MEDICAL PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Methods and systems for transferring restricted distribution medical products to an over-the-counter general sales environment are provided. Methods and systems of dispensing non-prescription, behind-the-counter medical products from a vending machine in a general sales location are also provided. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for dispensing a medical product from a vending machine in a general sales location based, at least in part, on biometric data collected from the purchaser and, in some instances, based on self-selection and/or de-selection criteria, is provided. Further, methods and systems of switching prescription medical products to non-prescription, over-the-counter medical products are provided.

主权项

1. A system for dispensing a restricted distribution medical product comprising:
a vending machine having a person-machine interface device in communication with a controller, wherein the person-machine interface accepts input of information from a potential purchaser including the identity of a restricted distribution medical product requested by the potential purchaser and information relating to the potential purchaser's medical condition; a supply of the requested restricted distribution medical product stored in the vending machine; an electronic self-selection algorithm stored on the controller, wherein the electronic self-selection algorithm requires the potential purchaser to enter information into the person-machine interface, and wherein, for a first request for the distribution restricted medical product, the electronic self-selection algorithm (a) evaluates (1) information included on the label of the requested restricted distribution medical product and (2) the information provided by the potential purchaser relating to the potential purchaser's medical condition, (b) based on the evaluation, determines whether there is a benefit of starting treatment with the restricted distribution medical product and whether the benefit outweighs the risk associated with not starting treatment, and (c) controls the vending machine to dispense a first sales unit of the requested restricted distribution medical product only if the benefit outweighs the risk associated with not starting treatment.