Abstract: Systems and methods for compounding medications. The system includes a number of compounding devices, and a central computer system. The central computer system receives requests, at least some of which require the compounding of one or more medications, and pushes assignments of respective compounding tasks to the compounding devices. The assignments are made in accordance with a set of rules designed to promote efficient use of compounding resources and avoid waste.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus of rule based assigning a cycle count to an inventory item for a set of medical items is disclosed. A no-touch inventory system operates using information regarding medication flow throughout a patent care facility and evaluates pertinent inventory criteria for each of a plurality of items in the inventory. The evaluation compares inventory criteria in an intelligent inventory system. A learning factor can be applied such that conditionally effects the selective category by assigning a schedule for the cycle count of the inventory.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing unit for a medical response vehicle (MRV) is provided. The unit includes a base medication dispensing unit for containing medication; a portable medication dispensing unit removeably secured to the base medication unit and containing an initial supply of medication; and a controller electronically coupled to the base medication unit and the portable medication dispensing unit which controls access to the respective base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. In addition, the controller is configured for inventory management of the base medication dispensing unit and the portable medication dispensing unit. The controller may be an electronic mobile device. A method for dispensing medication from an MRV and a system for dispensing, restocking, and reordering medication are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: An expanding needle is provided that includes a tubular body having a proximal end, a needle-tipped distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The expanding needle also includes a longitudinal seam formed on the tubular body. The tubular body is configured to uncurl radially, along the longitudinal seam, thereby transitioning the tubular body from a contracted state to an expanded state to increase an inner diameter of the lumen. In certain embodiments, the tubular body is formed by, for example, a continuous flexible sheet rolled in a lengthwise direction. In that case, the longitudinal seam is defined by a portion of a side of the flexible sheet overlapping an opposing side of the flexible sheet. An expanding needle device, including an expanding needle seated to a needle hub, and a method of increasing an inner diameter of an expanding needle are also provided herein.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for processing medication requests. In one embodiment, a user may define an operational mode that can be initiated by one or more triggers. A user may also define one or more workflows for processing medication requests. The one or more workflows can be associated with the operational mode. In response to the occurrence of the appropriate triggers, the operational mode can automatically, semi-automatically, and/or manually be initiated. When the operational mode is initiated, the associated workflows are used for processing medication requests.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of identifying unit doses of medication, and more specifically, to dispensing, identifying, packaging, and labeling unit doses of medication for distribution. In particular, methods may include receiving medication information, causing identifying information related to the medication information to be printed to a web of material, where the identifying information is printed at regular intervals, and preparing a medication unit dose to be dispensed to a container. Methods may further include verifying that the medication unit dose corresponds to the identifying information printed to the web of material, and joining the web of material to the container in response to the dispensed unit dose corresponding to the identifying information.

Abstract: A storage apparatus is provided. The storage apparatus defines a storage cavity having an opening at the upper surface of the storage apparatus with a substantially planar flange extending outwardly from the opening of the storage cavity and defines a plurality of support structures, each support structure (a) having an opening at the upper surface of the storage apparatus and (b) adapted to support the storage apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: An alignment meter for a rail system includes a housing defining a cavity, a flexible member connected to the housing, and at least one strain measuring element provided on the flexible member. The strain measuring element may be configured to measure the strain experienced by the flexible member. At least one strain measuring element may be positioned to measure strain in a horizontal direction relative to the flexible member. The at least one strain measuring element may be positioned to measure strain in a vertical direction relative to the flexible member.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for monitoring the stocking and dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the automated medication storage device to facilitate surveillance of internal components and users of the medication storage device. For example, a user and/or the user's interactions can be imaged by one or more cameras while the user is interacting with the automated medication storage device.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring medication includes providing a graphical user interface (GUI) including a representation of a medication or a medication container. An indication to measure at least one dimension of the medication or the medication container is provided in the GUI. At least one signal including at least one measured dimension of the medication or the medication container is received by one or more processors that process and store the at least one measured dimension. The at least one measured dimension is provided in the GUI in association with the indication to measure the at least one dimension of the medication or the medication container.

Abstract: Storage units are described for storing articles. The storage units include a number of compartments, and the compartments include a receptacle, a lid, and a holding member. The receptacle receives the article via an opening, and the lid may move into and out of engagement with the opening so as to define an open position and a closed position. The holding member may be disposed on the lid and may be configured to releasably secure the article to the lid. Thus, in the closed position, the holding member and an article secured to the lid via the holding member may be received within the receptacle, whereas in the open position the article may be at least partially removed from the receptacle. Thus, when the lid is opened, the article is automatically presented to the user for dispensing the article from the compartment.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system and method are provided to facilitate notification that a replacement IV fluid bag should be prepared. In this regard, an IV fluid monitoring system includes a bag sensing element carried by an IV fluid bag. The IV fluid monitoring system further includes first and second sensing elements positioned on opposite sides of the IV fluid bag and configured to interact with the bag sensing element. The first and second sensing elements are physically separate from the IV fluid bag. The bag sensing element and the first and second elements are positioned such that a line of sight between at least the first sensing element and the bag sensing element extends through the IV fluid within the IV fluid bag while the IV fluid bag is in a filled state. A method and apparatus are also provided to facilitate preparation of an IV fluid bag.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining an orientation of a unit dose package, such as by determining whether the cavity that houses the medication is facing upwards or downwards. As a result of the determination of the orientation of the unit dose package, a method and system may also be provided for selectively picking a unit dose package, thereby enabling automated restocking of singulated unit dose packages by taking into account the orientation of the unit dose packages.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for storing and dispensing medications to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. A storage and dispensing system may include a housing defining a cavity, a door movable between an open and a closed position to provide access to the cavity, two or more receivers disposed within the cavity, a lock to lock the door in the closed position, and a user interface configured to receive a request for medications stored within the cavity. The medications may be configured to be presented to a user in response to a request for the medications, while unrequested medications remain inaccessible.

Abstract: A fluid container, such as an intravenous (IV) bag, including a fluid sensor for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid is provided. The container includes an at least partially enclosed body defining an interior volume and one or more ports having an opening for accessing a fluid in the interior. A sensor device may be attachable to one of the ports. The sensor device includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the fluid. A channel may extend between the port and the sensor for providing fluid from the interior volume of the body to the sensor. The sensor may be connected to a processing apparatus, such as a computer, for determining at least the type of fluid present based on the measured parameter obtained with the sensor. A method for analyzing, identifying, and verifying a fluid contained in a fluid container, such as an IV bag, is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the expedited dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the first device to facilitate the presentation of various displays that include features to reduce number of user interactions to dispense medications safely and effectively.