Related Experiment Videos
Effect of computer software on time required to prepare parenteral nutrient solutions
A M Seidel1, T W Woller, S Somani
1Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill 27514.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|February 1, 1991
Summary
A new software package significantly reduced the time pharmacists and technicians spent preparing parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions. This automation allowed for reduced staffing and reallocation of pharmacy resources to clinical services.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Health Informatics
- Automation in Healthcare
Background:
- Parenteral nutrition (PN) solution preparation is time-intensive for pharmacy staff.
- Optimizing workflow in i.v. admixture pharmacies is crucial for efficiency and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of automation software on pharmacist and technician time for PN solution preparation.
- To assess changes in workflow efficiency and staffing requirements post-software implementation.
Main Methods:
- Work sampling was conducted over six-week periods before and after software implementation at a teaching hospital.
- Data collected focused on time spent by pharmacists and technicians during PN solution preparation.
- Statistical analysis compared time requirements between the pre- and post-software periods.
Main Results:
- Total pharmacist time per PN solution decreased by 28% (14.03 to 10.12 minutes).
- Significant reductions were observed in pharmacist time for calculations and label typing.
- Technician time for label typing and base solution pumping decreased, with overall time per PN solution reduced (20.15 to 17.82 minutes).
Conclusions:
- Computer software for PN label and calculation worksheet generation significantly reduces preparation time for both pharmacists and technicians.
- Software implementation enabled a reduction in pharmacist staffing, facilitating resource reallocation to clinical services.