Semi-automated medication dispenser

Abstract

A semi-automated medication dispenser is disclosed that greatly simplifies the logistics of correctly dispensing multiple medications to multiple patients in the correct dosages at the correct times, in a manner that is cost-efficient and labor-efficient, that greatly reduces the probability of errors, and that inhibits pilferage. The novel dispenser can be loaded with many days' worth of medication (e.g., 30 days) at one time, and requires no special packaging for the medications. The novel dispenser is controlled by a computer. Patient information and physician orders are entered into the computer's memory. Medications needed by all the patients in a ward are loaded into individual compartments, for example by a pharmacist. Many days' worth of medication may often be loaded at once. After the medications are loaded into the dispenser, access to the individual compartments is controlled by the computer. When a proper password is entered--for example by the dispensing nurse--followed by identifying information for a particular patient, the computer allows access to only those compartments containing medications that are appropriate for the individual patient at that time. In many cases, the computer controls the dosage of the medication being dispensed as well, by controlling the number of pills dispensed. Thus each patient receives all appropriate medications, and only the appropriate medications. The computer also simultaneously makes a record of the medications administered to each patient. In the entire process, human hands need never touch the tablets or capsules being dispensed to the patient.