JP6766034B2 - Drug delivery system and method - Google Patents

Description

The various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to configurable drug delivery systems, and more specifically to remotely detect and monitor specific parameters for storage and utilization of drugs and / or drug devices. With respect to a drug delivery system having a smart sensor for

Traditional medical systems for drug delivery have been used to monitor drug use by patients while they are located in designated health facilities. Therefore, such a medical system monitors or tracks the amount of drug administered to a patient. This information may be automatically entered into the medical system by a physician, either manually or using a device such as a scanner and barcode. Such systems are suitable for the purpose of tracking and monitoring drug use when both the patient and / or the drug are located in the medical facility, but most systems are by the user once the user leaves the medical facility. Does not provide extensive and accurate remote real-time monitoring of drug use. Moreover, most healthcare systems are unable to track the medications that users receive at pharmacies or by mail.

The above objectives and advantages of the present invention are examples of what can be achieved by various exemplary embodiments and are not intended to cover or limit the potential advantages that can be achieved. Thus, these and other purposes and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments are obvious from the description herein, or can be learned from implementing the various exemplary embodiments, and the various exemplary embodiments. The embodiments are embodied herein or modified to take into account any modifications apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention has novel methods, arrangements, combinations and improvements set forth and described in various exemplary embodiments herein.

An overview of the various exemplary embodiments is presented below. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following overview, which are intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of various exemplary embodiments and limit the scope of the invention. Is not intended. A detailed description of appropriate exemplary embodiments will follow in the later sections to allow those skilled in the art to conceive and use the concepts of the invention.

Various exemplary embodiments relate to drug delivery systems. The drug delivery system detects and detects a medical server configured to transmit, receive and process data, a drug device configured to administer a preselected drug, and parameters selected for drug delivery. It includes a sensor circuit configured to transmit information and a transmission hub configured to communicate with a medical server and the sensor circuit. The transmission hub is configured to receive signals from the sensor circuit and exchange information with the server. The drug delivery system further includes an application configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the sensor circuit and the medical server.

Further, in various embodiments of the drug delivery system, the transmission hub is a mobile device configured to exchange information with a sensor circuit and also communicate with a server using Bluetooth® or Bluetooth Low Energy technology. .. The sensor circuit can be attached to the drug device or drug carrier.

Further in various embodiments, the sensor circuit comprises a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the environment surrounding the drug device. The sensor circuit sends the detected temperature to the transmission hub and the application compares the detected temperature to the selected temperature range.

Further in various embodiments, the sensor circuit comprises a position detector configured to provide information about the position of the drug device and the attached sensor circuit, and transmits position-related data to the application.

Further in various embodiments, the sensor circuit comprises a contact element provided on the drug device to facilitate detection of administration of the drug from the device by the application. The application may be provided to a transmission hub that provides an interface for the user to enter information into the application.

In addition, various exemplary embodiments relate to methods for remotely monitoring drug delivery in a drug device. The method comprises detecting contact in the drug device using a contact element provided in the drug device that communicates with the sensor circuit. The method then comprises transmitting a signal from the sensor circuit to the application indicating that a contact has occurred in the drug device. The method further comprises receiving a signal from the sensor circuit in the transmission hub and using an application to determine that the signal contains contact element information. The method further comprises transmitting a signal indicating that the drug has been accessed from the transmission hub to the connected medical server.

In addition, various exemplary embodiments relate to methods of detecting the location of a drug device. The method comprises transmitting a Bluetooth signal from a sensor circuit provided in the drug device or drug device carrier. The method further comprises the step of receiving a Bluetooth signal at the transmission hub when the signal is within range. The method further comprises initiating a signal that provides the location of the transmission hub from the transmission hub to a remotely connected server when a Bluetooth signal is received. If the signal is not within range of the transmission hub, the method comprises initiating a signal indicating that the sensor circuit is not within range of the transmission hub to the server remotely connected from the transmission hub.

The method further comprises detecting the proper distance and / or position of the transmission hub from the sensor circuit by transmitting the signal strength of the Bluetooth transmission from the sensor circuit. Positioning of the drug device can be done by displaying the strength of the signal as the user approaches or moves away from the device.

The method further comprises detecting the distance or position of the sensor circuit by a medical device by activating a button or signal in a transmission hub or application such that the sensor circuit emits sound, vibration and LEDs. The method further comprises the step of detecting the location of the drug device using the Global Positioning System application to determine where the transmission hub is located.

