Developing an automated process of uploading immunoglobulin batch numbers to the UK National Immunoglobulin Database

To develop a more efficient and robust process for entering patient-specific, immunoglobulin batch number data onto the UK National Immunoglobulin Database.

A manual method of input, which relied on paper records, was replaced with an automated upload that was developed by linking the pharmacy dispensing system, JAC, with a number of information technology support systems to produce a batch number report. Both systems ran parallel for a period of 7 weeks, and administration time and completeness of data for both were analysed.

Over the 7-week period, 550 g of immunoglobulin would not have been entered using the manual method (=4108 g per annum; 4.66% of total immunoglobulin usage). The time taken to enter the data was reduced from 4 h to 30 min per week.

An automated process of uploading batch numbers increases accuracy and completeness of data, reduces administrative time and risk of financial loss; therefore, significantly increasing efficiency.