The Challenge

The hospital was confronted with a need for higher patient safety. In addition, the management wanted to increase the automation of drug management to ensure the reduction of drug costs. Therefore, the hospital decided to implement an entirely automated drug management procedure including prescription software, unit

dose drug automation, ward stock management and bedside verification.

System Requirements:

• Complete solution for unit dose and multi dose drugs, and medical device management
• Support pharmacy staff - redefining medication and workflow process
• Improve pharmacy efficiency

The Solution

The hospital accepted the bid from Swisslog in November 2003. Before the project started, an analysis of the hosptial supply chain and pharmacy workflow was done by Swisslog specialists. Based on the insights, a new working concept and pharmacy layout was defined.

Next Steps:

• Supply unit doses to intensive care units
• Stock wards with unit doses
• Discharge unit doses to Therapy
• Provide unit doses for outpatient

The first step was to install and test two systems, PillPick and BoxPicker. In parallel, the interface to the prescription software and the hospital information system was developed and implemented.

The second step introduced the unit dose process into the wards. At the end of the project, a total of 30 wards were equipped daily with unit doses. The system was handed over and complete in November 2004.

The Results

The project was a success with the ward stock reduced by 75%. Curent numbers reflect a reduction in medication errors of about 83%.

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