Development of a model for predicting pharmacy personnel requirements.
The purpose of this study was to adjust current staffing based on productivity measurement and analysis of the unit dose and sterile products area of the pharmacy, and to develop a model for predicting pharmacy personnel requirements based on Pharmacy Staffing Units (PHASUs). Time measurements of the specific pharmacy procedures were performed to define baseline procedure data. A PHASU equivalency system was developed to allow comparison of all pharmacy procedures. This system was based on the time required to complete a specific procedure divided by the time required to complete the procedure most reflective of workload, a single medication order. Pharmacy personnel requirements were forecasted using the number of unit dose orders and the number of miscellaneous sterile preparations in the sterile products area. A software package used by management engineering to predict patient days and number of admissions was used to forecast workload. The PHASU system provides a means for forecasting workload and addressing personnel requirements for the next fiscal year. Pharmacy administrative personnel must adopt a contemporary business approach to meet the challenge that pharmacy will encounter in the new health care environment.
D005544:Forecasting; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D008331:Management Information Systems; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010562:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling Information Systems; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D000078329:Workforce