The accompanying drawings are referenced for a better understanding of the various exemplary embodiments.
Embodiments of a drug delivery system configured to remotely monitor drug use, including a transmission hub and a smart sensor circuit that communicate with the drug device. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary drug device including a smart sensor circuit provided on the case to facilitate monitoring of the position and use of the drug device. It is a flow chart which shows embodiment of the method of monitoring the position of the drug apparatus in the drug delivery system of FIG. It is a flow chart which shows the embodiment of the method of detecting the drug use.

For ease of understanding, the same reference numbers are used to specify elements with substantially the same or similar structure and / or substantially the same or similar function.

Principles are shown as examples of the described systems and methods for brevity and exemplary purposes. In the following description, many specific details are described to provide a complete understanding of the examples. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the illustration can be carried out without limitation to these particular details. In other examples, well-known methods and structures are not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the understanding of the examples.

The ability of healthcare providers to monitor and track patient drug use in real time helps healthcare providers provide emergency professional services to patients. In addition, real-time tracking or monitoring of a patient's drug use by a healthcare provider will prevent the patient from forgetting to administer the drug, prevent the patient from overdose the prescription, and provide real-time assistance to the patient during drug administration. May provide the patient with safety benefits, such as providing. In addition, real-time drug tracking allows patients or healthcare providers to find misplaced medications and facilitates contact with emergency services or personnel when using medications.

Electronic devices such as smartphones or similar transmission hubs allow users and / or healthcare providers to remotely communicate with drug devices via Bluetooth and simultaneously with remote data servers and related networks via the Internet, Wi-Fi or cellular. Allows you to communicate. Thus, a configurable smart sensor circuit and a configurable smart sensor circuit that communicates with a remote data server to monitor and track the use of selected drugs and / or drug devices and facilitate the delivery of improved professional medical services to patients. It is desirable to provide a drug delivery system that provides a transmission hub.

Next, with reference to the drawings, the illustrations are intended to describe or limit one or more embodiments. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a drug delivery system schematically designated by reference numeral 100. The drug delivery system 100 communicating with the smart sensor 102 or the smart sensor circuit facilitates monitoring and tracking of key parameters associated with patient use and storage of the selected drug and / or drug device 104. Such medical devices include, for example, the self-injector Epipen (R) or self-injector Epipen (R) cap 112, insulin pen, transdermal patch, metered dose inhaler, dry powder inhaler, atomizer, Glatiramer acetate. Pen) may be included. In particular, it is conceivable that the smart sensor 102 can operate in conjunction with any medical device used to distribute the drug without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The drug delivery system 100 includes a smart sensor circuit 102. The smart sensor 102 may be configured to detect drug-specific information to and from the drug device 104 and facilitate its exchange to the telemedicine server 150 and related networks. The smart sensor 102 may be provided on the drug device 104, on the cap 112 of the drug device 104, or on the associated drug carrier 110, which may be a package or container.

As shown, the drug delivery system 100 generally includes a medical server 150, further including a smart sensor 102 and a transmission hub 106 for remote communication with the medical server 150. The transmission hub 106 facilitates the transmission and exchange of drug-specific information detected by the smart sensor 102 between the telemedicine server 150 and the smart sensor circuit 102. The drug delivery system 100 further includes a software application 108. Application 108 works with the platform of the drug delivery system 100 to collect, store, monitor and remotely transfer drug-specific information between users and / or healthcare providers, transmission hubs 106 and healthcare servers 150. It is configured to perform various functions related to doing.

The drug delivery system 100 may further include one or more biometric devices 120 for measuring patient-specific health-related data and transmitting that information to the transmission hub 106 and / or application 108. The biometric device 120 is configured to transmit this information over radio and / or Bluetooth.

The smart sensor circuit 102 may include one or more different types of sensors for detecting the preselection parameters provided by application 108. The smart sensor 102 may include a physical position sensor 122 configured to detect a state associated with the physical position of the drug device 104. The physical position sensor may incorporate features such as the Global Positioning System GPS190 to provide position-specific information about where the drug device 104 is located. This feature can be advantageous in situations where the drug is misplaced or the healthcare provider has to find a patient with the drug.

