Abstract:
A portable medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a portable medication tote comprising a securable compartment configured to hold medication, and a controller, responsive to access information, configured to assign a patient to the securable compartment such that medications for the patient are authorized for placement into the securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit a user access to the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the securable compartment. The system also includes an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the securable compartment.

Description:
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    It is well known in the medical community, and in particular, in hospitals, to use a centralized inventory system for dispensing and administering medications. In this system, medications provided by a pharmacy, for example, are temporarily stored in a centralized area or station for administration. 
         [0004]    Caregivers who seek to administer to patients medications from the centralized storage area often transport the medications in an unsecured fashion, such as by loading the selected medications onto a movable cart, onto a tray, or even into their own pockets. Consequently, there are provided by a pharmacy, for example, several risks associated with unsecured transport, such as the wrong type or amount of medication being administered to a patient, the medication being stolen, or the mixing of medications where the medications are temporarily stored for administration. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, little or no record is kept of the taking or dispensing of such medications, such as the type and dose of the medication, when and by whom the medication was removed, and to whom and at what time the medication was administered. Healthcare facilities are thus often inhibited from determining if the type and amount of medication given to a patient was appropriate, or whether any medication was administered at all. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the secure medication transport and administration system (hereinafter “secure tote”) disclosed herein provide for the recorded and secure loading of patient-specific medications into a secure, portable device which records and verifies patient bedside access to the medications by an authorized caregiver. 
         [0007]    According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable medication dispensing system comprises a portable medication tote comprising at least one securable compartment configured to hold medication, and a controller responsive to access information. The controller is configured to assign a patient to the at least one securable compartment such that medications for the patient are authorized for placement into the at least one securable compartment. The controller is further configured to selectively permit a user access to the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the at least one securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the at least one securable compartment. The system further comprises an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the at least one securable compartment. 
         [0008]    According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for patient-specific medication dispensing comprises assigning a patient to at least one securable compartment in a portable medication tote, the at least one securable compartment configured to store medications for the patient. The method further comprises selectively permitting a user access to store the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when access information indicates the user has storage access to the at least one securable compartment, and comparing a bedside identification of the user and a bedside identification of the patient to the access information to determine whether the user has access to dispense to the patient the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment. The method also comprises selectively permitting the user access to dispense to the patient the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment using the determination, and outputting usage information regarding the user access to at least one of the assignment, access, and the determination made regarding the at least one securable compartment. 
         [0009]    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 portable medication dispensing system by performing steps comprising assigning a patient to at least one securable compartment in a portable medication tote, the at least one securable compartment configured to store medications for the patient. The computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising selectively permitting a user access to store the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when access information indicates the user has storage access to the at least one securable compartment, and comparing a bedside identification of the user and a bedside identification of the patient to the access information to determine whether the user has access to dispense to the patient the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment. The computer-readable medium also comprises computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising selectively permitting the user access to dispense to the patient the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment using the determination, and outputting usage information regarding the user access to the assignment, access, and/or determination made regarding the at least one securable compartment. 
         [0010]    According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable dispensing system comprises a portable item tote comprising at least one securable compartment configured to hold items, and a controller responsive to access information. The controller is configured to assign an assignee to the at least one securable compartment such that items for the assignee are authorized for placement into the at least one securable compartment. The controller is further configured to selectively permit a user access to the items for the assignee in the at least one securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the at least one securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the items for the assignee in the at least one securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the at least one securable compartment. The system further comprises an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the at least one securable compartment. 
         [0011]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0012]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a secure tote for secure medication transport and administration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of certain electronic features of the secure tote of  FIG. 1  and of an Automated Dispensing Machine (ADM). 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a network configuration for the secure tote of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for filling medications in the secure tote of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for dispensing medications from the secure tote of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a secure tote for secure medication transport and administration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates the secure tote embodiment of  FIG. 6  with an open lid. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a docking station for the secure tote embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sample screenshot of ADM interface software displaying a docked secure tote. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a sample screenshot of ADM interface software displaying an assigning of patient-specific medications to a secure tote. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a secure tote  100  for secure medication transport and administration. This configuration is exemplary only, such that other physical configurations may be employed. 
