescription management server 10 executes an acquisition process through the data acquisition unit 114 to acquire the transmitted prescription data (A31: Acquisition step).

Next, the prescription management server 10 determines the output destination of the prescription data by the terminal determination unit 117 (A32: first determination step). If the request data for the prescription data indicates an output destination, the terminal determination unit 117 determines that output destination as the output destination of the prescription data. Here, the terminal determination unit 117 determines that the output destination is the patient terminal 40, which is the output destination indicated by the transmitted request data.

Then, the prescription management server 10 uses the prescription determination unit 118 to determine the acquisition mode of the prescription data (A33: second determination step). The prescription determination unit 118, for example, queries the electronic prescription DB server 20 as to whether or not the information indicated by the output prescription data is stored. If the prescription data indicates electronic prescription information, the electronic prescription DB server 20 responds that the information is stored, and the prescription determination unit 118 determines that the acquisition mode of the prescription data is an electronic prescription. If the prescription data does not indicate electronic prescription information, the electronic prescription DB server 20 responds that the information is not stored, and the prescription determination unit 118 determines that the acquisition mode of the prescription data is a paper prescription. In the example of FIG. 5, the prescription determination unit 118 determines that the acquisition mode is an electronic prescription.

The method of determination in the second determination step is not limited to this. For example, when the electronic prescription DB server 20 outputs prescription data, it adds flag information indicating that the prescription data is an electronic prescription to the prescription data. Then, if the flag information has been added to the output prescription data, the prescription determination unit 118 may determine that the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription, and if the flag information has not been added, it may determine that the prescription data was acquired as a paper prescription.

Next, the prescription management server 10 executes a processing process to process the acquired prescription data by the data processing unit 115 (A34: processing step). The processing process will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow. The data processing unit 115 first determines whether the result of the first determination step (first determination result) of A32 shown in Figure 5 is the patient terminal 40 or the pharmacy terminal 50 (S11). If it is determined in S11 that it is the patient terminal 40, the data processing unit 115 determines whether the result of the second determination step (second determination result) of A33 is a paper prescription or an electronic prescription (S12).

When the data processing unit 115 determines in S12 that the prescription is a paper prescription, it performs original processing on the acquired prescription data as processing (S13). Original processing is processing that indicates that the prescription indicated by the prescription data is an original. In this embodiment, the data processing unit 115 performs original processing by inserting the character string "original" into the prescription indicated by the prescription data.

When the data processing unit 115 determines in S12 that the prescription is an electronic prescription, it performs copy processing and processing to add general medical information to the acquired prescription data (S14). Copy processing is processing to indicate that the prescription indicated by the prescription data is not the original. In this embodiment, the data processing unit 115 performs copy processing by adding the character string "copy" to the prescription indicated by the prescription data.

The above processing makes it possible to distinguish between prescription data that has been processed as an original and prescription data that has been copied and not the original. Note that prescription data representing an electronic prescription before it has been copied and processed can be used as an original, but prescription data representing an electronic prescription that has been copied and processed is labeled as a "copy," so it can no longer be used as an original and is effectively no longer the original.

The data processing unit 115 may process the above character string into a watermark (a character string or the like that is made semi-transparent so that the background can be seen through). In this case, it is desirable that the watermark is visible even when displayed on the display. The data processing unit 115 may also represent the original by not performing any processing. Even in this case, it is possible to distinguish that prescription data that has not been processed is the original, and that prescription data that has been copied and processed is not the original. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the above-mentioned original processing is performed to make it easier to distinguish.

General medical information is information about medical care that can be understood by ordinary people such as patients, and is, for example, information such as hospital locations and doctor information among the medical information shown in Figure 6. The data processing unit 115 accesses the electronic prescription DB server 20 (or accesses the medical information DB of its own device if medical information is stored in the prescription management server 10), reads out the general medical information from the electronic prescription DB 1, and performs processing to add the read out general medical information.

If it is determined in S11 that the device is a pharmacy terminal 50, the data processing unit 115 determines whether the result of the second determination step of A33 (second determination result) is a paper prescription or an electronic prescription (S21).

If the data processing unit 115 determines in S21 that the prescription is a paper prescription, it performs copy processing on the acquired prescription data (S22).

When the data processing unit 115 determines in S21 that the prescription is an electronic prescription, it processes the original data and adds specialized medical information to the acquired prescription data (S23). Specialized medical information is specialized medical information that can only be understood by experts such as pharmacists, and is, for example, medical information such as examination results and medical records from the medical information shown in FIG. 6. The data processing unit 115 accesses the electronic prescription DB server 20, reads out the specialized medical information from the electronic prescription DB1, and performs processing to add the read out specialized medical information.

After executing S13, S14, S22, and S23, the data processing unit 115 ends the processing process. Next, the prescription management server 10 outputs the prescription data processed in A34 by the data output unit 116 (A35: output step). In this case, the data output unit 116 outputs the prescription data to the patient terminal 40 determined as the output destination in A32. The patient terminal 40 displays the prescription indicated by the output prescription data by the first user display unit 411 (A41).

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. The system screen G2 shown in Figure 9 displays an electronic prescription D21, general medical information E21, and a send to pharmacy button B21. The electronic prescription D21 is an image of the electronic prescription indicated by the output prescription data. The character string D22 "copy" has been processed and added to the electronic prescription D21. In this way, the example in Figure 9 displays prescription data that has been subjected to the processing process of S14 shown in Figure 8 (copy processing + addition of general medical information).

