Patient-specific medication dispensing and notification system

A medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a medication station and a controller responsive to patient admittance status information. The medication station includes at least one securable compartment configured to hold medication. The controller is configured to assign a patient to the at least one securable compartment such that medications for the patient are able to be placed into the at least one securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit access to the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is currently admitted, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is not currently admitted.

Not Applicable.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to apparatus and methods for providing health care and, in particular, relates to providing care to a patient through controlled access to medication.

BACKGROUND

It is well known in the medical community, and in particular, in hospitals, to provide centrally located medication and supply dispensing stations, such as wall cabinets, manually secured patient cassette drawers, and automated dispensing machines. Such generally accessible stations serve several functions including the distribution of medicines and supplies to patients. These stations work well for their intended purpose. However, there are disadvantages to such centralized stations. One disadvantage is that after a patient is discharged, the medications are frequently not retrieved from the station, and consequently remain in the station. These easily accessible medications are often either stolen or mixed in the station with medications for other patients.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the patient-specific medication dispensing and notification system disclosed herein provide patient-specific dispensing of medications with patient-specific notifications to the caretaker responsible for the dispensing of the medications.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a medication dispensing system comprises a medication station and a controller responsive to patient admittance status information. The medication station comprises at least one securable compartment configured to hold medication. The controller is configured to assign a patient to the securable compartment such that medications for the patient are able to be placed into the securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit access to the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is currently admitted, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is not currently admitted.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method, for patient-specific medication dispensing and notification, comprises the following: receiving an admit-discharge-transfer (ADT) alert, evaluating a list of patients whose medications are stored in a medication station to determine if the list includes the patient for whom the ADT alert was received, and transmitting a notification to adjust medications for the patient in response to the ADT alert received for the patient, if the list of patients treated by the medication station includes the patient for whom the ADT alert was received.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for causing a processor to execute instructions to control a medication station by performing steps comprising receiving admittance status information for the patient, and assigning the patient to at least one securable compartment of a medication station, such that at least one medication for the patient is able to be placed into the securable compartment. The computer-readable medium also comprises computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising selectively permitting access to the medication in the securable compartment when the admittance status information indicates the patient is currently admitted, and restricting access to retrieve the medication in the securable compartment when the admittance status information indicates the patient is not currently admitted.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the discussed embodiments as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It will be obvious, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail not to obscure the disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates an ADM100according to certain embodiments.

The ADM100is a patient-specific medication dispensing and notification system configured to provide patient-specific dispensing of medications with patient-specific notifications regarding the medications for the patient. The ADM100is a type of medication dispensing system. The ADM100, through its electronic interface110, allows authorized users, such as caregivers, to access medications securely stored in the station100, while restricting access to unauthorized users. Furthermore, when a patient that will be or is assigned to the ADM is admitted to or removed from the facility in which the ADM100is used, the ADM100transmits an alert to either add or remove medications for the patient. Consequently, the ADM helps prevent the disappearance of medications for patients, such as after they are discharged, or mixing of medications between different current patients.

The ADM comprises a cabinet120and the electronic interface110. The cabinet120includes a plurality of modular storage compartments, here shown as drawers122. The number and type of drawers122used can be custom configured within the cabinet120to match the medication and supply needs of the facility using the ADM100. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two types of drawers122: supply drawers126for use in holding general supplies and medical drawers124for use in holding medical supplies, such as medicine. The medical drawers124are securable. In certain embodiments, the supply drawers126can also be securable. The secured medical drawers124are electronically controlled, while the supply drawers126are manually controlled. For example, a person can open and close a manually controlled supply drawer126with little or no preliminary requirements such as providing a password or code. Manually controlled drawers can either be accessed (i.e., opened and closed) by hand with no impediments, similar to conventional storage drawers, or alternatively can be made accessible through a first securing arrangement, while electronically controlled drawers are accessible through a second securing arrangement.

FIGS. 2-3illustrate a typical configuration of drawers122for the ADM100. The drawers122are matrix drawers, which are drawers divided into equally accessible compartments by adjustable or fixed dividers132. The number and type of dividers132used can be custom configured within each drawer122to match the medication and supply needs of the facility using the station100.

