Cost effective method of implementing decentralized unit dose pharmacy services in a Friesen setting.
A limited decentralized drug distribution system was implemented at the Graduate Hospital, a 310-bed Friesen Concept teaching hospital. This mobile system services 252 medical/surgical beds on three floors of the hospital. Operation was limited to hours of peak demand for pharmacy services and to initial doses. The system was able to reduce turnaround time from 217 minutes to 90 minutes for 80-85% of newly written orders. Further, the systems was found to increase the availability of the pharmacist as a reference source and to clarify unclear or inappropriate orders. This approach required no increase in full-time equivalents and minimal capital expenditure.
D002497:Centralized Hospital Services; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D008510:Medication Systems, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010414:Pennsylvania