Unit dose drug distribution in teaching hospitals: key characteristics and centralized versus decentralized...

A comparative review of decentralized versus centralized unit dose drug distribution systems for teaching hospitals is discussed. A drug distribution system Task Force, established at the Toronto Western Division of The Toronto Hospital, identified key characteristics of a safe, accountable and efficient drug distribution system. Included were considerations of patient safety, cost effectiveness, efficient use of nursing time, security, clarification of professional role, hospital and professional standards of practice, and evaluation criteria. Interdisciplinary task force discussions and extensive literature review resulted in a recommendation for the implementation of a decentralized unit dose drug distribution system. It was recognized that physical plant and material handling systems must be considered for each individual facility before a decision to decentralize can be made.