Automated dispensing systems or ADC, are computerized systems used to manage stock and distribute and track medication in a health facility. It improves patient safety, reduces the time and cost of medication administration, and increases organizational productivity.
Key Components of Automated Dispensing Systems
- Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs): These are automated storage spaces positioned at care access points like nursing stations or operating theatres. ADCs safely accommodate the patients’ drugs and regulate their distribution by establishing users through user authentication and electronic tracking.
- Centralized Pharmacy Management Software: This software is compatible with ADCs for maintaining medicines’ inventory, such as tracking the medicines’ usage and restocking. It ensures the right medication stock-out and record-keeping for compliance and reporting when required.
- Barcode Scanning and Verification: To minimize issues of medication errors, ADS may include using bar code scanning to provide checks during dispensing and administering medication to a patient so that only the right medication and right dose are administered.
How Automated Dispensing Systems Operate
- Medication Ordering: A physician prescribes a prescription pad and feeds it into the hospital’s EHR system. It is also tested and approved by a pharmacist before it can move to the other process of dispensing the order.
- Medication Dispensing: After they are authorized, the medication order is then relayed to the ADC. For example, nurses can access the ADC after entering valid user login details. In some cases, light or alert, the correct medication drawer or compartment opens, leading the user to the right medication.
- Administration and Documentation: Sometimes, the nurse may use barcode scanning before giving the medication to the patient to ensure that the correct patient has been given the right medication. The administration is then recorded in the EHR, instantly updating the patient’s medication list.
- Inventory Management: The ADS monitors the use of medication and their daily and overall stock. Whenever stocks of specific merchandise drop below certain stipulated levels, the system sends reminders that the merchandise needs restocking so that there is no interruption in the provision of medicines.
Benefits of Automated Dispensing Systems
Enhanced Patient Safety: ADS reduces manual handling of medication orders. The addition of verification steps helps prevent medication errors from occurring and guarantees that patients receive the correct medication treatment.
Improved Efficiency: ADS facilitates quick medication delivery, reducing the time that healthcare providers spend performing medication-related activities.
Inventory Control: Real-time tracking of medication usage helps maintain optimal inventory levels, reduces waste, and supports effective budgeting.
Regulatory Compliance: As for applications, the use of tracking and documentation by nursing staff helps hospitals adhere to the set regulatory standards regarding the management and reporting of medications.
Conclusion
Automated dispensing systems are one of the major innovations in hospital medication systems. These systems help improve medication management capability and inventory management, are safe to use, and are efficient in operation. With the advancement in technology, ADS are set to become key in the practice of present day health care provision.
