Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsoi HHY, Yeung SSY, Cheung KM, Wong RMH, Wong WTS, Tong TKS, Cheung ECY, Lui WWY, Sin TK, Tong TKF, Ng PH, Wong HSY, Kong HS, Chui WCM
Affiliation :
Department of Pharmacy, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
With the implementation of computerized Inpatient Medication Order Entry (IPMOE) System in Queen Mary Hospital, the Inpatient drug distribution model has changed from paper-based to electronic-based. However, with the heavy dispensing workload in Inpatient Pharmacy, it is worth exploring new automation technologies that could integrate with IPMOE System to further enhance medication safety and dispensing efficiency. Automatic Medication Unit Dose Dispensing System (AMUDDS), consisting of Unit Dose Packaging Machine for automatic packaging of oral solid drug dosage forms, and Medication Detection Machine for automatic checking of drug identity, was therefore introduced in Queen Mary Hospital Pharmacy since March 2021 to further optimize the Inpatient drug dispensing workflow.
Objectives :
To enhance medication safety through automatic drug dispensing by Unit Dose Packaging Machine and drug checking by Medication Detection Machine; To enhance efficiency in the dispensing of oral solid drug dosage forms
Methodology :
AMUDDS for dispensing oral solid drug dosage forms for Inpatient use was piloted in an Orthopedic ward since March 2021 and was gradually implemented in 8 specialties (30 wards) by September 2022. 64 frequently used oral drugs were introduced for unit dose dispensing of refill medications, covering around 50% dispensing workload of oral solid drug dosage forms.
Result & Outcome :
From March 2021 to September 2022, a total of 249519 unit dose drug pouches were being dispensed. The average time for processing drug refill items (including dispensing and drug checking) was reduced from 26.5 seconds/item to 23.1 seconds/item, with 13.0% reduction. The dispensing accuracy of Unit Dose Packaging Machine was 99.9%. All the dispensing errors were detected by Medication Detection Machine and rectified by Pharmacy staff, and there was no unit dose dispensing related medication incident reaching patients identified. Nursing staff expressed high satisfaction towards unit dose dispensing, which could reduce time for sorting out medications to be administered, enhancing safety and efficiency in drug administration. Implementation of AMUDDS is useful in enhancing medication safety and efficiency in dispensing oral solid drug dosage forms. The automated system ensures the correct drug is being dispensed with high efficiency.
