Combination medication cart and computer terminal in decentralized drug distribution

Abstract

A decentralized unit dose distribution system using mobile pharmacy carts and computer terminals for filling inpatient and discharge medication orders is described. The system uses computer terminals mounted on mobile medication carts. Medication orders are collected from each nursing station by the pharmacist. Using the mobile combination decentralized medication cart/computer terminal (cart/CRT), the pharmacist examines and updates the patient's drug profile, checking for drug allergies and interactions, and bills the patient for drugs dispensed. Unit dose drugs requiring no additional labeling are dispensed from the decentralized cart to the patient's drawer in the unit dose medication cart. When a label is necessary, the pharmacist commands the computer to print a label in the central pharmacy. Discharge orders are entered at the cart/CRT, filled and recorded in the central pharmacy, and distributed to the patients by the pharmacist on the nursing unit. Turnaround time for routine inpatient orders and discharge orders decreased substantially using this system, and the system was perceived as beneficial by nurses, physicians, and pharmacists.