Abstract
This case study will describe the steps taken to improve pharmacy turnaround times at a 450-bed community hospital. Working through a pharmacy/nursing committee, the pharmacy implemented changes to streamline the order entry process and reorganize workflow. An upgrade of unit-based dispensing cabinets improved floorstock levels and pharmacy control over this stock. Gains were made by faxing medication orders to pharmacy and by decentralizing pharmacy staff during peak hours. Turnaround times ranged between 80 to 147 minutes before the changes and 26 minutes to 33 minutes following the changes. Pharmacist turnover decreased and staff morale improved.
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