Now, let us assume that the patient operates the patient terminal 40 to take a screenshot of the system screen G2 and transmit the captured image generated by the screenshot to the pharmacy terminal 50. In this case, the pharmacy terminal 50 displays the transmitted captured image, but since the captured image contains the character string D22 "copy," the pharmacist can tell that the captured image is not the original prescription.

When the patient is satisfied with the contents of the displayed electronic prescription that it is to be submitted to a pharmacy, he or she operates the send to pharmacy button B21. The destination pharmacy is either set in advance or selected on a selection screen (not shown). In this case, the patient terminal 40 accepts the operation as a prescription request operation via the first operation acceptance unit 412, and transmits request data requesting the displayed prescription data to the prescription management server 10 (A21). When the send button B21 is operated, the first operation acceptance unit 412 transmits the request data with the pharmacy terminal 50 as the output destination.

After this, the processes from A22 to A33 shown in FIG. 5 are executed. In this case, in A32 (first judgment step), it is judged that the output destination of the prescription data is the pharmacy terminal 50. Then, in the processing process of A34, the data processing unit 115 executes S23 (processing of the original and processing to add specialized medical information) shown in FIG. 8 because the first judgment result is the pharmacy terminal 50 and the second judgment result is an electronic prescription. Then, the data output unit 116 outputs the processed prescription data to the output destination pharmacy terminal 50 (A35). The pharmacy terminal 50 displays the output prescription data by the second user display unit 511 (A42).

Figure 10 is a diagram showing another example of displayed prescription data. An electronic prescription D31 and specialized medical information E31 are displayed on the system screen G3 shown in Figure 10. The electronic prescription D31 is an image of an electronic prescription indicated by the output prescription data. The character string "original" D32 has been processed and added to the electronic prescription D31. In this way, the example of Figure 10 displays prescription data that has been subjected to the processing process of S23 shown in Figure 8 (processing of original + addition of specialized medical information).

Note that a prescription request operation may be performed at the pharmacy terminal 50 in the same manner as at the patient terminal 40. In this case, the pharmacy terminal 50 performs the same process as A21 (prescription request operation) and transmits request data whose output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50 (A43). As a result, the prescription data shown in FIG. 10 is output and displayed. This prescription data represents the original, so it can be printed out and a copy can be stored in the pharmacy, for example.

Next, the management process when a paper prescription is digitized will be described.
Fig. 11 is an activity diagram showing another example of management processing. The activity shown in Fig. 11 is started when a patient is examined at a medical institution, the patient receives a paper prescription, and performs an operation to read the paper prescription with the patient terminal 40. In the case of the patient terminal 40, an operation to photograph the paper prescription with an imaging device is performed as a reading operation. First, the patient terminal 40 reads the paper prescription with the image reading unit 413 (A51) and generates scan data (A52).

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a scanned paper prescription. The system screen G4 shown in Figure 12 displays a prescription image E41 and a prescription data record button B41. The prescription image E41 is an image showing the paper prescription F41 scanned in A51. If the patient is satisfied with the displayed prescription image E41, he or she operates the record button B41. This operation causes the patient terminal 40 to transmit the read data including the generated scan data to the prescription management server 10 (so-called upload). The prescription management server 10 stores the scan data, etc. indicated by the transmitted (uploaded) read data as paper prescription information in the paper prescription DB by the DB control unit 112 (A53).

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a paper prescription DB. In the paper prescription DB2 shown in Figure 13, the scanned data of the paper prescription, the recording date and time, the patient's name, and the patient ID are stored as paper prescription information. By storing this information, the paper prescription is recorded. The medical information stored in the electronic prescription DB1 shown in Figure 8 is not stored in the paper prescription DB2.

For example, the prescription management server 10 may perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing on the scanned data of the paper prescription, and the DB control unit 112 may store the read items (name of drug, name of medical institution, date of issue, etc.) as paper prescription information in the paper prescription DB2. Even in this case, only the information written on the paper prescription is stored, so no medical information is stored in the paper prescription DB2.

Next, the patient performs an operation on the patient terminal 40 to obtain scan data of the paper prescription to present to the pharmacy.
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the prescription management system 1. A character string "Search for prescriptions", input fields C51, C52, C53, C54, and C55 for inputting "Patient name", "Patient ID", "Name of medical institution", "Issue date", and "Record date", and a display button B51 are displayed on the system screen G5 shown in Fig. 14.

The "Recording Date" input field C55 is an input field for entering the date the scanned data of the paper prescription was uploaded as a search criterion. "Medical institution name" and "Issue date" are normally information for searching electronic prescription information, but if this information is stored in the paper prescription DB2 by the OCR processing described above, they can also be used to search paper prescription information. System screen G5 is the same screen as system screen G1 shown in Figure 7. In this way, in the prescription management system 1, both electronic prescription information and paper prescription information can be searched from the same search screen.

When the display button B51 is operated with at least the patient name or patient ID entered, the patient terminal 40 accepts the operation as a prescription request operation through the first operation acceptance unit 412, and transmits request data to the prescription management server 10 requesting output of prescription data including information on the entered items (A61). When the display button B51 is operated, the first operation acceptance unit 412 transmits request data with its own terminal (patient terminal 40) as the output destination.

