Combined Medication-and-Supply Automated Delivery System in an Ambulatory Setting

Abstract

This article describes the implementation and analysis of an automated system for the distribution of medications and supplies in an ambulatory clinic setting. Distribution, charging, and control of medications and supplies provided to ambulatory clinics is an issue that presents numerous problems for hospital pharmacy departments. A combined automated unit to handle both supplies and medications was studied as an alternative to traditional manual systems. Problems with our manual system were identified. A comparative analysis of revenue, medication and supply cost before and after automation is presented. Increases in revenue, decreases in supply cost, and improved medication expense documentation were noted with the automated system.