Integrating Automated Dispensing Cabinets, Electronic Prescribing and Robotic Dispensing Systems for Improved Safety and Efficiency
St Mary's hospital already had a ward level electronic prescribing system in operation for two years when they decided to take the next step in patient safety and automation by installing Omnicell automated medication dispensing cabinets in all care areas.
The Challenge
- Integrate Omnicell cabinets, the robotic dispensing system and the hospital’s EPMA system.
- Provide safer drug selection taking advantage of existing electronic prescribing technology.
- Automate reordering of ward medication saving pharmacy time and reducing drug stockouts
- Introduce electronic controlled drug register saving time and providing real-time tracking and alerts regarding discrepancies.
- Reduce medication consumption levels through improved control and tracking of usage.
- Integrate Omnicell cabinets, the robotic dispensing system and the hospital’s EPMA system.
- Provide safer drug selection taking advantage of existing electronic prescribing technology.
- Automate reordering of ward medication saving pharmacy time and reducing drug stockouts
- Introduce electronic controlled drug register saving time and providing real-time tracking and alerts regarding discrepancies.
- Reduce medication consumption levels through improved control and tracking of usage.
The Solution
Omnicell Automated Dispensing Cabinets
The implementation covered 15 wards with arange of specialities.Omnicell cabinets at the Trust provide a real-time interface with electronic prescribing to fully automate the dispensingof prescribed medication whilst also automating the reordering of stock -including controlled drugs. The system also fully integrates with Omnicell’s robotic dispensing system used in the hospital pharmacy.
Omnicell Automated Dispensing Cabinets
The implementation covered 15 wards with arange of specialities.Omnicell cabinets at the Trust provide a real-time interface with electronic prescribing to fully automate the dispensingof prescribed medication whilst also automating the reordering of stock -including controlled drugs. The system also fully integrates with Omnicell’s robotic dispensing system used in the hospital pharmacy.
The Impact
Increased patient safety, delivered efficiencies and freed up staff time for patient care.
"We have much better stock control and expiry date management, and it’s really easy to use even in an emergency. We have saved time hunting for keys and searching in cupboards –we know we have the stockand the cabinet takes us to it. Invaluable. Really time efficient and safe."
Jackie Harry, NICU Ward, Isle of Wight NHS Trust