The prescription management server 10 reads, via the data acquisition unit 114, the paper prescription information including information on the items indicated by the request data transmitted from the patient terminal 40 as prescription data (A62). The prescription management server 10 executes an acquisition process via the data acquisition unit 114 to acquire the read prescription data (A31).

Next, the prescription management server 10 determines the output destination of the prescription data by the terminal determination unit 117 (A32: first determination step). Here, the terminal determination unit 117 determines that the output destination is the patient terminal 40, which is the output destination indicated by the transmitted request data. Next, the prescription management server 10 determines the acquisition mode of the prescription data by the prescription determination unit 118 (A33: second determination step).

The prescription determination unit 118, for example, queries the electronic prescription DB server 20 as to whether or not the information indicated by the output prescription data is stored as described above, and determines that the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or a paper prescription based on the response. In addition, when the electronic prescription DB server 20 adds flag information indicating that the prescription data is an electronic prescription to the prescription data, the prescription determination unit 118 may determine that the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or a paper prescription based on whether or not the flag information has been added. In the example of FIG. 11, the prescription determination unit 118 determines that the prescription data was acquired as a paper prescription.

Next, the prescription management server 10 executes a processing process to process the acquired prescription data by the data processing unit 115 (A34). In the example of FIG. 11, since the first judgment result is the patient terminal 40 and the second judgment result is a paper prescription, the data processing unit 115 performs S13 (processing of original data) shown in FIG. 8 as the processing process.

The data output unit 116 outputs the prescription data to the patient terminal 40 determined to be the output destination in A32. The patient terminal 40 displays the prescription indicated by the output prescription data on the first user display unit 411 (A71).

Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. A prescription image E61 and a send to pharmacy button B61 are displayed on the system screen G6 shown in Figure 15. The prescription image E61 is an image showing the paper prescription F41 (paper prescription shown in Figure 12) indicated by the outputted prescription data. The character string "original" F62 has been processed and added to the prescription image E61. In this way, the example of Figure 15 displays prescription data that has been subjected to the processing process (original processing) of S13 shown in Figure 8.

When the patient is satisfied with the contents of the displayed electronic prescription that it is to be submitted to the pharmacy, he or she operates the send to pharmacy button B61. In the example of FIG. 11, the patient terminal 40 transfers the output prescription data as is to the pharmacy terminal 50 (A72). The pharmacy terminal 50 displays the transferred prescription data on the second user display unit 511 (A73). In this case, the second user display unit 511 displays the prescription image E61 shown in FIG. 15. The pharmacist can tell that this prescription is an original because the prescription image E61 contains the character string F62 "original."

In some cases, paper prescriptions are digitized at pharmacies. The management process in this case will be described below.
Fig. 16 is an activity diagram showing another example of the management process. The activity shown in Fig. 16 is started when a pharmacist receives a paper prescription submitted by a patient and performs an operation to read the paper prescription with a pharmacy terminal 50. In the case of the pharmacy terminal 50, an operation to scan the paper prescription with a reading device (scanner) is performed as the reading operation.

A81 (reading of paper prescription) by the pharmacy terminal 50, A82 (generation of scanned data), and A83 (storage of paper prescription information) by the prescription management server 10 are performed in the same manner as A51, A52, and A53 shown in FIG. 11. A91 (prescription request) by the pharmacy terminal 50 and A92 (reading of paper prescription information) by the prescription management server 10 are also performed in the same manner as A61 and A62 shown in FIG. 11. In A91, the pharmacy terminal 50 transmits request data whose output destination is its own terminal (the pharmacy terminal 50).

As a result, the first judgment result becomes the pharmacy terminal 50 and the second judgment result becomes a paper prescription, so the data processing unit 115 performs S22 (copy processing) shown in FIG. 8 as processing. The data output unit 116 outputs the prescription data to the pharmacy terminal 50 determined to be the output destination in A32. The pharmacy terminal 50 displays the prescription indicated by the output prescription data on the second user display unit 511 (A93).

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of displayed prescription data. A prescription image E71 is displayed on the system screen G7 shown in Figure 17. The prescription image E71 is an image showing the paper prescription F71 indicated by the outputted prescription data. The character string F72 "copy" has been processed and added to the prescription image E71. Thus, in the example of Figure 17, prescription data is displayed that has been subjected to the processing process (copy processing) of S22 shown in Figure 8.

For example, a pharmacist may print out the displayed prescription data and attach it to the patient's medicine notebook as information showing the history of prescribed medicines. In this case, since the character string F62 "copy" is included, it is clear that the printed prescription is a copy and it is possible to avoid confusing it with the original.

As described above, in the prescription management system 1, the data acquisition unit 114 executes an acquisition process to acquire prescription data indicating a prescription. Furthermore, the data processing unit 115 executes a processing process to process the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114 and change the display mode. Furthermore, the data output unit 116 executes an output process to output the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114. The data output unit 116 outputs the prescription data in a mode according to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.

For example, first, the terminal determination unit 117 executes a first determination process to determine whether the output destination of the prescription data is a patient terminal or a pharmacy terminal. Then, the data output unit 116 outputs in a first manner if the output destination is the patient terminal 40, and outputs in a second manner different from the first manner if the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50.

