Abstract: A method of tracking dispensed medical items for use by patients associated with a health care institution. The method includes storing in a data store in connection with a computer, data representative of patients and medical items prescribed for the patients. A record is included in the data store of prescribed medical items for patients that have been dispensed. The dispensed medical items are tracked to the point of giving the item to the patients using portable terminals that are carried to the bedside of the patients. The activity of giving the appropriate medical item to each respective patient is recorded in the portable terminal as the medical items are given to the patients. The data stored in the portable terminal is communicated to the data store to provide a record that the medical items dispensed for a patient were actually administered.

Abstract: A medical item inventory system includes a plurality of different types of stored medical items. The system can track a quantity of a medicinal substance type removed from its storage location, including the quantity used and the quantity returned to storage. The system can monitor the medical item inventory in real time to automatically determine a low supply of a particular medical item type. In response to a determination of a low supply of a particular medical item type, the system automatically electronically places a purchase order to a supplier of the particular medical item type. The purchase order includes the particular medical item type, a requested quantity, and a requested delivery date. The requested quantity and delivery date can both be calculated by the system based on a rate of use of the particular medical item type.

Abstract: A medical item inventory system includes a plurality of different types of stored medical items. The system includes medical item dispenser devices which can be selectively operated to dispense requested medical items to authorized users. The system can monitor the medical item inventory to automatically determine a low supply of a particular medical item type. In response to a determination of a low supply of a particular medical item type, the system automatically electronically places a purchase order to a supplier of the particular medical item type. The purchase order includes the particular medical item type, a requested quantity, and a requested delivery date. The requested quantity and delivery date can both be calculated by the system based on a rate of use of the particular medical item type.