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Watts EJ, Jackson J. Automated Dispensing Cabinets and Nursing Workarounds: How Nurses Silently Adapt Clinical Work. Comput Inform Nurs 2024:00024665-990000000-00190. [PMID: 38787717 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000001148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Watts
- Author Affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Jermini M, Fonzo-Christe C, Blondon K, Milaire C, Stirnemann J, Bonnabry P, Guignard B. Financial impact of medication reviews by clinical pharmacists to reduce in-hospital adverse drug events: a return-on-investment analysis. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:496-505. [PMID: 38315303 PMCID: PMC10960916 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01683-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse drug events contribute to rising health care costs. Clinical pharmacists can reduce their risks by identifying and solving drug-related problems (DRPs) through medication review. AIM To develop an economic model to determine whether medication reviews performed by clinical pharmacists could lead to a reduction in health care costs associated with the prevention of potential adverse drug events. METHOD Two pharmacists performed medication reviews during ward rounds in an internal medicine setting over one year. Avoided costs were estimated by monetizing five categories of DRPs (improper drug selection, drug interactions, untreated indications, inadequate dosages, and drug use without an indication). An expert panel assessed potential adverse drug events and their probabilities of occurrence for 20 randomly selected DRPs in each category. The costs of adverse drug events were extracted from internal hospital financial data. A partial economic study from a hospital perspective then estimated the annual costs avoided by resolving DRPs identified by 3 part-time clinical pharmacists (0.9 full-time equivalent) from 2019 to 2020. The return on investment (ROI) of medication review was calculated. RESULTS The estimated annual avoided costs associated with the potential adverse drug events induced by 676 DRPs detected was € 304,170. The cost of a 0.9 full-time equivalent clinical pharmacist was € 112,408. Extrapolated to 1 full-time equivalent, the annual net savings was € 213,069 or an ROI of 1-1.71. Sensitivity analyses showed that the economic model was robust. CONCLUSION This economic model revealed the positive financial impact and favorable return on investment of a medication review intervention performed by clinical pharmacists. These findings should encourage the future deployment of a pharmacist-led adverse drug events prevention program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mégane Jermini
- Pharmacy, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Caroline Fonzo-Christe
- Pharmacy, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Katherine Blondon
- Medical and Quality Directorate, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jérôme Stirnemann
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Bonnabry
- Pharmacy, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bertrand Guignard
- Pharmacy, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle Perret Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
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Almalki A, Jambi A, Elbehiry B, Albuti H. Improving Inpatient Medication Dispensing with an Automated System. GLOBAL JOURNAL ON QUALITY AND SAFETY IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 6:117-125. [PMID: 38404460 PMCID: PMC10887473 DOI: 10.36401/jqsh-23-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Medication inventory management and error prevention are complex issues. Single interventions are insufficient to make improvement across the spectrum. A uniform system for dispensing and distributing medications can help reduce the risk of medication errors, improve efficiency, and minimize waste. This quality improvement project aims to: 1) decrease - the time from ordering medication to administration, including delay incidents, by > 70%; and 2) decrease the inpatient monthly total medication consumption by > 20% and ward medication stock items by > 70%, including decreasing returned items and loss from in-house expired medications by > 70%. Methods A Six-Sigma approach was applied to eliminate deficiencies throughout the medication management process. Failure mode effect analysis and staff surveys were used to evaluate implementation of automated dispensing cabinet (ADCs) and reengineered workflows for expensive, misused, and restricted medications. Results After the new processes were implemented, the turnaround time from ordering medication to administration was reduced by 83%, with zero delay incidents reported. Most nurses (64%) and pharmacists (67%) stated that implementation of ADCs increased their productivity by more than 40%. Monthly medication consumption was reduced by 24%, with an estimated annual saving of $4,100,000 USD. The number of returned items per month was reduced by 72%, and the estimated annual savings from loss of in-house expired medications was $750,000 USD. Conclusions This quality improvement project positively impacted stock control while reducing costs and turnaround time for inpatient medication dispensing. Medication delay incidents were reduced, and staff satisfaction levels were positive. Next steps are to reengineer narcotic, anesthesia, and refrigerated products' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf Almalki
- Department of Pharmacy, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aseel Jambi
- Department of Pharmacy, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basem Elbehiry
- Department of Pharmacy, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala Albuti
- Department of Pharmacy, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Ministry of Defense, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Williams V, Haumba S, Ngwenya-Ngcamphalala F, Mafukidze A, Musarapasi N, Byarugaba H, Chiripashi S, Dlamini M, Maseko T, Dlamini NA, Nyapokoto C, Kibwana S, Bongomin P, Mazibuko S, Bhembe F, Ojoo S, Okello V, Bazira D. Implementation of the Automated Medication Dispensing System-Early Lessons From Eswatini. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606185. [PMID: 37901592 PMCID: PMC10600347 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This article describes the implementation of an automated medication dispensing system (AMDS) in Eswatini to increase medication access and presents the early lessons from this implementation. Methods: The AMDS was installed at four health facilities across two regions through collaborative stakeholder engagement. Healthcare workers were trained, and clients who met the inclusion criteria accessed their medications from the system. Each step of the implementation was documented and summarised in this article. Results: Early lessons suggest that implementation of the AMDS is acceptable and feasible to clients and healthcare workers and that phased introduction of medication classes, commencing with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and incorporating other medications in later phases is feasible. Additionally, improved client-centred messaging and communication, consistent power supply and internet network connectivity, and scheduling medication pickup with other services increase AMDS system utilisation. Conclusion: Eswatini has many clients living with HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Easy, convenient, quick, non-stigmatising and client-centred access to ART and medication for NCDs is critical in addressing retention in care and achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Williams
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Samson Haumba
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Fikile Ngwenya-Ngcamphalala
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
- Eswatini National AIDS Program, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Arnold Mafukidze
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Normusa Musarapasi
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Hugben Byarugaba
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Simbarashe Chiripashi
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Makhosazana Dlamini
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Thokozani Maseko
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | - Sharon Kibwana
