Innovating Outpatient Pharmacy Automation System (OPAS) to suit the dynamic and unique needs of an Oncology Pharmacy
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
31 December 2024
Enhance OPAS to better support outpatient oncology pharmacy operations without costly system upgrades. OPAS enhancements have streamlined outpatient oncology pharmacy workflows.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Productivity, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Operational Management, Digitalisation, Digital Platforms, Automation
About this Content
Aims
Enhance OPAS to better support outpatient oncology pharmacy operations without costly system upgrades.
Background
OPAS, a pharmacy automation system, was initially designed for general outpatient pharmacies. However, it was not well-equipped to handle the complex workflows and customized prescriptions required for oncology patients.
Methods
Refined and re-purposed existing OPAS fields and functions, introducing new automation features to optimize workflow, improve documentation, and reduce manual handling.
Results
Reduced packing time by 50%, improved medication safety with increased near-miss documentation (from 20 to 82 per month), saved $8,000 monthly in manpower costs, and decreased patient wait times for long prescriptions from 45% to 28%.
Conclusion
OPAS enhancements have streamlined outpatient oncology pharmacy workflows. Future improvements will focus on further automation and integration with medication delivery processes.
Lessons Learnt
User adaptability is key to system success. Training, leadership support, and a continuous improvement mindset drive system adoption and efficiency.
Keywords
Outpatient Pharmacy Automation System, OPAS, Prescription Filling, Medication Delivery, E-Documentation
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | National Cancer Centre Singapore |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Pharmacology, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Chium Feng Yong |
Project Member(s) | Miko Thum |
Connect with this contributor!
Mr Chium Feng Yong - Chium.Feng.Yong@nccs.com.sg
Project Attachment
981_NCCS_NHIP_2024_Innovating_Outpatient_Pharmacy_Automation_System_OPAS_to_suit.pdf