In certain embodiments, the configuration of drawers122can be similar to the drawer configuration found in the presently commercially available product known as a MedStation automated medication management system from Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio. A MedStation system can be configured with different kinds of drawers122that include drawers with CUBIE receptacles, matrix drawers of different heights, and MiniDrawers™. CUBIE, Matrix and Double Deep Matrix are terms understood by those skilled in the art. CUBIE receptacles, drawers122, and related dispensing machines are fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,116,461 and 6,338,007, which are incorporated herein by reference. There can also be patient-specific CUBIE receptacles that contain multiple medications and supplies for a single patient.

Supply drawers126have handles128, whereas medical drawers124do not. In certain embodiments, either type of drawer126or128can have handles128. The securable medical drawers124automatically open a relatively short distance, e.g., less than two inches, from the cabinet120when they are electronically unlocked. This may be accomplished by spring-loaded solenoids. Supply drawers126need to be manually opened and do not automatically open when unlocked. In certain embodiments, the supply drawers126automatically open as well. The particular drawer122design can be any chosen design with sound engineering judgment. In the illustrated embodiment100, the drawer design122includes rails134, as illustrated inFIG. 3, that slidably connect the drawers122to the cabinet120in a well-known manner. Indicators136are used in indicating if a drawer122is unlocked. In certain embodiments, indicators136can be used to indicate if the drawer122contains desired supplies. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicators136include an indicator light136mounted on a front surface of the cabinet120, as shown, so that it can be easily observed when a drawer122is open. Alternatively, the indicator lights136could be on the drawers122. The electronic interface110could also provide an appropriate indication.

The ADM100is movable in certain embodiments. Returning toFIG. 1, the ADM100has at least a first ground-engaging wheel138(an embodiment with four wheels is shown), and at least a first handle142for use in transporting the ADM100. In certain embodiments, other means of movement may be used. In certain embodiments, depending on the location and type of electronic interface110, the cabinet120can also have a top work surface which can vary in size and shape.

In certain embodiments, the cabinet ADM100can include an illumination light inside the handle142for illuminating the drawers122. In this way, an opened drawer's122contents are illuminated obliquely. This illumination light may be positioned in the cabinet handle142or attached to the underside of the handle142. The illumination light is turned on when a drawer122is opened. The drawers122could also incorporate translucent bins and gentle illumination from below to silhouette the drawer122contents.

FIG. 4is a top perspective view of the back of the cabinet120of the ADM ofFIG. 1. As noted above, secured drawers are electronically controlled. In case there is a loss of power to the ADM100, and/or some electrical computer malfunction prevents normal access to the drawers122, the cabinet120can be equipped with a manual release mechanism for use in unlocking the drawers122. An access system144is provided so that a manual release mechanism can be accessed. At least one of the cabinet back panels146provides the required access system144. This gives access to each drawer's122manual release mechanism.

FIG. 5is a block diagram of the electronic interface110of the ADM100ofFIG. 1. The electronic interface110comprises a computing device116, display device112and an input device114.

The display device112is a flat panel display in the exemplary embodiment. In certain other embodiments, the display screen112can be a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), light emitting diode (LED) display, plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), or surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED). The input device114is a keyboard. In certain embodiments, the input device114can be a keypad integral with the cabinet, touch-screen input, mouse, or a microphone. For example, in embodiments without a physical keyboard, the input device114can be a virtual keyboard. The virtual keyboard automatically appears on the display112when the system detects a type-in field. The virtual keyboard is a feature that hospital staffs appreciate even more than the physical keyboards because it minimizes the number of objects in the room and also decreases the risk of infection and contamination.

The computing device116comprises a processor164, communications module162, and memory150. The processor164, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), drives software stored in the computing device's memory150or elsewhere.

The communications module162provides networking capability in order to connect to a network510, which is described in further detail below. Networking capability is achieved via a communication layer that enables data transmissions. Networking can be achieved by the use or the installation of data cables from the ADM100to a central network device for the network510, such as a router or switch, or by using a wireless connection. An alternate technology would use existing phone cabling of the facility to transport data, thus avoiding the cost and deadlines associated with the installation of new cabling.