         [0026]    The secure tote  100  provides secure transport for patient-specific medication from a medication storage device to a patient, where the patient-specific medications can be dispensed by a user, such as a caregiver. Through positive, physical bedside identification of both a caregiver authorized to dispense the medications from the secure tote  100  and a patient for whom those medications are intended, the secure tote  100  helps ensure that the appropriate medication type and dose is provided to the patient. The secure tote  100  is further configured to log usage information, such as access information and location information, either locally, such as in memory housed in the secure tote  100 , or remotely, by transmitting the usage information to a remote information storage server. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the secure tote  100  is configured to dock with the medication storage device, such that the secure tote  100  can directly obtain patient-specific medication information from the medication storage device when the patient-specific medication is transferred from the medication storage device to the secure tote  100 . 
         [0027]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the secure tote  100  comprises a plurality of securable, modular receptacles  110 , a wireless barcode reader  130 , a handle  120 , and indicator lights  140 . Each receptacle  110  itself may be a medication package that contains drugs and a package insert. 
         [0028]    The modular receptacles  110  are configured to be moveable between a closed position and an open position, such as shown by open modular receptacle  112 . Each receptacle  110  has a plurality of sidewalls that define a storage compartment as well as a top  116  that is opened and closed about a hinge. A latch assembly can be formed between top  116  and one of the sidewalls to keep top  116  in a closed position until an authorized caregiver gains access to the receptacle  110 . Additional storage features, including features of exemplary modular receptacles  110 , are fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,116,461 and 6,338,007, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other types of modular receptacles may be employed, however. 
         [0029]    Each modular receptacle  110  may be used to contain various items, for example, medications  114 . Each modular receptacle  110  may house multiples of one type of drug or medical supply or it may house several varieties of drugs or medical supplies. Each modular receptacle  110  may be refilled and reused many times. Each modular receptacle  110  may also include a label for identification of the contents within the receptacle, and/or some or all of top  116  may be transparent. 
         [0030]    Although a plurality of receptacles for medication storage are illustrated in the secure tote  100  of  FIG. 1 , in other embodiments, other forms of storage can be used. For example, the secure tote  100  can be divided into equally accessible compartments by adjustable or fixed dividers all having a single shared, securable cover. In other embodiments, the secure tote  100  can be custom configured to match the medication and supply needs of the facility using the secure tote  100 . 
         [0031]    The secure tote  100  can be made from plastic, such as injection molded plastic, or formed from metal, and, as such, may be durable and reusable multiple times. In other embodiments, other materials can be used. 
         [0032]    Wireless barcode reader  130  is used as an input device for receiving information such as medication information, caregiver information, and patient information. For example, wireless barcode reader  130  can be used by a caregiver to scan in patient-specific medication information when the patient-specific medication is being loaded into a modular receptacle  110 , and later scan the caregiver&#39;s identification tag and a patient&#39;s identification tag at the patient&#39;s bedside in order to provide the caregiver with access to the modular receptacle  110  containing the patient&#39;s medication. By using an input device  130  such as a barcode reader, the secure tote  100  provides for rapid input of patient identification and caregiver identification information, which reduces the overall time it takes an authorized caregiver to gain access to and dispense patient-specific medications from the secure tote  100 . Although wireless barcode reader  130  is illustrated, other wired or wireless input devices can be used, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch-screen display, a mouse, a microphone, a magnetic card reader, a biometric reader-sensor, a proximity reader, a radio frequency (RF) identification reader, and a symbology reader. 
         [0033]    Output devices, such as indicator lights  140 , on the exterior of the secure tote  100  are used to indicate a status of the secure tote  100 . In certain embodiments, indicator lights  140  are red and green in order to provide indications for different states. For example, red indicator light  140  can be turned on if the secure tote  100  denies access to a modular receptacle  110 , if the input device  110  cannot read data, if power associated with the secure tote  100  is low, or if the secure tote  100  loses communication with a network. Similarly, green indicator light  140  can be turned on if the secure tote  100  grants access to a modular receptacle  110 , if the input device  110  successfully reads data, if the secure tote  100  is powered on, or if the secure tote  100  is communicating with a network. 
         [0034]    In other embodiments, other types of output devices can be used. For example, the secure tote  100  can include audible indicators such as speakers, or other visual indicators such as display screens, including 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). 
