Evaluating the safety and efficiency of robotic dispensing systems

Abstract

Background Although automated dispensing robots have been implemented for medication dispensing in Japan, their effect is yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of automated dispensing robots and collaborative work with pharmacy support staff on medication dispensing. Methods A robotic dispensing system integrating the following three components was established: (1) automated dispensing robot (Drug Station®), which is operated by pharmacy support staff, (2) automated dispensing robot for powdered medicine (Mini DimeRo®), and (3) bar-coded medication dispensing support system with personal digital assistance (Hp-PORIMS®). Subsequently, we evaluated the incidences of dispensing errors and dispensing times before and after introducing the robotic dispensing system. Dispensing errors were classified into two categories, namely prevented dispensing errors and unprevented dispensing errors. The incidence of dispensing errors was calculated as follows: incidence of dispensing errors = total number of dispensing errors/total number of medication orders in each prescription. Results After introducing the robotic dispensing system, the total incidence of prevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.204% [324/158,548] to 0.044% [50/114,111], p < 0.001). The total incidence of unprevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.015% [24/158,548] to 0.002% [2/114,111], p < 0.001). The number of cases of wrong strength and wrong drug, which can seriously impact a patient’s health, reduced to almost zero. The median dispensing time of pharmacists per prescription was significantly reduced (from 60 to 23 s, p < 0.001). Conclusions The robotic dispensing system enabled the process of medication dispensing by pharmacist to be partially and safely shared with automated dispensing robots and pharmacy support staff. Therefore, clinical care for patients by pharmacists could be enhanced by ensuring quality and safety of medication.

Automated dispensing cabinets and their impact on the rate of omitted and delayed doses: A systematic review

“…Studies not featuring an ADC or where the automated solution was not a dispensing cabinet, such as a dispensing robot, were excluded. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 If omitted or delayed doses were not a measured outcome, these articles were excluded. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 Qualitative research was not included.…”

Artificial intelligence in the field of pharmacy practice: A literature review

“…The “robotic dispensing system” in the community pharmacies prepares prescribed medicines. It consists of three parts 26 :. An automated dispensing robot operated by pharmacy support staff, An automated dispensing robot for powdered medication, and A bar-coded medication dispensing support system with personal digital assistance.…”

“…The findings also highlighted the importance of using prior knowledge, such as gene networks and gene annotations, to improve future ADR assessments. Community pharmacy Takase T, 2022 26 Japan To assess the impact on medication dispensing of automated dispensing robots and collaborative work with pharmacy support staff. Prospective study Prescriptions filled with each dispensing device during the study periods The total incidence of prevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced after the robotic dispensing system was introduced (0.204% [324/158,548] to 0.044% [50/114,111], p < 0.001).…”

Impacto da implantação do inventário rotativo diário na acurácia do estoque de medicamentos em um hospital público de médio porte

“…influenced by several factors such as having a qualified technical team, an adequate number of employees, classification criteria, the type of medicines dispensation system, and management tools that assist in controlling stocks. Studies have reported an improvement in stock accuracy after implementing a system that uses barcodes 22 , as well as improvements in inventory management and dispensing with the use of robotic systems for medicines dispensing 5,[23][24][25] .…”