Among many parameters, the smart sensor circuit 102 includes temperature by temperature sensor 124, pressure through pressure sensor 126, air flow rate through sensor 128, magnetic field (Hall effect) electrical conductivity detector 130, and electrical impedance by sensor 132. , The integrated circuit may include additional sensors for detecting parameters such as a colorimetric sensor 136 for detecting distortion and voice, drug color via the voice detector 134.

The temperature sensor 124 provided with the sensor circuit 102 may be configured to continuously measure the real-time temperature of the drug and / or the storage location of the drug. When the temperature sensor 124 provides the temperature readings to the application 108 via the sensor circuit 102, the information may be relayed to and processed by the medical server 150. Such temperature information may be compared to the approved storage temperature for the drug by application 108 and / or the server, alerting the patient via transmission hub 106 when the drug is located in an undesired state. May be done. As such, the application 108 communicating with the temperature sensor 124 and the sensor circuit 102 may further measure the time frame in which the drug device 104 and the drug are located at an unapproved temperature indicating potential drug degradation.

For drugs such as epinephrine, the approved temperature is about 15-30 ° C. Therefore, when the temperature sensor 124 detects that the measured value of the temperature of the drug is outside the preselected approval range, the measuring device 170 prompted by the application 108 is an interface or drug device provided in the transmission hub 106. An alarm, alert or message may be issued via an external device provided on the 104 or carrier 110.

The smart sensor circuit 102 may further include a microcontroller 142, which may be a small computer including a processor core 144, memory 146, and programmable I / O peripherals 148. For the detection of parameters that require an analog sensor, the smart sensor circuit 102 may convert the signal received from the analog sensor into an analog signal, such as a Texas Instruments 8/16/32 bit MCU. It is conceivable that a digital converter 140 (ADC) may be included. The memory 146 may be provided in the microcontroller 142. Memory 146 may be provided in the form of NOR flash or OTPROM and RAM. Further, the microcontroller 142 may be configured to receive the embedded application so that the drug monitoring application 108 can be stored in the smart sensor circuit 102.

The smart sensor circuit 102 is, for example, a BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy Radio) or infrared transmitter for transmitting data and / or information detected by the smart sensor circuit 102 and the other sensors described above to the transmission hub 106. Transmitter 116 may be further included or communicated with it. Instead of the BTLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) radio transmitter 116 and the microcontroller 142, it is conceivable that a module 118 incorporating all the functions of the BTLE radio 116 and the microcontroller 122 can be provided together with the ADC 140. The microcontroller 122 may be, for example, the same as that manufactured by a microchip. It is further conceivable that the sensor circuit 102 may incorporate other forms of communication such as RFID, NFC, or other form of wireless communication for communicating directly with the transmission hub 106 or with the medical server 150. Each sensor circuit 102 may have a unique radio number that can be transmitted to the transmission hub 106 and application 108 during communication. This unique identifier may allow the application 108 and the user to track the plurality of drug devices 104 at the same time, and further allow the transmission hub 106 and the circuit 102 to be automatically paired.

The positions of the sensor circuit 102 and the medical device 104 can be determined using intuitive guidance by sensing the signal strength of Bluetooth transmission. Positioning of the drug device 104 may be achieved by displaying the strength of the signal on the transmission hub 106 as the user approaches or moves away from the drug device 104. Further, the detection of the distance and / or the position of the sensor circuit 102 in the medical device 104 is such that the sensor circuit 102 emits sound, vibration and LED so that the user can detect the position of the sensor circuit 102. Alternatively, it may be achieved by activating a button or signal in application 108. Further, if the transmission hub 106 or the sensor circuit 102 and the drug device 104 are moved out of range or the pairing is interrupted, the application 108 working with the transmission hub 106 will no longer pair the sensor circuit 102 and the device 104. It is conceivable that a notification may be generated to the user indicating that it is not in the ring range. The last detected position of device 104 may be transmitted to application 108 and server 150.

It is conceivable that the transmission hub 106 in the range of the sensor circuit 102 can automatically upload the position information to the application 108 and the server 150 in real time. It is further conceivable that the server 150 and / or the application 108 will provide the drug device 104 with the last detected position whenever the user activates the "positioning" command using the application. As such, application 108 can use GPS and / or Bluetooth signal strength to indicate the location of the drug device 104. Further, upon reaching the position of the device 104, the sensor circuit 102 emits sound, vibration and LEDs so that the position of the sensor circuit 102 can be detected, as previously discussed.

