An evaluation of two automated dispensing machines in UK hospital pharmacy

Abstract

Abstract Objective To assess the impact of two different automated dispensing machines (‘robots’) on safety, efficiency and staff satisfaction, in a UK hospital setting. Setting An NHS teaching hospital trust with two main sites each comprising 450 beds. A Swisslog Pack Picker automated dispensing machine was installed in the dispensary at site 1 in December 2003, and a Rowa Speedcase at site 2 in October 2005. Method A before-and-after study design was used on each site, with site 2 acting as a control for site 1. Staff recorded data on dispensing errors identified at the final-check stage; an observer recorded the time taken to label, pick and assemble dispensed items; we recorded turnaround times for the different types of prescription and assessed storage space efficiency. We also used questionnaires to explore staff views. Key findings The robot resulted in a significant decrease in dispensing errors on each site (from 2.7 to 1.0% of dispensed items on site 1, and from 1.2 to 0.6% on site 2). Reductions occurred in errors involving wrong content; there was no clear effect on labelling errors. There were reductions in the time required to pick items for dispensing; there was no impact on labelling or assembly times. There was no conclusive effect on turnaround times. Increases in storage capacity occurred on each site; staff on site 2 were more satisfied following introduction of the robot; there was no difference on site 1. Conclusion Installation of a dispensary robot has modest benefits in terms of reduced dispensing errors, reduced picking times, increased staff satisfaction and increased storage capacity; there was no conclusive impact on turnaround times. These findings seem to be independent of the type of robot installed.