         [0035]    The secure tote  100  of  FIG. 1  further includes a handle  120  for ease of transport. In other embodiments, different types of handles may or may not be used depending on the needs and design of the secure tote  100 . In yet further embodiments, other types of interface elements can be used. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of certain electronic features of the secure tote of  FIG. 1  and of ADM  200 . The secure tote  100  includes memory  150 , communications module  166 , processor  168 , and, as discussed above, input device  130  and output device  140 . 
         [0037]    Processor  168 , for example, a central processing unit (CPU), drives software stored in the computing device&#39;s memory  150  or elsewhere. Since the secure tote  100  is portable and, in certain embodiments, powered by a battery, the processor  168  or other circuitry may be designed for low power operation in order to provide satisfactory runtime before requiring recharging or replacement of the battery. 
         [0038]    Communications module  166  is configured to transmit, receive, and otherwise communicate information with network  180  and/or devices on the network  180 , such as ADM  200 . For example, communications module  166  communicates with ADM  200  when the secure tote  100  is docked with ADM  200  through a connection between secure tote communications module  166  and ADM communications module  266 . The secure tote  100  can be in continuous communication with network  180 , or can connect to network  180  or another device as necessary. Communication is achieved via a communication layer that enables data transmissions. Example communications modules  166  include serial communication interfaces such as RS-232, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and wireless interfaces such as RF, infrared, Bluetooth® and IEEE 802.11x. For example, the secure tote  100  can be networked by connecting to a central data network device via data cables when the secure tote  100  is docked. In embodiments using communications module  266  configured for location tracking, such as by using RF technology, an additional level of security is provided by allowing for the location of the secure tote  100  to be tracked. Consequently, in such embodiments, if the secure tote  100  leaves an authorized usage area, communications module  266  can transmit an appropriate alert, and secure tote output device  140  can likewise signal an appropriate alert. 
         [0039]    In certain embodiments, the secure tote  100  may also be “dumb,” i.e., without on-board intelligence, and information about its contents may be contained within a barcode, for example, placed on the secure tote  100 . In such embodiments, a receiving area of an apparatus, for example on or in ADM  200 , may acquire the necessary information through scanning of the barcode on the secure tote  100  to enable ADM  200  to obtain sufficient information about the contents of the secure tote  100 . The receiving area may be a drawer in ADM  200  having either an on-board computer processor  268  or a connection  266  to one remote therefrom. In yet other embodiments, the secure tote  100  can further reduce the amount of on-board intelligence, such as by suspending or even removing communication functionality. For example, the secure tote  100  can act independently, limiting or removing the need for communication with other devices or networks, while at the same time maintaining the access control and usage logging functionality discussed below. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment, the secure tote  100  may have limited on-board intelligence. For example, the information storage device or the barcode label on the secure tote  100  may contain information about one or many modular receptacles  110 , such as a receptacle number (e.g., #1234567). This pre-programmed information would typically be entered when a modular receptacle  110  is filled. In this embodiment, a human-readable label (not a barcode label) or marking on the receptacle  110  itself with the receptacle number may be used and the caregiver may, for recording purposes, manually enter the receptacle number into the computer having the pre-programmed information about the contents of the modular receptacles  110  in the secure tote  100 . 
         [0041]    The secure tote  100  also features onboard memory  150 . In the embodiment illustrated, the memory  150  includes ADM interface software  152 , access control software  154 , usage logging software  156 , patient data  158 , medication library  160 , usage log  162 , and access information  164 . Onboard memory  150  can be either non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic media, etc.), volatile storage (e.g., random-access memory), or both. 
         [0042]    Access control software  154 , which in combination with the processor  168  can jointly be referred to as a controller, is responsible for controlling access to the secure tote  100 . Access control software  154  references access information  164  stored in memory  150  when authenticating a caregiver or other user attempting to use the secure tote  100 . Access control software  154  may authenticate users by reference to a password, keycard, or other authentication method known to those of skill in the art. For example, access control software  154  can require the input of the appropriate patient identification and caregiver identification before unlocking a modular receptacle assigned to the caregiver and the patient containing medications for the patient. By providing verifiable access to only the appropriate medications for a patient (i.e., by opening only the correct modular receptacle), the secure tote  100  reduces the risk that a caregiver will administer the incorrect medication to a patient. 