The drug device 104 includes, for example, epinephrine (EpiPen (R) self-injector), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone (R) self-injector), adalimumab (Humira (R) self-injector), insulin (self-injector), Naxolone (self-injector). And one or more drugs and / or drug delivery products for treating emergencies and / or other medical conditions such as various respiratory drug delivery devices (quantitative & powder syringes). In various exemplary embodiments, the drug device 104 may be an epinephrine, a quantitative & dry powder inhaler or an autoinjector for administering other devices. Suitable self-injectors and related devices and methods are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,031,893, 4,226,235, 44,329,988, 4,394,863, 4,484,910, 4,640,686, 4,678,461, 4,795,433, 4,832,682, 5,085,641, 5,092,843, 5,102,393, 5 , 295,965, 5,354,286, 7,449,012, 7,794,432 and 8,048,035, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Is incorporated.

The smart sensor circuit 102 is configured to detect drug delivery-related parameters identified by application 108, for example, when the drug device 104 is being utilized or activated. Therefore, the smart sensor 102 may further include a contact or frangible element 114. The contact element 114 is configured to detect and generate a signal or instruction when the surface is contacted and opened or closed. The contact element 114 may close or open the electronic circuit when the drug device 104 is activated or the packaging 110 is opened to transmit a signal to the smart sensor circuit 102.

For example, the smart sensor circuit 102 that works with the contact element 114 is when the lid 110 of the self-injector packaging is opened, and thus when injection of a drug such as epinephrine, insulin, naloxone or another drug is likely to be deployed. Is configured to detect, and further indicates that the injection is being performed by the user. Further, the smart sensor circuit 102, which cooperates with the contact element 114 provided in the drug device 104, detects when the Epipen (R) needle is stowed or covered, and when the injection is complete. It is composed of. Such detection may be facilitated using one or more contact elements 114. The use of the sensor 102 and the contact element 102 is also operational with respect to other embodiments of the drug device 104. With respect to an alternative drug delivery device 104, such as a dry powder inhaler, for example, the smart sensor circuit 102 may be configured to detect various delivery events. In the case of a drug device 104 such as an inhaler 104, the sensor circuit 102 that works with the element 114 detects when the lid of the drug device 104 has been removed from the dry powder inhaler, metered dose inhaler, and nebulizer.

Further, the smart sensor circuit 102 may detect when the drug delivery device 104 is gripped by a person. Further, in cooperation with the pressure sensor 126, the sensor circuit 102 may detect when pressure has increased inside or around the inhaler or intranasal sprayer 104 or when force has been applied to the pressurizing device. Good. In such cases, pressure is generally required to disperse the drug from the drug device 104, such as a metered dose drug container, so that the sensor circuit 102 can detect the force applied to the pressurizing device by the drug. Indicates that the process is being delivered. This information can then be remotely transmitted to application 108 and medical server 150.

With respect to the drug delivery device 104, such as a percutaneous delivery patch, for example, the sensor circuit 102 that works with the contact element 114 indicates when the patch was placed on the skin as well as when the percutaneous delivery patch 104 was unpacked. Indicates that the drug is configured to detect that it is being delivered.

The drug device 104 may be provided in carrier 110 or packaging, which may be imprinted with various selected drug information. Further, such drug information may be provided to the sensor circuit 102 and the drug application 108 and stored remotely in the medical server 150. For example, the drug information may include other drug-specific relevant information along with the name of the drug, active ingredient, dose, expiration date, lot ID, approved storage temperature and product serial number. The drug information may be machine readable printed. For example, the drug information may be printed as a quick response (QR) code. In addition, the drug information may be printed as a character string that is easily recognized using optical character recognition (OCR). Instead of storing all of this drug information in such a code, the code may be sent to a look-up table stored in application 108 or in server 150. The code can be used to remotely reference the information assigned to a particular code. Code assignment may be made at the time of manufacture or packaging by the manufacturer. Since this information can be stored remotely, drug information can also be accessed or modified.

Further, the carrier 110 may include an insert or a card contained therein. Instead, any information contained in the drug device 104 may be located on the packaging 110. The drug information may be digitally encoded in memory 146 of the drug device 104 or smart sensor 102 and the information is shared with the drug application 108 and the medical server 150, as discussed in more detail below. To enable.

