Development of STAT Medication Dispensing System by Semi-Automatic Dispensing Machine in Intensive Care Units at Thammasat University Hospital

Abstract

Background: The distribution of STAT medication is a key part of the Medication Management System (MMS). A delay in the administration of STAT medications may increase the mortality rate. Thammasat University Hospital, a supra-tertiary hospital, found medication error reports related to delay in STAT medication order processing time.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to evaluate STAT order processing time for the delivery of medicine to intensive care units with a decentralized pharmacy automation system.

Material and methods: This study was an action research. The average dispensing time of STAT medication and the number of emergency boxes used between pre and post-implementation machines were compared.

Results: The average dispensing time for STAT dose medications before and after the changed workflow process was decreased from 21.28 minutes to 2.48 minutes per prescription. The reduction by semi-automatic dispenser can improve drug dispensing of the first dose of STAT medication, within 15 minutes.

Conclusion: The development of a dispensing system with a semi-automatic dispensing machine for STAT orders has significantly shortened the waiting time and enhanced dispensing accuracy. This increases the efficiency and patient safety of the overall prescription system from physician description to drug administration on the ward.