Automated compounder for adding ingredients to parenteral nutrient base solutions

The effects of using an automated compounder for adding ingredients to parenteral nutrient (PN) base solutions was evaluated. Work-sampling methods were used to determine the amount of time spent by pharmacists and technicians in the production of PN solutions before and after the implementation of an automated device for adding ingredients to PN base solutions. Costs of materials and supplies were evaluated before and after the PN compounder was implemented. Qualitative (sterility) and quantitative (accuracy) analyses were performed by the hospital laboratory. A personnel time savings of 5.4 minutes per PN solution (1.0 full-time equivalent [FTE]) was shown. There was also an additional 0.5 FTE saved in activities not directly related to PN production. There was a 1.5% increase in pharmacist time (mean +/- S.D. preimplementation, 12.66 +/- 2.33 minutes; postimplementation, 12.85 +/- 1.96 minutes) and a significant 27.9% decrease in technician time (mean +/- S.D. preimplementation, 20.29 +/- 2.47 minutes; postimplementation, 14.62 +/- 2.24 minutes) per PN solution. The break-even point for personnel and supply costs was 33 PN solutions. Qualitative analysis resulted in one positive culture preimplementation and no positive cultures postimplementation. Quantitative analysis showed an improvement in compounding accuracy. The use of an automated compounder for adding ingredients to PN base solutions resulted in personnel time savings and improved accuracy.