2 research outputs found
Critical analysis of the dispensing process at Mater Dei Hospital
Objective: To identify strengths and weaknesses
within the present out-patient dispensing system at Mater
Dei Hospital and to suggest alternative processes for a more
user-friendly system.
Method: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) were
reviewed to obtain a better understanding of dispensing
activities. Dispensing practices were observed and compared
to SOPs. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
(SWOT) analysis was undertaken. Areas for improvement
were evaluated through discussions with pharmacists and
pharmacy technicians. Review of SOPs was undertaken
to minimise non-conformance to SOPs and improve
user-friendliness of the system.
Key findings: The dispensing process is influenced
by both internal and external factors in the pharmacy
setting. Strengths from within the pharmacy setting are
the availability of IT systems for record keeping and stock
control and access to reference sources for medical and
clinical information. Limitations to the dispensing process
which should be considered include an environment where
patient-pharmacist relationship and patient confidentiality
are not supported due to large workloads, low staff levels
and patient overcrowding. Whilst trying to encourage
rational and safe use of medicines, the current system has
an overload of bureaucratic procedures to the extent that
these were perceived to limit pharmacists’ professional
discretion. Current technological developments offer
opportunities to improve pharmaceutical services, through
bar coding and the integration of patient medication
records from different health care settings.
Conclusion: The potential contribution of the
pharmacists to public healthcare has yet to be maximised,
through the introduction of some flexibility of protocols to
allow pharmacist professional judgement during the dispensing
process.peer-reviewe
Hospital pharmacy...where do we stand?
Hospital pharmacy is a specialised field of pharmacy within the healthcare service which entails the procurement, storage, compounding and dispensing of medications and medical devices. It also involves advising healthcare professionals and patients on their safe, effective and efficient use. In accordance to the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP), the mission of each hospital pharmacist is to enhance the safety and quality of all medicine-related processes affecting patients whilst ensuring that the seven “rights” are respected: right patient, right dose, right route, right time, right drug with the right information and right documentation. Being part of the medication management within a hospital, each hospital pharmacist must strive to optimise the use of medicines such as ensuring the correct dosage regimen and promote adherence to prescribed treatment by patients.peer-reviewe