         [0043]    Secure tote memory  150  includes ADM interface software  152  configured to facilitate docking and communication with ADM  200  or other similarly configured devices. ADM interface software  152  is configured to communicate with various types of ADMs, so as to facilitate information transfer between ADM  200  and the secure tote  100 . Similarly, in certain embodiments, secure tote interface software  252  can be loaded into the memory  250  of ADM  200  to facilitate docking between the secure tote  100  and the ADM  200 . 
         [0044]    Patient data  158  contains information concerning the contents of the secure tote  100 , such as the contents of each receptacle  110 . For example, patient data  158  can include assignment information for each receptacle  110  of the secure tote  100 , including, but not limited to: an assigned patient, including patient-related information; an assigned caregiver authorized to fill the receptacle; an assigned caregiver authorized to dispense medications from the receptacle to the patient; medications in the receptacle, including information on the type, dose, and expiration date; authorized locations for use; the time at which the secure tote  100  was filled; and the time at which the secure tote medications  100  were dispensed. 
         [0045]    Secure tote patient data  158  can be configured directly using a suitable input device  130  and output device  140  for the secure tote  100 . For example, a specific modular receptacle can be programmed with patient, caregiver, and medication information by scanning barcodes associated with the patient, caregiver, medication, and modular receptacle using a barcode reader input device  130 . A successful assignment may be indicated by flashing green indicator light  140 . Appropriate barcodes may be available at or near the ADM, such as in a catalog. Individually barcoded medications can be scanned directly using the barcode reader  140 . 
         [0046]    In another embodiment, patient data  158  can be configured and downloaded from an ADM  200  to which the secure tote  100  is docked, providing for an integrated workflow between the secure tote  100  and ADM  200 . For example, when a caregiver docks the secure tote  100  to ADM  200 , as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the caregiver may assign patients and medications to various modular receptacles  110  in the secure tote  100  using ADM  200 , and, thereafter, the assignment information and other information may be downloaded as patient data  258  from ADM memory  250  through ADM communications module  266  and secure tote communications module  166 , and stored as patient data  158  in secure tote memory  150 . As another example, pre-loaded modular receptacles  110  each containing associated patient data in memory may be available at ADM  200 , and, when the modular receptacles  110  are connected to the secure tote  100 , the associated patient data can be transferred from each modular receptacle  110  to the secure tote  100 . 
         [0047]    Medication library  160  stores a wide variety of information related to medications. For example, medication library  160  can include data from the Hearst Corporation&#39;s National Drug Data File, such as information on expiration dates, lot numbers, NDC numbers, types of drug or medical supply dosage, sizes of packages, numbers of items in the packages, etc. Medication library  160  can also include other information related to medications, such as the prescribing indicators (PI). 
         [0048]    Usage logging software  156  can store transactional or other use information about the secure tote  100  in usage log  162 . For example, each time a caregiver provides user input, the input is logged in usage log  162 . Each time a medication is transferred to the secure tote  100 , selected, and/or dispensed, the filling, selection, and/or dispensing of the medication is likewise logged in usage log  162 . Similarly, the patient, medication, and caregiver assignments for the secure tote  100 , such as for each modular receptacle  110 , is recorded in usage log  162 . Each time the secure tote  100  is docked, undocked, or otherwise connected to another device or network, the information is logged in usage log  162 . For each and any transaction using the secure tote  100 , usage log  162  records information, including time information, such as the times at which the secure tote  100  has been docked, filled, dispensed, put into service, taken out of service, or otherwise used. In this manner, administrators can access a detailed usage log  162  for the secure tote  100 , such as for auditing purposes. Furthermore, by configuring the secure tote  100  to communicate with other devices (such as ADM  200 ) capable of recording transaction data, a “closed-loop” tracking of medication is provided up until the medication is administered to a patient. 
         [0049]    Usage log  162  may be displayed locally on the secure tote  100  through a suitable output device  140  and with appropriate authorization using a suitable input device  130 . Usage log  162  may be displayed remotely from the secure tote  100 , when, for example, a caregiver or other authorized user interacts with a device having access to usage log  162 , whether through docking or over network  180 . In certain embodiments, the access control software  154  also includes code for allowing access to the usage log  162  by authorized users, who may authenticate access using a password, keycard, or other authentication method known to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, usage data is stored in real-time (i.e., immediately), while in other embodiments usage data is stored following a delay. 
