title: Exploring the impact of an automated prescription-filling device on community pharmacy technician workflow.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore community pharmacy technician workflow change after implementation of an automated robotic prescription-filling device.
  
  
  METHODS
  At an independent community pharmacy in rural Mayville, WI, pharmacy technicians were observed before and 3 months after installation of an automated robotic prescription-filling device. The main outcome measures were sequences and timing of technician workflow steps, workflow interruptions, automation surprises, and workarounds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 77 and 80 observations made before and 3 months after robot installation, respectively, 17 different workflow sequences were observed before installation and 38 after installation. Average prescription filling time was reduced by 40 seconds per prescription with use of the robot. Workflow interruptions per observation increased from 1.49 to 1.79 (P = 0.11), and workarounds increased from 10% to 36% after robot use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although automated prescription-filling devices can increase efficiency, workflow interruptions and workarounds may negate that efficiency. Assessing changes in workflow and sequencing of tasks that may result from the use of automation can help uncover opportunities for workflow policy and procedure redesign.
authors: Marshland Pharmacies, Inc., Horicon, Mayville, WI, USA. kwalsh2008pharm@yahoo.com
authors: Kristin E
authors: KE
authors: Walsh
authors: Michelle Anne
authors: MA
authors: Chui
authors: Mara A
authors: MA
authors: Kieser
authors: Staci M
authors: SM
authors: Williams
authors: Susan L
authors: SL
authors: Sutter
authors: John G
authors: JG
authors: Sutter
mesh_terms: D001331:Automation; D003157:Community Pharmacy Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012371:Robotics; D019035:Rural Health Services; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D014922:Wisconsin; D057188:Workflow