Stored in the memory150is software152for interfacing with an admit-discharge-transfer (ADT) system, software154for interfacing with an electronic medical record (EMR) server, interactive interface software160, access information156, an access log156, and a list of active patients166, and a list of discharged (or inactive) patients168. The memory150can include volatile and/or non-volatile sections.

The interactive interface software160is used in interacting with a user of the ADM100, as discussed in further detail below with reference toFIG. 8. The interactive interface software160maintains at least a list of patients166being treated whose items are stored in the corresponding ADM100(“active patient list”), and, in certain embodiments, the software can maintain a separate list of patients168who were previously being treated and whose items were stored in the ADM100, but who are no longer active (“discharged patient list”). Both lists166and168are stored and maintained in memory150by the interactive interface software160. The interactive interface software160references access information156stored in memory150when authenticating a caregiver attempting to use the ADM100through the interactive interface software160. The interactive interface software160communicates with and accesses information from the ADT system interface software152and the electronic medical record (EMR) interface software154, discussed below. In certain embodiments, the interactive interface software160is configured to run on any ADM with physical features similar to the features of the ADM(s)100discussed herein, in order to provide other ADMs with the interactive software functionality of the ADM(s) discussed herein. For example, the interactive interface software160is configured to run on the Medstation discussed above, as well as the ADM disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/810,379, entitled “POINT OF CARE STATION,” filed on Mar. 26, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The ADT system interface software152is configured to receive and interpret alerts received from an ADT system. ADT system alerts, which are patient specific, include admission alerts, discharge alerts, and transfer alerts. In certain embodiments, the ADT system interface software152is configured to receive and interpret alerts containing admit, discharge, transfer, or other patient admittance status information from any system. The EMR interface software154is configured to access, read, and write information on a device storing EMRs. In certain embodiments, the ADT system interface software152and the EMR interface software154are standardized using standards available from Health Level Seven, Inc. (HL7), so that the ADM100can be used with any facility network. In certain embodiments, the ADM100contains software to interface with nearly every major system vendor using proprietary or non-proprietary interfaces. The interactive interface software160is configured to broadcast or otherwise transmit admit, discharge, and transfer notifications in response to the ADT alerts interpreted by the ADT system interface software152.

The electronic interface110uses the interactive interface software160to control access to items stored in the cabinet120. In order to access the items, special access must first be granted. Two levels of access to the ADM100software systems are supported. Before medication can be dispensed, the caregiver must log in with access information. One method is to have the caregiver enter a username and password, or just a password in order to gain access to the items stored in the drawers122. Another method is to have the caregiver use a swipecard authenticated with either password or fingerprint. The ADM100can be used with cards with a magnetic strip or chip, proximity cards or chips that the caregiver would carry, and the like. The ADM100may also require a password and ID entry in order to gain access to the items stored in the compartments28. The interactive interface software160can also start a time-out to log off and lock supply drawers126in response to closing a drawer122.

In certain embodiments, the electronic interface110can be in a remote location with respect to the ADM100. Consequently, in certain embodiments, an ADM as disclosed herein does not include an electronic interface. An ADM without an electronic interface, can, for example, include an input for connecting to an electronic interface with similar features to the electronic interface110disclosed herein, such as through a physical connection/port, or through a wireless connection.

The caregiver interacts with the ADM100through the electronic interface110. If the electronic interface110has been idle for a predetermined time, such as three minutes, the system will automatically log off. In certain embodiments, other predetermined amounts of time can be used. To log back on at the same point in the ADM interface software160, the access information is re-entered. If the same access information for the same caregiver is entered, the caregiver's location in the interactive interface software160is preserved. If access information for a different caregiver is entered, the initial screen for the interactive interface software160will be displayed. In certain embodiments, there is no automatic log off. In certain embodiments, the ADM100displays a fast log out button to allow caregivers to interrupt their session and leave the room momentarily, and secures the system.