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Pido Bongomin
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Sikhathele Mazibuko
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Sylvia Ojoo
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Deus Bazira
- Center for Global Health Practice and Impact, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Fox E, Misko J, Cheaib A, Caird P, Tam K, Rawlins M, Jenkins B. An evaluation of automated dispensing cabinets and inventory robots for centralised distribution of medication in an Australian hospital. AUST HEALTH REV 2021; 45:597-600. [PMID: 34181871 DOI: 10.1071/ah20331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective In Australian hospitals, a central distribution system is often utilised to supply medication to clinical areas. This study investigated the impact of automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) and inventory robots in medication distribution within an Australian hospital. Methods A prospective observational study of pharmacy technician medication supply to clinical areas was conducted over a 2-week period pre- and post-implementation of ADCs and inventory robots. Information was collected on the time taken to perform all tasks required to provide a weekly medication supply service for medication other than drugs of addiction. Results There was no significant reduction of total duration for medication supply, pre-implementation mean 73.08min versus post-implementation 68.59min (P =0.567). An instance of automation downtime occurred during the post-implementation period for which manual downtime procedures were implemented. Without downtime, a significant reduction in overall time taken was observed, 74.25min versus 63.18min (P =0.019). Pre-restocking medication selection errors were reduced non-significantly after implementation of inventory robots, 11 (0.43%) versus 4 (0.21%) errors (P =0.090). Conclusions Implementation of ADCs and robots did not significantly reduce the total time to provide a weekly medication supply service when downtime occurred, although a significant reduction was observed when downtime did not occur. Pharmacy medication selection errors were non-significantly lower. What is known about the topic? Australian hospitals are increasingly implementing automated technology such as ADCs and inventory robotics in an attempt to improve efficiency and accuracy of medication supply; however, limited literature is available in an Australian setting. What does this paper add? This paper describes the impact of implementing ADCs in clinical areas (e.g. inpatient wards) and inventory robots in a main store pharmacy on the medication supply process. This paper highlights the benefit of improved efficiency and accuracy in selecting medication in pharmacy for distribution and identifies time to restock the ADCs is significantly increased. What are the implications for practitioners? Implementing ADCs and inventory robotics in Australian hospitals can provide benefits in efficiency and accuracy; however, robust downtime procedures are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Fox
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jeanie Misko
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Angela Cheaib
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Paula Caird
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kenneth Tam
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew Rawlins
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Barry Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacy, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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Vest TA, Gazda NP, Schenkat DH, Eckel SF. Practice-enhancing publications about the medication-use process in 2019. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2021; 78:141-153. [PMID: 33119100 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article identifies, prioritizes, and summarizes published literature on the medication-use process (MUP) from calendar year 2019 that can impact health-system pharmacy daily practice. The MUP is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment. The MUP is defined in this article as having the following components: prescribing/transcribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. Articles that evaluated one of the steps were gauged for their usefulness in promoting daily practice change. SUMMARY A PubMed search was conducted in January 2020 for calendar year 2019 using targeted Medical Subject Headings keywords; in addition, searches of the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals were conducted. A total of 4,317 articles were identified. A thorough review identified 66 potentially practice-enhancing articles: 17 for prescribing/transcribing, 17 for dispensing, 7 for administration, and 25 for monitoring. Ranking of the articles for importance by peers led to the selection of key articles from each category. The highest-ranked articles are briefly summarized, with a mention of why each article is important within health-system pharmacy. The other articles are listed for further review and evaluation. CONCLUSION It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice; this article assists in identifying and summarizing the most impactful recently published literature in this area. Health-system pharmacists have an active role in improving the MUP in their institution, and awareness of the significant published studies can assist in changing practice at the institutional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Vest
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC.,University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Stephen F Eckel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC.,University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
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Craswell A, Bennett K, Dalgliesh B, Morris-Smith B, Hanson J, Flynn T, Wallis M. The impact of automated medicine dispensing units on nursing workflow: A cross-sectional study. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 111:103773. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2020.103773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Vest TA, Gazda NP, Schenkat DH, Eckel SF. Practice-enhancing publications about the medication-use process in 2018. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2020; 77:759-770. [PMID: 32378716 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This article identifies, prioritizes, and summarizes published literature on the medication-use process (MUP) from calendar year 2018 that can impact health-system pharmacy daily practice. The MUP is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment. The MUP is defined in this article as having the following steps: prescribing/transcribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. Articles that evaluated one of the steps were gauged for their usefulness toward daily practice change. SUMMARY A PubMed search was conducted in February 2019 for articles published in calendar year 2018 using targeted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords, targeted non-MeSH keywords, and the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals, providing a total of 43,977 articles. A thorough review identified 62 potentially significant articles: 9 for prescribing/transcribing, 12 for dispensing, 13 for administration, and 28 for monitoring. Ranking of the articles for importance by peers led to the selection of key articles from each category. The highest-ranked articles are briefly summarized, with a mention of why they are important within health-system pharmacy. The other articles are listed for further review and evaluation. CONCLUSION It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice. This article assists in identifying and summarizing recent impactful contributions to the MUP literature. Health-system pharmacists have an active role in improving the MUP in their institution, and awareness of significant published studies can assist in changing practice at the institutional level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler A Vest
- Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Stephen F Eckel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, and University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
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