The transmission hub 106 may be configured to facilitate communication between the smart sensor circuit 102, the drug application 108 and the telemedicine server 150. The transmission hub 106 transmits the information detected by the smart circuit 102 and transmits the information to the medical server 150 or the processor. The transmission hub 106 remotely transmits information such as a smartphone such as an iPhone ^TM , a personal digital assistant (PDA) such as an iPad (registered trademark) ^TM , a computer, a tablet, or a 2net hub manufactured by Qualcomm. It may include a hub such as a Bluetooth hub that can transmit.

Multiple transmission hubs 106 or electronic devices may be used to track each drug device 104 along with the sensor circuit 102. Even if this is achieved using a unique digital code that the manufacturer of the radio (Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, RFID, NFC, etc.) assigns to each particular radio chip or sensor circuit 102 during the manufacturing process. Good. Thus, a unique digital code assigned to each of the corresponding radio / chip or center 102 can also be assigned to the drug or drug device 104 to provide a separate identification for each drug device 104.

Identifying the drug device 104 may be accomplished using a transmission hub 106 in which the application 108 is installed on the hub 106 or remotely on the server 150. Thus, device identification can be achieved using multiple transmission hubs 106 (telephones, tablets, electronic devices), as the code can be assigned to and transmitted from the device sensor 102.

The drug application 108 can be configured to receive, process, and transfer information related to the delivery of one or more selected drugs. Application 108 may be remotely stored or provided in any of the transmission hub 106, the sensor circuit 102, or on the medical server 150 or the connecting network in the architecture of the drug delivery system. The drug application 108 is configured to monitor various parameters and / or attributes associated with drug delivery. The application 108 provided to the transmission hub 106, such as a mobile phone, may provide preselected information in real time to any other authorized individual accessing the mobile device 106 with the user / patient.

The application 108 communicating with the sensor circuit 102 detects the physical position of the drug device 104, such as the EpiPen (R), and when the device 104 is within range of the transmission hub 106, the device is further out of range of the transmission hub 106. It is configured to provide status alerts and other information when it is available. Therefore, the system 100 can detect the proximity of the device 104 to a patient such as a child and relay this information to the doctor or parent.

Application 108 also communicates with one or more biometric devices 120. The biometric device 120 provides patient-specific data that is detected and / or collected when the user uses the biometric device 120. This information is transmitted in real time to the transmission hub 106 and further to the application 108 and the medical server 150. Therefore, a medical professional such as a doctor or a nurse can remotely monitor the patient's biometric data and adjust the drug dose and prescription based on the biometric information. In addition, healthcare providers may remotely program the release of dosages.

Further, application 108 is configured to provide various configurable user settings such as detection of drugs used. Application 108 is to receive a signal from the sensor circuit 102 that detects when the lid of packaging 110 has been opened and therefore injection of a drug (eg, epinephrine, insulin, naloxone or another drug) is about to begin. Is further configured. Application 108 is configured to process this information and exchange it with medical server 150. Application 108 may be configured to monitor other events such as when the self-injector lid was opened, when the self-injector needle was deployed and retracted, and / or when the injection was performed. Good. Such delivery-specific information may be stored by application 108 and transmitted to medical server 150. For the other drug devices described above, application 108 is configured to remotely monitor and transmit usage information to medical server 150.

Such processed usage data may be provided to the mobile device or transmission hub 106 in real time, as drug usage events can be stored by application 108 and / or transmitted to server 150. Application 108 may provide the healthcare provider or user with a map showing, for example, when and where the user has previously administered the drug device 104. In addition, application 108 can also present real-time alerts about when drug 104 was used, including location information. Application 108 may also provide historical data and analysis of usage events of the drug device 104, such as event lists and graphs.

Application 108 is configured to exchange information with the telemedicine server 150. Application 108 provides one or more prompts or inputs that allow a user or healthcare provider to provide demographic information, geographic information, as well as selected information such as user activity such as exercise and dietary items. To. In addition, application 108 is configured to transfer, for example, a sphygmomanometer, glucose meter, oxygen meter, scale, EKG, and any medical-related information to exchange medical and biometric information for the user. It may be further linked with other medical devices such as other medical devices.

The drug delivery system 100 may include a cloud computing infrastructure capable of receiving signals from the smart sensor circuit and / or application 108 and remotely transmitting information to the processor or cloud computer server 150. The transmission hub 106 communicates with a server or group of servers that may be connected via a communication network 198 such as, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), cellular 196, Wi-Fi, and the like. The application 108 provided to the connected transmission hub 106 or transmission hub 106 or server 150 includes preselected permissions and protocols that allow the transmission hub 106 to communicate and remotely access the medical server 150.