To access items within the drawers122, while a caregiver is logged on, any one of the authorized drawers122can be opened depending on a patient's admittance status. In another embodiment, while a caregiver is logged on, one or more of authorized supply drawers126can be opened.

In embodiments where tracking of items is included, the needed item can be retrieved and recorded on-screen. This mode of interaction works best for caregivers with a clear mental picture of where items are in the cabinet120, or who can quickly recognize an item on sight. This mode also allows items to be accessed and recorded while the interactive interface software160is in mid-operation on another task. In another embodiment, the display112provides a screen interface for each drawer122. This interface may illustrate any and all the items and their locations in drawer122sections. This may be shown graphically with pictures or a list of items and their locations. This may help the caregiver to intuitively direct their attention to relevant items. If the caregiver takes nothing from the drawer, the on screen menu for that drawer122will persist (even if the drawer122has been shut again) until the caregiver presses the “none taken” button or goes to the next screen if another drawer122is opened. If the caregiver has taken an item(s) and has recorded what the caregiver has taken on the touch screen, the menu will disappear when the caregiver shuts the drawer122. In another embodiment, an “out of stock” button can be provided beside each item button to inform restockers about items that need more urgent attention—for example, a nurse needed a particular item but the item was not there. In yet another embodiment, a “dispatch” button could be provided to prompt a restocker to come to the room immediately with a refill.

In certain embodiments, the ADM100may allow caregivers to inform the system when a particular item has run out and needs to be restocked. At least three alternate policies for use of this interface160are possible: (1) a button is pressed any time anybody notices a depleted item; (2) a button is pressed when lack of an item has inconvenienced a caregiver; (3) a button serves as a panic button to request a restocker to immediately bring a set of new stock for that ADM100.

In certain embodiments, the memory150further includes a bedside information gateway (BIG). BIG is an application-independent system that allows easy and efficient access to mission-critical applications directly from the ADM100. It makes it possible for medical staff to leverage applications throughout the facility regardless of the technology (Web or Windows) used for these applications. BIG makes it possible for physicians and nurses to access quickly and easily a wide variety of medical applications and information, therefore shortening the time it takes the caregiver to make rounds. Whether used to consult a patient file, access laboratory/radiology results or prescriptive applications, the ADM100acts as a window on the applications inside the hospital mainframe, such as by using the network510. With the BIG technology, only the purchase of verification software is required to implement verification.

The electronic interface110can be located on or in the cabinet120. The electronic interface110can be removably or permanently attached to the cabinet120. In certain embodiments, portions of the electronic interface110can be attached to the cabinet120via an arm, such as an articulated arm.

FIG. 6is a block diagram of a network configuration for the ADM ofFIG. 1. A plurality of ADMs100are connected to a facility network510through their respective communication modules162. Also connected to the network is a console device622, such as a computer. The console device622can be located in a pharmacy so it is easily accessible to an individual, such as a pharmacist, responsible for dispensing medications to an ADM100. The console device622and the ADMs100together form the ADM system620of the network510. The other portion of the network510is the facility network630, which includes an ADT system632and a networked server storing EMRs634. Each ADM100of the network510thus has access to admission/discharge/transfer information for a patient, a patient's medical record, and possibly any other medical application or information.

The ADT system632broadcasts alerts for a patient, including alerts that a patient has been admitted to, discharged, or transferred from the facility. For example, if a patient John Doe is admitted to a hospital that uses an ADT system632, the ADT system632would broadcast an alert over the network510that patient John Doe has been admitted. The alert would be received by an ADM100also connected to the network510, as illustrated, which then processes the information that patient John Doe has been admitted to the hospital. The ADM100can then transmit a corresponding notification through the network510to the console622.

The EMR server634stores electronic medical record information, and makes the information available over the network510according to appropriate security features and requirements. EMR information can include, for example, notes from patient medical history, family history, complaints, office visits, staff observations, lab tests, X-rays, prescription and drug allergy information, social history, and diagnoses.