         [0050]    In certain embodiments, transactional or other use information usually stored in usage log  162  may instead be transmitted by usage logging software  156  to a central receiving station computer  320  for storage, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The information is transmitted via a network connection  180 . In other embodiments, usage logging software  156  stores usage log information both locally, in usage log  162  of secure tote memory  150 , as well as remotely, in receiving station computer  320 . In yet further embodiments, usage logging software  156  can store usage log  162  locally, and, upon docking with a suitable device or with network  180 , upload usage log  162  accordingly. Note that the physical configuration of the secure tote  100  in  FIG. 3  is different from that of  FIG. 1 , illustrating that the physical configuration depicted in the figures is exemplary only. 
         [0051]    In certain embodiments, the secure tote  100  can also dock to or otherwise connect to a device at a patient bedside, such as a device including a bedside information gateway. The caregiver can then interact with the bedside information gateway in order to access or configure the secure tote  100  at the patient bedside, for example, to facilitate dispensing medications from the secure tote  100  to the patient or to reconfigure the secure tote  100  based on new information made available to the caregiver when at the patient&#39;s bedside. Usage logging software  156  can optionally upload stored usage log  162  to the bedside device in order to update receiving station computer  320  with the latest usage information. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating a process  400  for filling (or refilling) medications in the secure tote  100  of  FIG. 1 . Recording by usage logging software  156  for various states is reflected in similarly numbered prime (′) states, as discussed below. 
         [0053]    The process begins by moving to state  401 , wherein a user, such as a caregiver, docks a secure tote  100  to ADM  200 . This transaction is recorded by usage logging software  156  in state  401 ′. Upon docking the secure tote  100  to ADM  200 , the caregiver provides access information to ADM  200  in state  402  for security purposes, so as to ensure authorized use of the secure tote  100 . If the access information is verified in decision state  403 , the process  400  continues to state  404 . If, however, the access information is not verified, the process  400  jumps to the end state. 
         [0054]    In state  404 , the caregiver selects a patient and associated patient-specific medications to assign to a modular receptacle  110  in the secure tote  100 . The caregiver in state  405  then selects the modular receptacle  110  to which to assign the patient&#39;s medications. The patient, patient-specific medications, and authorization for the caregiver are all then assigned to the selected modular receptacle  110  in state  406 . Usage logging software  156  in state  406 ′ appropriately records the assignment by recording the time at which the assignment occurred, the caregiver identification, the patient information, the patient-specific medication information, including type and dose, and the modular receptacle identification. In state  407 , the assigned modular receptacle is unlocked, and recorded accordingly in state  407 ′ by recording information such as the unlocked receptacle&#39;s identification, the time, the caregiver identification, and the action of unlocking to fill the modular receptacle with the patient-specific medication. With the modular receptacle unlocked, the caregiver can proceed to load the patient-specific medications into the assigned modular receptacle in state  408 . After the medications are loaded, the caregiver locks the modular receptacle in state  409 , and usage logging software  156  records the time, caregiver identification, patient-specific medication information, the modular receptacle identification, and the action of locking after a fill was completed, in state  409 ′. The caregiver decides in decision state  410  whether any remaining patients need to be assigned to the secure tote  100 ; if patients do remain, the process  400  returns to state  404 , but if patients do not remain, the process proceeds to state  411 . 
         [0055]    In state  411 , with loading completed, the caregiver logs off of ADM  200 . The secure tote  100  is then undocked from ADM  200  in state  412 , and usage logging software  156  records the time, ADM identification, and action of undocking accordingly in state  412 ′. 
         [0056]    In certain embodiments, certain states of process  400  can change in order. For example, in certain embodiments, states  408  and  409  can succeed state  410 , such that the caregiver can load all assigned modular receptacles at the same time. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, other types of information can be logged by usage logging software  156 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process  500  for dispensing medications from the secure tote  100  of  FIG. 1 , such as at a patient&#39;s bedside. As with  FIG. 4 , recording by usage logging software  156  for various states in process  500  is reflected in similarly numbered prime (′) states, as discussed below. 
