Newswise — Patients at University of Virginia Health System will benefit from the greater safety and efficiency of a new medication management system that will greatly improve medication safety and supply chain performance.
The new systems will change the way medications are ordered, labeled, stored, distributed and administered. UVA Health System is working with four leading healthcare technology and service organizations to move from a centralized system, where a large number of medications are delivered on carts from the central pharmacy, to a decentralized medication distribution model. Data collected during each step of the process—from electronic order entry through charting by nurses to administration of bar coded unit doses—will flow seamlessly as part of an integrated system that enhances communication, improves quality and eliminates medication errors.
The Health System, driven by Talyst Auto Pharm® 3 software, will combine fast, efficient pharmacy automation, including Auto-Carousels®, AutoPack™ and AutoLabel®, in conjunction with decentralized distribution on patient floors via CareFusion’s Pyxis® MedStation® 4000 medication management system. Both technologies integrate effectively with Cardinal Health’s supply chain solutions to generate a process for automated inventory replenishment.
The Health System’s Department of Pharmacy Services worked with UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences to map and measure the current medication distribution process. Analysis revealed many opportunities to introduce new technologies and workflow processes that will address a broad range of operational issues, including the following:
• Automate the procurement process. The Health System will fully leverage these interfaces to streamline replenishment and control inventory costs. Data collected through the Epic electronic medical record and CPOE systems, Pyxis MedStations and Talyst AutoPharm 3, will interface to Cardinal Health, which will provide next-day delivery of pre-determined orders directly to the carousel shelves based on an established inventory management strategy.• Streamline pharmacy workflow. Talyst AutoPharm 3 software and carousel packaging and labeling technology will automate pharmacy processes to create a safer and more efficient workflow. This software recognizes high-priority orders and moves them to the first position within the Auto-Carousels® using pick-to-light indicators to streamline stocking and picking activities. • Enhance patient safety. Built-in safety checks during replenishment and strategic management of Pyxis MedStation contents will directly support the “five Rs” of patient safety. The integrated system will ensure delivery of the right bar coded medications; decrease the chance of omissions or double doses; track overrides; store medications in closed, patient-specific pockets; and give nurses instant access to special instructions for drug administration.• Move medication closer to the patient. This practice will make medication administration more efficient, more accurate and less costly. Dispensing up to 95 percent of medications from the Pyxis MedStations located on patient floors will also accelerate first dose administration, significantly reduce the number of replacement orders and save nurses time by automating tracking and documentation. • Redefine pharmacy roles. These technologies will enable pharmacists and technicians to achieve a higher level of performance and work in an environment that encourages continuous improvement. Pharmacists will spend more time on patient floors, where they can interact with physicians and make real-time changes to orders that reduce medication costs. Technicians will have enhanced responsibilities for providing nurses with reliable medication support.• Reduce costs. By significantly reducing replacement orders, the Pharmacy can eliminate at least two technician positions, who currently respond to replacement orders and track lost medications. These technologies will improve the timeliness and accuracy of medication deliveries.
“Studies show that efficient medication management optimizes supply chain and labor costs while improving patient safety and employee morale,” said Director of Pharmacy Gary Johnson. “We have studied and documented our operational performance and have enlisted vital partners to transform our systems to generate measurable improvements. We believe this program will create a best practice model for integrated medication management.”
When fully operational, the Health System will have greater transparency across the medication supply chain. The Department of Pharmacy Services will monitor the impact of these new systems on a variety of performance measures. These metrics will include replacement orders, turnaround time on pharmacy orders, charting/documentation accuracy, dispensing errors, stockouts, lost medications, inventory carrying costs, administration errors, charge capture, cost per dosage administered and total medication costs.
“We see enormous potential to improve the way these technologies and services integrate and perform,” Johnson added. “Ultimately, the work we do together will help the Health System achieve the highest levels of patient safety and the best possible outcomes for the patients and families we serve.”
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