Inpatient Pharmacy Automation System (IPAS): Redesigning the Medication Supply Process
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
Workforce Transformation
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2016
Automate inpatient pharmacy to improve medication supply timeliness, reduce errors, and save costs. IPAS ensures efficient and safer medication supply through automation, reducing errors and costs significantly.
Year Submitted: 2016
Published Date: 31 December 2016
Tags: Technology, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workforce Transformation, Digitisation, Automation, Productivity, Time Saving, Manhour Saving, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Operational Management, Supply Chain, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Job Redesign
About this Content
Aims
Automate inpatient pharmacy to improve medication supply timeliness, reduce errors, and save costs.
Background
Traditional manual processes were time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors in medication supply and administration, leading to inefficiencies and patient safety risks.
Methods
Implemented Inpatient Pharmacy Automation System (IPAS); used automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) for 85% of medication orders.
Results
Medication error rates reduced by 2.5x; projected annual savings of $3.3M in manpower costs; enhanced patient safety and medication delivery efficiency.
Conclusion
IPAS ensures efficient and safer medication supply through automation, reducing errors and costs significantly.
Lessons Learnt
Job redesign and automation in pharmacy operations significantly enhance productivity, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Keywords
Inpatient Pharmacy, Medication Safety, Process Improvement, Robotics & Automation, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Cost Avoidance, Patient Safety, Automated Dispensing Cabinets
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Pharmacology |
Project Lead(s) | Kimmy Liew Kim Ngee |
Project Member(s) |
Connect with this contributor!
Kimmy Liew Kim Ngee - kimmy_liew@nuhs.edu.sg