FIG. 7is a flow diagram illustrating a process700for managing medications for a patient using the ADM ofFIG. 1. The process700begins in state701when the patient is admitted into the facility. The ADT system632issues an admit alert over the network510in state702that the patient has been admitted. The electronic interface110of the ADM100receives the admit alert in state703, and, in response, determines in state704if the patient is already assigned to the ADM100. For example, the interactive interface software160of the ADM100can determine whether the patient is present in the ADM's list of active patients166. If the patient is determined to be already assigned to the ADM100, the process700is completed. If, however, the patient is determined not to be assigned to the ADM100, the process proceeds to state705. In certain embodiments, state704determines if the patient is assigned to any ADM100on the network510.

In state705, the ADM100sends its own admit notification for the patient. The ADM's admit notification is broadcast to devices within the ADM system620on the network510, including the console622. The admit notification can be broadcast according to any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, automated telephone call, automated voicemail, Short Message Service (SMS) message, Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) message, Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) push, instant message, email, RSS feed, screen alert, and page.

The admit alert received at the console522notifies the console's user, such as a pharmacist, that the patient has been admitted to the hospital. In response, the pharmacist accesses the patient's medical records from the EMR server634on the network510in order to obtain the patient's medical history, which includes the patient's prescription information. In state706, the pharmacist (or other caregiver) assigns to the patient a patient cassette drawer (PCD)124, or compartment(s) in the PCD124, in the appropriate ADM100. The appropriate ADM100can be selected based on the patient's location in the facility, for example. In certain embodiments, a patient can be assigned multiple PCDs124. In certain embodiments, a patient can be assigned to a portion of a drawer124, such as to a compartment in the drawer124. After being assigned the patient in state706, the ADM100updates its list of active patients166in state707to include the patient. In certain embodiments, the ADM100updates its list of active patients in response to receiving the admit alert from the ADT system532in state703or after the determination is made in state704. An ADM100can be selected to house the patient's medications based on its proximity to the patient or to the relevant nurse station. The PCD assignment is made through the ADM's interactive interface software160, such as by entering access information or entering/selecting the appropriate patient information, and then selecting a PCD124to assign to the patient. The pharmacist or other caregiver can then dispense the appropriate medications to the PCD124in state708, which is discussed in further detail below with reference toFIG. 8.

When the patient is later discharged out of, transferred from, or otherwise leaves the hospital in state709, the ADT system632issues a discharge (or transfer) alert for the patient in state710. The ADM100receives the discharge alert in state711, and, in response, determines if the patient is assigned to the ADM100in state712. For example, the interactive interface software160of the ADM100can determine whether the patient is present in the ADM's list of active patients166. If the patient is determined not to be assigned to the ADM100, the process700is completed. If, however, the patient is determined to be assigned to the ADM100, such as by being listed in the list of active patients166for the ADM100, the process proceeds to state713. In certain embodiments, state712determines if the patient is assigned to any ADM100on the network510.

If the discharged patient is determined to be an active patient of the ADM in state712, then in state713, the ADM100sends its own discharge notification for the patient. The electronic interface110otherwise ignores discharge alerts received for patients not assigned to the ADM100. The ADM's discharge notification is broadcast to devices within the ADM system620, including the console622. For example, the discharge notification from the ADM100is sent to the pharmacist console622, and can include information to notify the pharmacist to retrieve medications for the discharged patient from the patient's assigned PCD.

Upon receiving the discharge alert at the console622, the pharmacist in state714removes the patient's name from the ADM's active patient list166, and, in certain embodiments, adds the patient's name to the ADM's inactive patient list168. In certain embodiments, this name removal/addition is performed automatically by the ADM100in response to receiving the discharge alert from the ADT system632in state711or after the determination made in state712. The addition of the patient's name to the ADM's inactive patient list168causes the ADM100to restrict access to the PCD124previously assigned to that patient. The pharmacist or other authorized caregiver can then retrieve the patient's medications from the appropriate PCD124in the ADM100in state715, such as after being notified by a discharge notification sent by the ADM100, as discussed above. Unauthorized users or caregivers will not be able to access the PCD124for the discharged patient, even if previously authorized.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram illustrating a process800for interacting with interface software of the ADM ofFIG. 1. AlthoughFIG. 8illustrates an embodiment where authorized users can have different levels of clearance, in other embodiments, all authorized users can have the same level of clearance.