The medical server 150 may be a server operated by a medical provider, a health insurance provider, or a government health institution. In addition to storing drug-specific information, the medical server 150 may store or have access to patient-specific information. Therefore, the medical server 150 communicating with the transmission hub 106 may provide patient-specific information to a licensed device such as the emergency service provider 180 along with the transmission hub 106 and the associated drug device control center 180.

The medical server 150 may be configured to receive and process specific messages from the drug device 104, the mobile device 106 or the transmission hub 106, and the control center 180. For example, the medical server 150 may be configured to check the drug, prescription and order replenishment. The medical server 150 includes a processor 160 and / or a controller which can be any suitable type of computer processor such as a microprocessor configured to perform calculations, decisions, data transmission / reception, control signal transmission / reception or command processing. It may be. As used herein, the term "processor" refers to a variety of applications such as microprocessors, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other similar processing and computing devices. It is understood to include various devices.

The medical server 150 executes the application 108 and stores data, or the medical server 150 described above is also connected to a network via the Internet or other connection platforms accessed from anywhere so that the user can apply. It has the processing power to perform any other computing task that allows the 108 to be accessed and performed remotely.

The medical server 150 may be operated by a drug manufacturer or other third party. The medical server 150 may provide the application 108 in a downloadable format running on the transmission hub 106, or may store the application in memory 152 or remotely. The medical server 150 may also provide support for downloadable applications and / or web applications. The medical server 150 may include a database of registered drug information provided by a patient who chooses to register with the drug device 104. The medical server 150 may provide various services accessible via applications. The medical server 150 working with the drug application 108 may provide text or audio and / or video instruction that may be downloaded or streamed to a transmission hub or mobile device 106.

The medical server 150 may provide information to the application 108 and the transmission hub 106 based on the information of the registered drug device 104. For example, the medical server 150 may track the expiration date, drug device use 104, and provide notification of an approaching expiration date. As such, system 100 can queue reorders if the drug is to be used up or expired in device 104. In various embodiments, the medical server 150 may provide a tracking system, such as a geographic location tracking system, which is the last known physical of the drug device 104 or transmission hub 106 in which the registered user communicates with the device 104. Allows you to track your location.

Along with the medical server 150, the drug system 100 may further include a storage device or memory 152 that communicates with the medical server 150 to store data and information. The memory may be provided on the medical server 150 or accessible externally by the medical server 150. Memory 152 can be any suitable type of computer-readable and programmable memory. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic recording devices, non-temporary computer-readable storage memory, optical disks, magnetic optical disks, and / or semiconductor memories (eg, RAM, ROM, etc.). Examples of magnetic recording devices that can be used in addition to or in place of memory 152 include hard disk devices (HDDs), flexible disks (FDs), and magnetic tapes (MTs). Examples of optical discs include DVD (digital versatile disc), DVD-RAM, CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory), and CD-R (recordable) / RW.

The memory 152 may store information about the drug device 104. The information stored in the memory 152 may include the date of manufacture, expiration date, drug, dose, instructional voice, instructional text, other instructions for use, prescription information, reorder information, and contact information.

The sensor circuit 102 provided on the carrier 110 allows the healthcare provider to track the carrier for the purpose of reordering and / or recycling the carrier 110. When the use of the carrier 110 is completed, the sensor circuit 102 provided in the carrier 110 may transmit the position information to the system 100 via the transmission hub 106. To reduce costs and waste, the sensor circuit 102 may be tracked to the return location via a transmission hub located at the healthcare provider's location. For this reason, the healthcare provider may detect the sensor circuit 102 when the carrier 110 is in range and urge the healthcare provider to reorder the replacement drug device 104 for the user.

During operation, the drug delivery system 100, which works with the sensor circuit 102, the transmission hub 106, the application 108 and the telemedicine server 150, provides real-time monitoring of the drug device 104, which detects the temperature of the drug, the position of the transmission hub 106. It may include the approximate location of the drug through the drug and information on the administration and use of additional drugs.

As previously disclosed, the sensor circuit 102 is connected or attached to a drug device 104 that may include a connection with an EpiPen (R) cap 112, a self-injector plastic case 110 or a carrier 110. As shown in FIG. 3, in step 202, the sensor circuit 102 uses the contact element 114 to detect when the self-syringe packaging has been opened and when drug use is about to begin. Further, the sensor circuit 102 may further detect when the needle of the self-injector is deployed, when the injection is started, and when the needle is retracted.