         [0058]    The process begins by moving to state  501  to conduct a bedside identification. In state  501 , a user, such as a caregiver, scans a patient identification tag. For example, at the patient bedside, the caregiver can detach wireless barcode reader  130  from the secure tote  100  and use wireless barcode reader  130  to scan a patients′ barcode wristband containing that patient&#39;s identification information. The time and patient identification is recorded by usage logging software  156  in state  501 ′. The caregiver then scans his/her own identification information in state  502 . For example, a caregiver can use wireless barcode reader  130  to scan the caregiver&#39;s badge, which can contain the caregiver&#39;s identification information. The time and caregiver identification is recorded by usage logging software  156  in state  502 ′. The process  500  then proceeds to state  503 . 
         [0059]    In situations featuring a bedside information gateway device at the patient bedside, states  501  and  502  may be replaced by docking the secure tote  100  to the bedside information gateway device and authenticating the caregiver&#39;s access to the bedside information gateway device, with relevant transactions being logged. The process  500  may then proceed as described to state  503 . 
         [0060]    Secure tote access control software  154 , with reference to access information  164  stored in memory  150  of the secure tote  100 , determines in decision state  503  whether the patient-caregiver pairing identified in states  401  and  402  is assigned to a modular receptacle in the secure tote  100 . If such a pairing is not found (such as where the caregiver does not have authorized access to dispense medications to the patient, or if the patient is not assigned to a modular receptacle  110  in the secure tote  100 ), the process  500  proceeds to an end state. If, however, an appropriate patient-caregiver pairing is found to be assigned to a modular receptacle  110  of the secure tote  100 , the process  500  proceeds to state  504  wherein the assigned modular receptacle  110  is unlocked. In state  504 ′, usage logging software  156  records the identification of the unlocked receptacle, the time at which it was unlocked, the authorized pairing of the caregiver identification and patient identification for whom it was unlocked, and the purpose for which it was unlocked, i.e., so the caregiver could dispense the patient-specific medications in the modular receptacle to the patient. ADM interface software  152  can optionally retrieve updated patient, caregiver, medication, or other relevant information at this step in order to ensure that the caregiver has access to the latest information when administering medications to the patient. 
         [0061]    The caregiver administers the patient-specific medications from the open modular receptacle to the patient in state  505 . After administration, the caregiver locks the modular receptacle from which the medications were dispensed to the patient, in order to signal to the secure tote  100  that the dispensing has been completed. In certain embodiments, the caregiver can take additional action to confirm the completion of dispensation to the patient of medications from the modular receptacle, such as by scanning a barcode on the modular receptacle, or by scanning each barcode on a medication if the medications are individually barcoded. In state  506 ′, usage logging software  156  records the identification of the locked receptacle, the time at which it was locked, the authorized pairing of the caregiver identification and patient identification by whom it was locked, and the purpose for which it was locked, i.e., upon completion of dispensation by the caregiver of patient-specific medications to the patient. 
         [0062]    The caregiver decides in decision state  507  whether any remaining patients assigned to the secure tote  100  need to receive medication stored in the secure tote  100 . If patients do remain, the process  500  returns to state  501  when the caregiver proceeds to the bedside of the next patient. If patients do not remain, the process proceeds to an end state. 
         [0063]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a secure tote  600  for secure medication transport and administration. This configuration is also exemplary only, such that other physical configurations may be employed. 
         [0064]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the secure tote  600  comprises a securable receptacle  110 , a retractable strap  120 , a display screen  140 , and a communications interface  602 . In certain embodiments, the secure tote  600  can be a patient-specific secure tote  600  if it is configured to contain medications for a single selected patient. 
         [0065]    The receptacle  110  is configured to be moveable between a closed position, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , and an open position, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The receptacle  110  has a plurality of sidewalls that define a storage compartment, as well as a top  116  that is opened and closed about a hinge. A latch assembly can be formed between top  116  and one of the sidewalls to keep top  116  in a closed position until an authorized caregiver gains access to the receptacle  110 . The modular receptacle  110  may be used to contain various items. 
         [0066]    The secure tote  600  illustrated includes an LCD display screen  140  which can be used to display information such as, but not limited to, access information, patient information and security information. Although an LCD display screen  140  is illustrated, other types of output devices can be used. 