The process800of interaction begins in state801when the caregiver logs into the ADM's interactive interface software160. As discussed above, access to the ADM100is granted to the caregiver after the appropriate access information is entered, according to the access information156stored in the device's memory150. After the caregiver successfully logs in, the interactive interface software160determines the caregiver's clearance level in state802using the stored access information156. In the illustrated embodiment, a caregiver can have at least two different clearance levels: a first clearance level which does not have access to empty a discharged patient's cassette drawer, such as for a nurse, and a second, higher clearance level which does have access to empty a discharged patient's cassette drawer, such as for a pharmacist. In embodiments where an authorized user can have only one level of clearance, the process would automatically proceed from state801to state807.

If in state802the caregiver is determined to have the first clearance level, the process moves to state803, where a list of active patients166is displayed. The caregiver then selects an active patient from the active patient list in state804. In certain embodiments, if the patient is assigned to multiple drawers124, the interactive interface software160can prompt the caregiver to select a drawer124. Next, in state805, the caregiver is given the option of either refilling the selected patient's cassette drawer124, or dispensing medications from the selected patient's cassette drawer124. The interactive interface software then provides to the caregiver access to the appropriate secured patient cassette drawer124, such as by electronically unlocking the drawer, so that the caregiver can complete the task of either refilling or dispensing in state806.

If, however, in state802the caregiver is determined to have the second, higher clearance level, the process moves to state807, where both a list of active patients166and a list of inactive patients168is displayed. The caregiver in state808can select either an active patient from the active patient list166, or an inactive patient from the inactive patient list168. In certain embodiments, if the patient is assigned to multiple drawers, the interactive interface software160can prompt the caregiver to select a drawer124. Next, in state809the caregiver is given the option of either refilling or dispensing medications from an active selected patient's cassette drawer124, or emptying medications from an inactive selected patient's cassette drawer124. If the caregiver selects to either refill or dispense medications for an active patient, the process moves to state806, as discussed above. If the caregiver selects to empty an inactive patient's cassette drawer124, the interactive interface software160provides to the caregiver access to the appropriate secured discharged patient cassette drawer124, such as by electronically unlocking the drawer, so that the caregiver can complete the task of emptying in state810. Thus, only a caregiver with an appropriate access level has access to medications in a discharged patient's cassette drawer124, while a caregiver without the appropriate access level cannot access the medications in the discharged patient's cassette drawer124. A caregiver may have been notified to log in to the interface software of the ADM to empty an inactive patient's cassette drawer124by receiving a notification at the pharmacist console, as discussed above.

After the caregiver's task is completed in either state806or810, the system records to an access log the caregiver's identification, the task performed by the caregiver, and the time the caregiver performed the task. In certain embodiments, other information can be logged, such as the dispensing, refilling, or emptying of medications.

In certain embodiments, the interactive interface software160of the ADM100is configured to track the movement of medications contained in the cabinet120, such as when a medication is loaded and removed, to whom the medication is assigned, and which PCD124the medication is assigned to and/or located. These features can be achieved by adding additional tracking functionality to the interactive interface software160, such as by expanding states806and810in the process800ofFIG. 8to include prompting the caregiver for information regarding the medications refilled or dispensed (in state806) or emptied (in state810).

As illustrated above, the ADM100may be integrated into a larger, perhaps care facility(ies) wide, system for controlling supplies and medicines. For one example, the ADM100can complement at least two other devices known as the Pyxis MedStation and the Pyxis SupplyStation units. In one recommended use, high use and patient-specific medications are stored in the ADM100while the MedStation unit maintains first dose and controlled medications. Slower moving drugs can be placed in the MedStation unit while the fast moving medications can be placed within the cabinet120of the ADM100. The MedStation and SupplyStation units can be used to manage bulk items while the ADM100can manage patient-specific medications and supplies. It should be noted that the interactive interface software160of the ADM100can be configured to interface with the MedStation units.

While certain aspects and embodiments of the invention have been described, these have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.