For example, if the second determination result is a paper prescription, when the first determination result is the patient terminal 40, the output is made in a mode showing the original (first mode in this case), and when the first determination result is the pharmacy terminal 50, the output is made in a mode showing a copy (second mode in this case). Also, if the second determination result is an electronic prescription, when the first determination result is the patient terminal 40, the output is made in a mode showing a copy (first mode in this case), and when the first determination result is the pharmacy terminal 50, the output is made in a mode showing the original (second mode in this case). In this way, by outputting prescription data in a mode according to the output destination, the prescription data can be used as an original to increase convenience, and in some cases, the prescription data cannot be used as an original to suppress the use of inappropriate prescription data.

In addition, when paper and electronic prescriptions are mixed, the genuine prescription is paper in the case of a paper prescription and electronic data in the case of an electronic prescription. If image data of an electronic prescription is sent to a pharmacy as if it were a paper prescription, or if an electronic prescription is printed and submitted to a pharmacy as if it were a paper prescription, the pharmacy will have to go through the trouble of confirming which prescription is the genuine prescription (original). In this embodiment, the output format of the prescription data indicates whether it is an original or a copy, so the effort of such confirmation is reduced compared to when the output format is uniform.

In addition, if the same user visits different medical institutions, one medical institution may give an electronic prescription, while another may give a paper prescription. Even in such cases, the prescription management system 1 can manage prescription data that indicates either an electronic prescription or a paper prescription.

Furthermore, if different apps with different operations are used for each medical institution, one app may result in a prescription imported into the app being printed and submitted, while another app may result in an electronic prescription being printed and sent to the pharmacy first, causing confusion for users. Therefore, by using the prescription management system 1, the output mode of prescription data is determined by the same rules regardless of which medical institution issued the prescription, and the outputted prescription data can be seen to determine whether it is an original or a copy, reducing user confusion.

The prescription determination unit 118 also executes a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription. The data output unit 116 outputs in a third manner if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, and outputs in a fourth manner different from the third manner if the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription. In this embodiment, when the output destination is the patient terminal 40, the data output unit 116 outputs in a manner indicating that the paper prescription indicated by the prescription data is the original as the third manner, and in a manner indicating that the electronic prescription indicated by the prescription data is not the original as the fourth manner.

For example, when the output destination is the patient terminal 40, if the second determination result is a paper prescription, the prescription data is output in a form (third form) that shows the original in S13 shown in FIG. 8, and if the second determination result is an electronic prescription, the prescription data is output in a form (fourth form) that shows a copy in S14. According to such a form, it is possible to improve the convenience of paper prescriptions while suppressing the inappropriate use of electronic prescriptions.

As described above, by outputting prescription data in a manner that corresponds to the acquisition manner or output destination of the prescription data, problems that may arise from digitizing prescriptions (such as inappropriate use of electronic prescriptions) can be reduced compared to when prescription data is always output in the same manner. Furthermore, by using the prescription management system 1, users (patients and pharmacists) can manage both electronic and paper prescriptions.

In addition, when the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50 and the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the data output unit 116 executes, as an output process, a process of adding first medical information related to the medical institution where the patient was examined to the prescription data. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, in S23 where the first judgment result is the pharmacy terminal 50 and the second judgment result is an electronic prescription, the first medical information is added. The first medical information is, for example, specialized medical information E31 shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, when the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50 and the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, the data output unit 116 executes, as an output process, a process of not adding medical information to the prescription data. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, in S22 where the first judgment result is the pharmacy terminal 50 and the second judgment result is a paper prescription, the medical information is not added.

In addition, when the output destination is the patient terminal 40, the data output unit 116 adds the first medical information to the prescription data when the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, just as when the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the first medical information is added in S14 where the first determination result is the patient terminal 40 and the second determination result is an electronic prescription. The first medical information in this case is, for example, the general medical information E21 shown in FIG. 9. On the other hand, when the output destination is the patient terminal 40, the data output unit 116 does not add medical information to the prescription data when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the medical information is not added in S13 where the first determination result is the patient terminal 40 and the second determination result is a paper prescription.

When prescription data indicating an electronic prescription is acquired, the electronic prescription DB1 stores not only the electronic prescription information but also related medical information (examination results, medical records, hospital location, doctor information, etc.) from the medical institution server 30. Therefore, the data processing unit 115 can easily add medical information. On the other hand, when prescription data indicating a paper prescription is acquired, the paper prescription DB2 stores only the electronic prescription information, and does not store medical information. Therefore, adding medical information imposes a new burden on the hospital or user. Therefore, by not adding medical information when prescription data indicates a paper prescription, it is possible to suppress the increase in workload due to adding information compared to always adding medical information.

When the output destination is the patient terminal 40, the data output unit 116 executes, as an output process, a process of adding third medical information related to the medical institution where the patient was examined to the prescription data. The third medical information is, for example, general medical information E21 shown in FIG. 9. On the other hand, when the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50, the data output unit 116 executes, as an output process, a process of adding fourth medical information different from the third medical information to the prescription data. The fourth medical information is information related to the medical institution. The fourth medical information is, for example, specialized medical information E31 shown in FIG. 10.

According to this embodiment, patients are provided with information that can be understood without specialized knowledge, such as general medical information E21, and pharmacies are provided with information that requires specialized knowledge but is useful for dispensing medicines and providing medication instructions, such as specialized medical information E31. In other words, it is possible to provide medical information that is appropriate for each patient and pharmacy.