         [0067]    The secure tote  600  also features a communications interface  602 , represented by a USB female port. Although a USB port is illustrated, other types of communications interfaces can be used. Through the use of a communications module  166  (illustrated in phantom), the communications module  602  is configured to be an interface for transmitting, receiving, and otherwise communicating information with network  180  and/or devices on the network  180 , such as the docking station  800  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0068]    In certain embodiments, the features, configurations, and uses, including variations, of the secure tote  600  are the same as or similar to the features and configurations of the secure tote  100  discussed above. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  illustrates a docking station  800  for the secure tote embodiment of  FIG. 6 . This configuration is also exemplary only, such that other physical configurations may be employed. 
         [0070]    The docking station  800  features a communications module  804 , represented by a USB male connector. The USB male connector is configured to connect to the USB female connector of the secure tote embodiment  600  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Although a USB connector is illustrated, other types of communications interfaces can be used. The communications module  804  of the docking station  800 , using a communications module  166  (not illustrated), is configured to be an interface for transmitting, receiving, and otherwise communicating information with network  180  and/or devices on the network  180 , such as the secure tote  600 . 
         [0071]    The docking station  800  includes indicator lights  140  to indicate a status of the docking station  800 . The docking station  800  can also include grooves  802  or other guiding mechanisms to facilitate precisely fitting the secure tote  600  to dock with the docking station  800 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  illustrates a sample screenshot  900  of ADM interface software displaying a docked secure tote. The screen  900  includes a button  902  for accessing information related to the docked secure tote.  FIG. 10  illustrates a sample screenshot  1000  of ADM interface software displaying an assignment of patient-specific medications to a secure tote. The screen  1000  includes information on the patient  1004  as well as the medications  1002  for the patient assigned to the secure tote. 
         [0073]    Embodiments of the secure tote described herein can be integrated into a facility for use therein according to the different levels of automation available at the facility. For example, in a hospital without ADM automation, use of the secure tote in a pharmacy can comprise (1) filling, via a traditional cart fill type process in the pharmacy, the secure tote with medications for a specific patient, (2) delivering the secure tote to the nurse docking station, and, after the secure tote has been used to dispense medications to the patient, (3) returning the secure tote, which may contain unused items, to the pharmacy. At this final step, the secure tote may be swapped for another secure tote containing medications for the patient, for the next scheduled delivery of medications to the patient. 
         [0074]    Use of the secure tote to dispense medications to a patient in a hospital without ADM automation can comprise (1) successfully logging on to a bedside verification system (“BVS”), (2) unlocking the secure tote, (3) dispensing the medications to the patient, and (4) locking the secure tote when completed. 
         [0075]    In certain embodiments, in a facility without ADM automation, the secure tote can be used without interacting with any other devices, but may instead function as a stand-alone secure transport for medication, as discussed above. 
         [0076]    In a hospital with either basic or advanced ADM automation (i.e., automated filling of the secure tote may be available), similar processes may be used. For example, use of the secure tote in a pharmacy may comprise the additional step of (4) refilling the ADM responsible for filling the secure tote with patient-specific medication. Likewise, use of the secure tote to dispense medications may comprise the additional step of (5) filling the secure tote using the ADM, if available. 
         [0077]    In certain embodiments, in a facility with basic ADM automation, the secure tote may store information regarding what patient-specific medications it contains and communicate this information to other devices on the network  180 , as discussed above. In certain embodiments, in a facility with advanced ADM automation, the secure tote may further store, communicate, and integrate user information, usage information, and access information, as discussed above. 
         [0078]    Although the secure tote  100  has been described and illustrated in examples relating to the transport of medications from an ADM to a patient&#39;s bedside, the secure tote  100  has applicability to a broad range of other secure transport and administration uses. For example, the secure tote  100  can be used to transfer medications from a pharmacy to an ADM. The medications could be loaded at a pharmacy into the secure tote  100  by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician and transported to a nurse unit housing the ADM, while implementing the relevant access, logging, and communication features described above. 
         [0079]    It should be appreciated from the foregoing description that while certain embodiments of the present disclosure are useful in the medical drug and supply field, other embodiments have applicability to a broad range of industries apart from the medical industry, where similar inventory control and security measures are preferred. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the medical supply and drug industry. 
         [0080]    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.