Use of an automated medication storage and distribution system

The effects of an automated medication storage and distribution system in a hospital setting were evaluated. The Pyxis Medstation system was implemented on two nursing units at a 1000-bed tertiary-care referral hospital. The system, which is designed like an automated bank teller, dispenses items to authorized users and records all transactions. Floor-stock controlled substances and noncontrolled medications, large-volume i.v. solutions, and i.v. administration sets were stocked in the system. The system was evaluated (1) by comparing the mean patient charge capture rates for six months before and for three months after implementation, (2) by measuring nurse and pharmacy technician time required for various tasks before and after implementation, and (3) through questionnaires filled out by nurses and technicians. After the system was installed, nursing personnel spent less time on medication-related activities, charting, and documentation and more time interacting with patients. Pharmacy technicians spent more time on floor-stock activities and less time on billing activities. Nurses indicated positive attitudes toward the system features. Both nurses and pharmacy technicians indicated that the system should remain in use. After implementation, the charge capture rate for noncontrolled medications, i.v. solutions, and i.v. sets increased from 63% to 97%. This increase, extrapolated to the entire hospital, reflects $35,000 in additional revenue over the total costs of implementation of the system. Implementation of an automated medication storage and dispensing system is expected to increase hospital revenue and enable nurses to spend more time interacting with patients at this institution.