When drug delivery is detected by the smart sensor circuit 102 in steps 204 and 206, application 108 accesses the dosing information via application 108 and sends it to the transmission hub 106 or mobile device 106 in a preselected order. The information may be delivered, including a series of audio, video or text prompts. Dosage information is transmitted according to the relevant protocol and may instruct the patient or user on how to properly use the drug device 104 and how to deliver the drug. Further, the system 100 detects the position 208 of the transmission hub 106.

Further, in step 210, when it is detected that the self-injector or drug device 104 has been opened by the sensor circuit 102 and / or when it is detected that the drug device 104 has been deployed, the sensor circuit 102 will perform in step 212. A signal to application 108 prompting the user to determine whether the transmission hub 106 or connection server 150 or associated network device wants to contact an emergency telephone number such as a first responder, caregiver, healthcare professional or 911. You may send it.

Information and location regarding the drug device 104 and carrier 110 may be transmitted to server 150 via application 108. This may be done automatically when the drug device 104 is within range of the transmission hub 106, or it may be done manually by application 108 at the transmission hub 106. The drug delivery system 100 continuously detects when the sensor circuit 102 provided close to the drug device 104 communicates with the transmission hub 106 in real time, and whether the sensor 102 is within the range of the transmission hub 106. You may send a signal to detect. The detection of the drug device 104 generally depends on the transmission range between the sensor circuit 102 and the transmission hub 106, which in the case of Bluetooth is about 150 ft. It is also conceivable that the drug device 104 can be tracked using cellular communication with a GPS chip or sensor circuit 102. Application 108 or transmission hub 106 may translate the detected GPS coordinates of device 104 into text messages or audible voice commands. Thus, when the emergency provider is contacted, an audible voice command will alert the provider to the need for treatment and the location of the drug device 104 and the user's detection.

As discussed, application 108 may detect the location of the drug device 106. In the presence of the BTLE signal, application 108 may estimate that the drug device 104 is in the vicinity of the transmission hub 106 and therefore the patient has the drug nearby. This information is transmitted to the cloud / medical server 150 and can then be relayed to the caregiver (such as parents) if the patient has the drug at hand. If the BTLE signal is lost, it is estimated that the drug is likely not nearby and application 108 may send an alert to the patient or caregiver.

FIG. 4 shows monitoring of the use of the drug device 104. In steps 405 and 410, multiple position signals may be exchanged between the transmission hub 106, the sensor circuit 102 and the application 108 to provide real-time information about the proximity positions of the drug device 104 and the carrier 110. In steps 420 and 425, when the sensor circuit 102 exits the detection range of the transmission hub 106, a message is transmitted to notify the user. In addition, a message is sent to the user when the sensor returns to range or is reactivated within range of transmission hub 106.

With location and usage information, system 100, along with application 108, locates the patient using the location tracking service of the transmission hub 106 or mobile device, and in step 435, an emergency drug such as naloxone, epinephrine or corticosteroid. Whenever is delivered, a message may be sent to and / or the caregiver at step 445 and a supplement may be ordered at step 455. The user can also configure additional contact settings when a drug delivery event occurs.

In addition, System 100 may provide assistance in monitoring storage and use and orders. When the drug device 104 is opened, application 108 prompts the user to provide information about whether the drug has been used and whether they want to reorder for replacement and replenishment of the drug.

Patient drug utilization also includes the medical server 150 via the sensor circuit 102 and transmission hub 106 with a time stamp to plan long-term drug compliance with maintenance drugs such as insulin, Copaxone (R) or bronchodilators. Can be sent to. Combining the number of deliveries and doses of the measured or adapted drug with the biometrics measured by the relevant biometric device 120 allows healthcare professionals who are remotely managing the patient to receive heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen from the patient. It makes it possible to see effects and side effects such as changes in saturation and / or body temperature. In addition, the connected biometric device 120 allows healthcare providers to compare variables such as dose, diet and exercise with changes in the patient's biometrics.

Although various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, the present invention may also include other embodiments, the details of which are modified in various obvious ways. It is understood that it is possible. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, modifications and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above disclosures, descriptions and drawings are merely exemplary and do not limit the invention as defined solely by the claims.