<Other embodiments>

<Addition of medical information>
When the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50 (or the patient terminal 40), the data output unit 116 may execute, as an output process, a process of adding medical information to the prescription data when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription. In this case, the data output unit 116 may add, to the prescription data, second medical information having a smaller amount of information than the first medical information. The second medical information, like the first medical information, is information about the medical institution where the patient was examined.

The data output unit 116, for example, adds both the dedicated medical information and the general medical information as the first medical information, and adds only the general medical information as the second medical information. Even in this case, compared to adding the same amount of medical information as the first medical information, it is possible to suppress an increase in the workload due to adding information by not having to add the dedicated medical information.

<Show schedule>
The server display unit 111 may display, for example, on the patient terminal 40, the dates on which a pharmacist can provide medication instructions. Medication instructions by a pharmacist include online medication instructions and face-to-face instructions at a pharmacy. Online medication instructions are when a pharmacist uses the patient terminal 40 to explain to a patient how to take medicine. Thus, the server display unit 111 may execute a process to display a first date on which online medication instructions at a pharmacy can be provided when the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114 indicates an electronic prescription, and to display a second date on which face-to-face instructions at a pharmacy can be provided when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription (display step).

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule for which medication instructions are available. In Figure 14, a system screen G8 showing the schedules for which medication instructions are available is displayed. In Figure 14(a), a schedule table E81 showing the first schedule for which online medication instructions are available is displayed on the system screen G8. In Figure 14(b), a schedule table E82 showing the second schedule for which face-to-face instructions at a pharmacy are available (dates when the pharmacy is open) is displayed on the system screen G8. Note that in the example of Figure 14, the server display unit 111 displays the schedule for only one pharmacy, but it may also display the schedules for two or more pharmacies.

If an electronic prescription has been issued, online medication instructions can be selected. On the other hand, if a paper prescription has been issued, face-to-face instructions at a pharmacy are necessary. Face-to-face instructions at a pharmacy can only be provided on dates when the pharmacy to which the pharmacist belongs is open. On the other hand, online medication instructions can be provided regardless of whether the pharmacy to which the pharmacist belongs is open, so there are fewer time constraints than with face-to-face instructions. Therefore, if online medication instructions are possible, it is more convenient for patients if the dates for online medication instructions are displayed.

According to this aspect, the first schedule is displayed when online medication instruction is available, and the second schedule is displayed when face-to-face instruction is required, so that a schedule that is more suitable for the patient can be presented compared to, for example, displaying only the dates when the pharmacy is always open. Note that when the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the server display unit 111 may display not only the first schedule but also the second schedule at the patient's option. This allows the patient to receive face-to-face instruction even with an electronic prescription if they wish.

<Display pharmacy information>
The prescription management server 10 may execute a process of displaying pharmacy information on the patient terminal 40 by the server display unit 111. The pharmacy information is information about a pharmacy, such as the location, contact information, and business hours of the pharmacy, which are necessary for using the pharmacy. When the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114 indicates an electronic prescription, the server display unit 111 executes a process of displaying pharmacy information indicating pharmacies that can provide online medication instructions.

When the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114 indicates a paper prescription, the server display unit 111 executes a process to display pharmacy information indicating pharmacies capable of providing face-to-face medication instructions. The server display unit 111 prestores pharmacy information indicating pharmacies capable of providing online medication instructions and pharmacy information indicating pharmacies capable of providing face-to-face medication instructions, and displays this information according to the mode of acquisition of the prescription data. According to this mode, pharmacies capable of providing medication instructions can be easily found.

The pharmacy information to be displayed is not limited to the above information. For example, the server display unit 111 may display pharmacy information related to pharmacies that can deliver medicines. In this case, the server display unit 111 first executes a process to accept input of the desired delivery date of the medicine via the patient terminal 40. Then, the server display unit 111 executes a process to display pharmacy information related to pharmacies that can deliver medicines on the input desired delivery date.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of displayed pharmacy information. The system screen G9 shown in Figure 19 displays an electronic prescription D91, an input field C91 for the desired delivery date, an input field C92 for the patient's address, a display button B91, pharmacy information E91, and a contact button B92. The electronic prescription D91 indicates a prescription for a patient using the patient terminal 40. When the display button B91 is operated with the desired delivery date entered in the input field C91 and the address entered in the input field C92, the first operation reception unit 412 of the patient terminal 40 transmits request data indicating the electronic prescription D91, the entered information, and a request for pharmacy information to the prescription management server 10.

The server display unit 111 accepts the input of the desired delivery date indicated in the transmitted request data, and searches for pharmacies that can deliver the medicines listed on the electronic prescription D91 in the vicinity of the address indicated in the request data. The server display unit 111 is assumed to have stored in advance information on the address of each pharmacy and the types of medicines that can be delivered. The server display unit 111 transmits pharmacy information indicating the searched pharmacies to the patient terminal 40. The pharmacy information E91 is information thus displayed indicating pharmacies that can deliver the medicines listed on the electronic prescription D91. When the patient selects a pharmacy and operates the contact button B92, the contact information of the selected pharmacy is displayed, and functions such as calling or emailing the pharmacy are activated. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily find pharmacies that can deliver medicines.

The server display unit 111 may execute a process to display pharmacy information indicating pharmacies that are capable of providing medication instruction and can deliver medicines on the input desired delivery date. For example, when the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the server display unit 111 executes a process to display pharmacy information indicating pharmacies that are capable of providing online medication instruction and can deliver medicines on the input desired delivery date. When the acquired prescription data indicates a paper prescription, the server display unit 111 executes a process to display pharmacy information indicating pharmacies that are capable of providing face-to-face medication instruction and can deliver medicines on the input desired delivery date.

