Description of the Best Practice
McKesson Health Systems/Automated Healthcare Inc.'s Automated Pharmacy Station
(RxOBOT®) provides the latest in pharmacy automation technology. Robotics
technology and computer software is used to automate the dispensing of
medications in the central pharmacy, efficiently performing the tasks of the
pharmacy technician without altering the legal or professional responsibilities
of the pharmacist. The (RxOBOT®) consists of a multi-axis robot, pick
station, bar code readers, computers and software. In addition, the
(RxOBOT®) includes automated packaging/bar coding equipment that repackages
the various types of medication dosage forms in a small lightweight plastic
bag. Each dose is labeled and bar coded to identify the medication and
expiration date and is loaded into the pick station automatically by the robot.
Implementation
The RxBOT System at Mercy Hospital was implemented in September 1994 at a cost
of $250,000 to aide in the hospital pharmacy department integration of Mercy
Hospital, Mercy Providence Hospital and Mercy Psychiatric Institute (no longer
in existence) for the Pittsburgh Mercy Health System. The RxBOT system is used
daily to provide a 24-hour supply of mediations to inpatients at each facility.
Reductions in FTE's and inventory were used to justify the cost of the RxBOT
System.
Time Frame
Implemented in 1994, this system has been in constant use and has been found to
be very reliable, stable and effective. Installation was a normal equipment
installation covering several months including development of computer
interfaces with other hospital information systems.
Financial Profile
Initial capital costs of this system in 1994 were $250,000. On-going costs of
supporting the system is a quarterly expense of approximately $4,500 for
packaging material and $14,500 maintenance agreement fees.
Outcome
While breakeven was estimated in three years, actual results included the
elimination of 11 FTE's and an actual breakeven in approximately one year.
Other significant benefits include reduction in medication errors, reallocation
of pharmacy technician and pharmacist resources, reduction in drug inventories,
and integration with Point-of-Care systems.
Best Practice Narrative is limited to a one page summary.
Supporting data is limited to one page.
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