Claims (14)

A medical server configured to send, receive and process data,
A drug device configured to administer a preselected drug to a first user ,
Sensor circuits configured to detect and transmit information on selection parameters related to drug delivery,
A transmission hub configured to communicate with the medical server and the sensor circuit, the transmission hub configured to receive a signal from the sensor circuit and exchange the information with the medical server.
An application configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the sensor circuit and the medical server, comprising an application having a preselected set of protocols.
The application
Detecting the signal strength between the transmission hub and the sensor circuit ,
The distance between the transmission hub and the sensor circuit is determined based on the signal strength.
When the distance indicates that the drug device is within the proximity of the transmission hub, the first estimation is made by making a first estimation that the first user has the drug at hand. Is transmitted to the medical server to relay the signal regarding to the second user's computer device.
If the distance indicates that the drug device is not in the proximity, a second presumption that the first user does not have the drug at hand is made to the sensor circuit or the computer device . Issue an alert regarding the second estimation
A drug delivery system further configured as such. The drug delivery system of claim 1, further comprising at least one biometric device that communicates with the transmission hub to transmit patient-specific biometric information to the transmission hub. The drug delivery system of claim 1, wherein the transmission hub is a mobile device that is configured to exchange information with the sensor circuit using Bluetooth® technology and communicates with the medical server. The drug delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor circuit is attached to the drug device. The drug delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor circuit is provided in a drug carrier. The sensor circuit includes a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the environment surrounding the drug device, the sensor circuit transmits the detected temperature to the transmission hub, and the application is detected. The drug delivery system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature is compared to a selected temperature range. The drug delivery according to claim 4, wherein the sensor circuit includes a position detector configured to provide information about the position of the drug device and an attached sensor circuit and transmits position-related data to the application. system. The drug delivery system of claim 4, wherein the sensor circuit comprises a contact element provided in the drug device to facilitate detection of administration of the drug from the drug device by the application. The drug delivery system according to claim 4, wherein the application is provided to the transmission hub that provides an interface to the user to enter information into the application. The drug delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission hub is a tablet. A method for detecting the location of a drug device configured to administer a preselected drug to a first user .
A step of transmitting a Bluetooth signal from a sensor circuit provided in a drug device or a drug device carrier, and
When the Bluetooth signal is within range, the step of receiving the Bluetooth signal at the transmission hub and
When the Bluetooth signal is received, a step of starting a signal that provides the position of the transmission hub to a server remotely connected from the transmission hub, and
A step of detecting the signal strength of the Bluetooth signal between the drug device and the transmission hub and comparing the value of the signal strength with a preselected value.
When the signal strength value indicates that the drug device is in the proximity of the transmission hub, the first presumption that the first user has the drug at hand is made and said. The signal relating to the first estimation is transmitted to the remotely connected server to relay to the computer device of the second user.
When the signal strength value indicates that the drug device is not in the proximity, a second presumption that the first user does not have the drug at hand is made and from the transmission hub. A method comprising the step of transmitting a signal relating to the second estimation to the remotely connected server and causing the sensor circuit or the computer device to issue an alert relating to the second estimation . 11. The method of claim 11, wherein detecting the location of the drug device comprises using the Global Positioning System application to determine where the transmission hub is located. A medical server configured to send, receive and process data,
A drug device configured to administer a preselected drug to a first user ,
Sensor circuits configured to detect and transmit information on selection parameters related to drug delivery,
A transmission hub configured to communicate with the medical server and the sensor circuit, the transmission hub configured to receive a signal from the sensor circuit and exchange the information with the medical server.
An application configured to facilitate the exchange of information between the sensor circuit and the medical server, comprising an application having a preselected set of protocols.
The application monitors the use of the drug device and the location of the drug device by connecting to the drug device via the transmission hub.
The application
Detecting the signal strength between the transmission hub and the sensor circuit ,
The distance between the transmission hub and the sensor circuit is determined based on the signal strength.
If the distance thus said drug device is shown that is within proximity of the transmission hub, said first user by performing a first estimation of to have a drug at hand, the first A signal relating to the estimation is transmitted to the medical server for relaying to the computer device of the second user,
If the distance indicates that the drug device is not in the proximity, a second presumption that the first user does not have the drug at hand is made to the sensor circuit or the computer device. thereby out alerts about the second estimate
A drug delivery system further configured as such. 13. The drug delivery system of claim 13, further comprising at least one biometric device that communicates with the transmission hub to transmit patient-specific biometric information to the transmission hub.

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