In this case, too, by operating a contact button such as the contact button B92 shown in FIG. 19, the contact information of the pharmacy selected by the patient may be displayed, and a function such as calling or e-mailing the pharmacy may be activated. This type of configuration allows the patient to easily find a pharmacy that can provide medication instructions and deliver medicines.

<Format of prescription data>
The data output unit 116 may execute, as the output process, a transmission process for transmitting the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114 to a pharmacy terminal. In the case of an electronic prescription, the prescription data is transmitted as an original, so that the pharmacist can dispense medicines based on the electronic prescription indicated by the transmitted prescription data to the patient. In the case of a paper prescription, the prescription data is transmitted as a copy, so that the pharmacist can prepare the medicines based on the paper prescription indicated by the transmitted prescription data and can hand over the medicines to the patient who has brought the original paper prescription.

Here, the data output unit 116 may perform a first transmission of electronic data in a first format as the transmission process when the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, and may perform a second transmission of electronic data in a second format as the transmission process when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription. The first format is, for example, a data format used in a system that handles electronic prescriptions, and the first transmission is a transmission using a data transmission method used in the same system. On the other hand, the second format is, for example, a facsimile data format, and the second transmission is a transmission using a facsimile data transmission method.

Other formats include text format, image format, HTML document format or encoding, etc. Transmission methods include email or uploading using a dedicated application program. These formats and transmission methods are examples of output modes by the data output unit 116. In any case, the data output unit 116 executes the transmission process such that the first format and the second format are different, and the first transmission and the second transmission use different transmission methods.

Some pharmacies do not support electronic prescriptions and prescription data can only be sent by fax, while others support electronic prescriptions and do not have fax machines. Therefore, by varying the format and transmission method as described above, prescriptions can be accepted at a greater number of pharmacies.

<Reservation process>
The prescription management server 10 may execute a reservation process for medication instructions.
Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the control unit 11 of the prescription management server 10. The control unit 11 includes a reservation processing unit 119 in addition to the units shown in Fig. 4. The reservation processing unit 119 executes reservation processing for medication instruction based on the prescription data acquired by the data acquisition unit 114.

The reservation processing unit 119 stores in advance the address of each pharmacy and information on the types of medicines for which medication instructions can be provided. The reservation processing unit 119 displays a reservation screen for making a reservation for medication instructions on the patient terminal 40 based on the acquired prescription data.
Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed reservation screen. The system screen G10 shown in Fig. 21 displays an electronic prescription D101 or a paper prescription F101, an input field C101 for a desired reservation date, an input field C102 for a patient's address, a display button B101, pharmacy information E101, and a reservation button B102.

When the display button B101 is operated with the desired appointment date entered in the input field C101 and the address entered in the input field C102, the first operation reception unit 412 of the patient terminal 40 sends the prescription data, request data indicating the entered information and a request for pharmacy information to the prescription management server 10. The reservation processing unit 119 accepts the input of the desired appointment date indicated in the transmitted request data, and searches for a pharmacy that can provide medication instructions for the medicine indicated in the prescription data.

Here, if the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the reservation processing unit 119 searches for pharmacies that can provide online medication instructions or face-to-face instructions, and if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, it searches only for pharmacies that can provide face-to-face instructions. When searching for pharmacies that can provide face-to-face instructions, the reservation processing unit 119 searches from pharmacies in the vicinity of the patient's address indicated by the request data. The reservation processing unit 119 displays pharmacy information (pharmacy information E101 in FIG. 21) related to the searched pharmacy on the patient terminal 40.

When the patient operates the reservation button B102, the reservation processing unit 119 executes reservation processing such as displaying the reservation screen of the operated pharmacy, activating the telephone function to the reservation telephone number, or processing an online reservation. In this way, when the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the reservation processing unit 119 executes reservation processing for face-to-face or online medication instruction, and when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, executes reservation processing for face-to-face medication instruction. As described above, when an electronic prescription has been issued, online medication instruction can be selected, and when a paper prescription has been issued, face-to-face instruction at a pharmacy is necessary. Therefore, according to the above aspect, it is possible to make a reservation for medication instruction that can use the prescription data.

<Acquisition method>
The acquisition mode is not limited to the above-mentioned electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription. For example, the mode of the acquisition source may be used as the acquisition mode, such as the patient terminal 40, the pharmacy terminal 50, the paper prescription DB 2 of the device itself, or the electronic prescription DB server 20. For example, when the output destination is the patient terminal 40, and the acquisition mode is that the acquisition source is the electronic prescription DB server 20, the data output unit 116 outputs the prescription data in the above-mentioned fourth mode (a mode indicating that the prescription is not an original) since the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription.

When the output destination is the patient terminal 40, and the acquisition source is the patient terminal 40, the pharmacy terminal 50, or the paper prescription DB 2, the data output unit 116 outputs in the third mode described above (a mode indicating that the prescription is an original) since the prescription data indicates a paper prescription. When the output destination is the pharmacy terminal 50, the data output unit 116 outputs in the opposite mode (the third mode when the acquisition source is the electronic prescription DB server 20, and the fourth mode when the acquisition source is the patient terminal 40 or the pharmacy terminal 50). In these cases as well, it is possible to improve the convenience of paper prescriptions while suppressing the use of inappropriate electronic prescriptions.

