DD-003 Assessment of indicators related to automated dispensing systems

BackgroundNew technologies have improved efficiency and safety of drug management in hospitals. From 2006 to 2009, six automated dispensing systems (ADS) (Pyxis) were implemented in five units at a tertiary hospital, and nurses were instructed on its use. The correct management of these systems is essential for the proper performance and availability of drugs.PurposeTo assess indicators related to ADS, focused on discrepancies in stock.Material and methodsDuring 2013 and 2014, the number of dispensations (ND), inventories (NI) and resupplies (NR) in six ADS were collected using Web-Reporting software, as well as the number of discrepancies. Two indicators were defined and associated with ward dispensing mistakes:Inventory discrepancies (ID), percentage of the discrepancies detected during the inventory divided by NI. These are performed by nurses in each unit.Resupply discrepancies (RD), percentage of the discrepancies detected during the resupply divided by NR. These are corrected by pharmacy assistants.ResultsIn each of these five units, the following results were obtained:Emergency department:2013: ND: 84 529; NI: 1778; NR: 8816; ID: 54.2%; RD: 29.8%.2014: ND: 92 010; NI: 3378; NR: 9400; ID: 30.0%; RD: 28.1%.Postoperative care unit (two ADS):2013: ND: 52 824 and 30 071; NI: 2022 and 1546; NR: 7693 and 4931; ID: 50.1% and 34.7%; RD: 17.7% and 17.8%.2014: ND: 51 999 and 20 199; NI: 2774 and 1921; NR: 8089 and 3802; ID: 33.2% and 18.3%; RD: 17.3% and 16.2%.Pre-hospitalisation unit:2013: ND: 21 741; NI: 733; NR: 2323; ID: 49.4%; RD: 24.7%.2014: ND: 25 845; NI: 2568; NR: 2727; ID: 19.6%; RD: 23.7%.Short stay unit:2013: ND: 35 230; NI: 1262; NR: 3180; ID: 37.1%; RD: 21.6%.2014: ND: 34 521; NI: 1833; NR: 3235; ID: 18.3%; RD: 18.6%.Neonatal intensive care unit:2013: ND: 18 040; NI: 1112; NR: 2267; ID: 29.9%; RD: 29.9%.2014: ND: 17 548; NI: 1192; NR: 2370; ID: 14.4%; RD: 26.3%.ConclusionA high rate of discrepancies in the stock of medicines was found, with important differences among units. These indicators have shown the effectiveness of monitoring these processes. We need to establish a training programme for nurses to improve the management of ADS.No conflict of interest.