The implementation and impact of semi-automation on efficiency, quality and cost within a courier pharmacy.

Abstract

Introduction: The European Medicines Agency has identified a list of around one hundred topics that require further investigation. This list aims to accelerate innovative medicine research and bridge gaps in current knowledge. Included is further investigation needed in the sphere of automation and artificial intelligence. This is the future of pharmacy and along with the increase in popularity of courier pharmacies during the Covid-19 pandemic there is a possibility for a significant leap forward in medicine provision. Automated dispensing units (ADU) are at the forefront of automation in pharmacy and provide much needed relief to routine and labour-intensive tasks within the pharmacy. They are associated with increased efficiency, reduced labour requirements and costs as well as a reduction in medicine errors when compared with traditional dispensing methods. Objectives: Comparison of two dispensing systems namely, an ADU and a traditional dispensing unit (TDU), was conducted to determine the effects of automation on efficiency, quality and cost. Data from these dispensing departments were compared to develop and assess the viability of a more integrated and semi-automated approach.