<Output mode>
The output mode of the data output unit 116 is not limited to the above-mentioned (mode of processing the original, mode of processing the copy, mode of adding medical information, mode of no processing, mode of watermark processing). The data output unit 116 may, for example, process a character string, symbol, or code that indicates that it is an original, or may process a character string, symbol, or code that indicates that it is a copy.

The data output unit 116 may also vary the output format by embedding audio data in the prescription data. For example, the data output unit 116 varies the output format by embedding audio indicating that the data is an original or a copy. In either case, since it is clear whether the prescription indicated by the prescription data is an original or a copy, it is possible to prevent problems that may occur when prescriptions are digitized (such as inappropriate use of electronic prescriptions) compared to when prescription data is always output in the same format.

<Other configurations, etc.>
The configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the like is an example, and other configurations may be used as long as there is no inconvenience in implementation. For example, one device may be distributed to two or more devices, or may be replaced by a cloud computing system. Furthermore, the functions of one device may be distributed and realized to two or more devices, or the functions of two or more devices may be concentrated and realized in one device. Furthermore, the operation performed by one function may be distributed to two or more functions, or two or more functions may be integrated into one function. In short, as long as each function required for the entire prescription management system 1 is realized, the devices that realize those functions may have any configuration.

The output destination of information or data (hereinafter referred to as "information, etc.") may be another device, a display, a memory unit (including built-in memory units and external memory units), etc. Acquisition of information, etc. includes acquiring information, etc. generated by the device itself, in addition to acquiring information, etc. transmitted from another device. The table in which parameters are associated is not limited to the table shown in the figure, and the number of parameters may be reduced or increased. Also, information, etc. corresponding to parameters may be found using a formula or a conditional formula, etc., without using a table.

The above-described embodiment is an information processing system such as the prescription management system 1 that includes an information processing device such as the prescription management server 10, but may also be an information processing method. The information processing method includes each processing step executed by the information processing system. The above-described embodiment may also be a program. The program causes a computer to execute each processing step executed by a similar information processing system.

<Additional Notes>
Furthermore, it may be provided in the following aspects:

(1) A program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring prescription data, a processing process for processing the prescription data to change the display mode, and an output process for outputting the prescription data, and in the output process, the output is performed in a mode corresponding to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.

This approach can help prevent problems that can occur when digitizing prescriptions.

(2) A program in accordance with the above (1), which causes the computer to execute a first determination process for determining whether the output destination of the prescription data is a patient terminal or a pharmacy terminal, and in the output process, performs the output in a first manner if the output destination is the patient terminal, and performs the output in a second manner different from the first manner if the output destination is the pharmacy terminal.

This aspect makes it possible to prevent the use of inappropriate prescription data while improving the convenience of prescription data.

(3) In the program described in (1) or (2) above, the program causes the computer to execute a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, and in the output process, if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, the output is performed in a third mode, and if the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the output is performed in a fourth mode different from the third mode.

This aspect improves the convenience of paper prescriptions and prevents improper handling of electronic prescriptions.

(4) A program for causing the computer to execute a second determination process for determining whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, and, if the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, display a first date on which online medication instructions are available at the pharmacy, and, if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, display a second date on which face-to-face instructions are available at the pharmacy.

In this manner, a more suitable schedule can be presented to the patient.

(5) A program according to any one of (1) to (4) above, which causes the computer to execute a first determination process for determining whether the output destination of the prescription data is a patient terminal or a pharmacy terminal, and a second determination process for determining whether the acquisition mode of the prescription data is an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, and in the output process, when the output destination is a pharmacy terminal, if the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, first medical information regarding the medical institution where the patient was examined is added to the prescription data, and if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, no information is added to the prescription data, or second medical information having less information than the first medical information is added to the prescription data, and the second medical information is information regarding the medical institution.

This aspect makes it possible to suppress the increase in workload caused by adding information.

(6) In the program described in (2) above, in the output process, if the output destination is the patient terminal, third medical information related to the medical institution where the patient was examined is added to the prescription data, and if the output destination is the pharmacy terminal, fourth medical information different from the third medical information is added to the prescription data, and the fourth medical information is information related to the medical institution.

In this manner, medical information appropriate for each patient and pharmacy can be provided.

(7) In the program described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the computer is caused to execute a second determination process for determining whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, and a process for displaying pharmacy information on a patient terminal, the pharmacy information being information about a pharmacy, and indicating a pharmacy capable of online medication instructions if the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, and indicating a pharmacy capable of face-to-face medication instructions if the acquired prescription data indicates a paper prescription.

This aspect makes it easy to find pharmacies that can provide medication instructions.

(8) A program according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which causes the computer to execute a process of accepting input of a desired delivery date of a medicine via a patient terminal, and a process of displaying pharmacy information regarding pharmacies that can deliver the medicine on the input desired delivery date.

This aspect makes it easier to find pharmacies that will deliver medicines.

(9) In the program according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the computer is caused to execute a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, the output process is a transmission process to transmit the acquired prescription data to a pharmacy terminal, and when the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, a first transmission using electronic data in a first format is performed as the transmission process, and when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, a second transmission using electronic data in a second format is performed as the transmission process, and the first format and the second format are different, or the first transmission and the second transmission have different transmission methods.

This approach allows prescriptions to be filled at more pharmacies.

