Time and cost analysis of repacking medications in unit-of-use containers

To evaluate the effects of repacking drugs in unit-of-use containers in community pharmacies. The purpose of this study was to examine whether unit-of-use repacking reduces routine mechanical "counting and pouring" to allow more time for pharmaceutical care.

Simulation pilot study to evaluate the differences between the existing and proposed systems. Based on the literature, four variables--optimum pack size, time savings, packaging costs, and shelving requirements--were selected for evaluation. Historical prescription data from a chain were used in determining the sample drugs and their optimum pack sizes. Workflow analysis and time study were used to estimate the time savings. Manufacturer bottles, repack bottles, and shelves were measured to determine the impact of using unit-of-use containers on storage requirements.

Three community pharmacies in a major drugstore chain in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The 25 fastest-moving solid oral dosage forms, representing 21.6% of all drugs dispensed by the chain, were selected as the sample drugs for the study. The workflow analysis and time study revealed that 0.79 minutes could be saved per prescription if repacked drugs were used. There was an increased cost of approximately $0.05 for every repack bottle used in place of a prescription vial. It was calculated that repacking in unit-of-use containers would increase storage requirements in the pharmacy by 2.5 times if current inventory levels were maintained.

Repacking drugs in unit-of-use containers is potentially an inexpensive method to increase usable time in the pharmacy that does not require an increase in personnel or the purchase of additional technology at the store level.