Implementation and evaluation of an EHR-integrated mobile dispense tracking technology in a large academic tertiary hospital

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of implementing an electronic health record (EHR)–integrated mobile dispense tracking solution. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Houston Methodist Hospital. The study timeframe consisted of 1-year pre- and postimplementation phases, with a 1-month washout period. The medication tracking function was implemented in a multiphase approach. The primary endpoint was the weekly redispense rate due to missing medication or delay in delivery. The secondary endpoints were total redispenses due to missing medication or delay in delivery per 1,000 medication messages and per 1,000 inpatient discharges and dispense tracking scanning compliance post implementation. Results Analyses demonstrated a sustained decrease in redispenses from 3.24% to 2.70% (95% CI, 0.10-0.60; P = 0.006). The study also demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in redispenses per 1,000 medication messages from 190 to 127 (95% CI, –27.21 to –4.23, P = 0.008). Analysis of redispenses per 1,000 patient discharges showed a nonsignificant reduction after implementation from 216 to 194 (95% CI, 54.63 to –77.71; P = 0.730). The department achieved 90.7% dispense tracking compliance. Conclusion EHR-integrated mobile dispense tracking technology effectively reduced the redispense rate and total redispenses normalized to medication messages for missing medication and delay in delivery. Interprofessional collaboration and effective change management strategies are essential to the successful implementation of medication dispense tracking technology.