(10) A program according to any one of (1) to (9) above, which causes the computer to execute a second determination process for determining whether the prescription data was acquired as an electronic prescription or scanned data of a paper prescription, and a reservation process for medication instructions based on the acquired prescription data, and if the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, causes the computer to execute a reservation process for face-to-face or online medication instructions, and if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, causes the computer to execute a reservation process for face-to-face medication instructions.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to schedule medication instructions that use prescription data.

(11) A system comprising an acquisition processing unit that acquires prescription data indicating a prescription, a processing processing unit that processes the acquired prescription data to change the display mode, and an output processing unit that outputs the acquired prescription data, the output processing unit performing the output in a mode corresponding to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.

This approach can help prevent problems that can occur when digitizing prescriptions.

(12) A method in which a computer that controls a system executes an acquisition process for acquiring prescription data indicating a prescription, a processing process for processing the acquired prescription data to change the display mode, and an output process for outputting the acquired prescription data, and in the output process, the output is performed in a mode corresponding to the acquisition mode or output destination of the prescription data.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems that may occur when converting prescriptions into digital data.
Of course, this is not the case.
Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined in any desired manner.

Finally, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described, these are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. New embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments and their modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1: Prescription management system 2: Communication line 10: Prescription management server 11: Control unit 20: Electronic prescription DB server 21: Control unit 30: Medical institution server 31: Control unit 40: Patient terminal 41: Control unit 50: Pharmacy terminal 51: Control unit 100: Information processing system 111: Server display unit 112: DB control unit 113: Authentication unit 114: Data acquisition unit 115: Data processing unit 116: Data output unit 117: Terminal determination unit 118: Prescription determination unit 119: Reservation processing unit 211: DB control unit 212: Authentication unit 311: Server display unit 312: DB control unit 313: Authentication unit 314: Business processing unit 411: First user display unit 412: First operation acceptance unit 413: Image reading unit 511: Second user display unit 512 : second operation receiving unit 513 : image reading unit

Claims (12)

On the computer,
An acquisition process for acquiring prescription data;
A processing process for processing the prescription data to change the display mode;
and an output process for outputting the prescription data.
In the output process, the output is performed in a manner corresponding to the acquisition manner or output destination of the prescription data.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
Executing a first determination process to determine whether the output destination of the prescription data is a patient terminal or a pharmacy terminal;
In the output process, when the output destination is the patient terminal, the output is performed in a first mode, and when the output destination is the pharmacy terminal, the output is performed in a second mode different from the first mode.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
Executing a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
In the output process, when the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, the output is performed in a third mode, and when the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, the output is performed in a fourth mode different from the third mode.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
Executing a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
If the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, a first schedule for which online medication instruction is available at the pharmacy is displayed, and if the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, a second schedule for which face-to-face instruction is available at the pharmacy is displayed;
A program for executing. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
A first determination process for determining whether the output destination of the prescription data is a patient terminal or a pharmacy terminal;
and executing a second determination process for determining whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
In the output process, when the output destination is a pharmacy terminal,
When the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, first medical information related to a medical institution where the patient was examined is added to the prescription data;
When the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, no information is added to the prescription data, or second medical information having a smaller amount of information than the first medical information is added to the prescription data, and the second medical information is information about the medical institution.
program. The program according to claim 2,
In the output process,
When the output destination is the patient terminal, third medical information regarding the medical institution where the patient was examined is added to the prescription data,
When the output destination is the pharmacy terminal, fourth medical information different from the third medical information is added to the prescription data, and the fourth medical information is information about the medical institution.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
A second determination process for determining whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
and executing a process of displaying pharmacy information on the patient terminal;
The pharmacy information is information about a pharmacy,
If the acquired prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, a pharmacy capable of providing online medication instructions is indicated;
A program that indicates a pharmacy that can provide face-to-face medication instructions when the acquired prescription data indicates a paper prescription. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
A process of accepting input of a desired delivery date of medicines via a patient terminal;
and executing a process of displaying pharmacy information relating to pharmacies that can deliver medicines on the input desired delivery date.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
Executing a second determination process to determine whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
The output process is a transmission process for transmitting the acquired prescription data to a pharmacy terminal,
When the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, a first transmission using electronic data in a first format is performed as the transmission process;
If the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, a second transmission of electronic data in a second format is performed as the transmission process;
The first format and the second format are different, or the first transmission and the second transmission have different transmission methods.
program. The program according to claim 1,
The computer includes:
A second determination process for determining whether the prescription data is acquired as an electronic prescription or as scanned data of a paper prescription;
and executing a reservation process for medication instruction based on the acquired prescription data.
If the prescription data indicates an electronic prescription, execute a reservation process for face-to-face or online medication instruction;
If the prescription data indicates a paper prescription, a reservation process for face-to-face medication instruction is executed.
program. 1. A system comprising:
An acquisition processing unit that acquires prescription data indicating a prescription;
A processing unit that processes the acquired prescription data to change the display mode;
and an output processing unit that outputs the acquired prescription data. The output processing unit outputs the prescription data in a manner corresponding to the acquisition manner or output destination of the prescription data.
system. The computer that controls the system
An acquisition process for acquiring prescription data indicating a prescription;
A processing process for processing the acquired prescription data to change the display mode;
and an output process for outputting the acquired prescription data. In the output process, the prescription data is output in a manner corresponding to the acquisition manner or output destination of the prescription data.
Method.