[Performances of an Automated Dispensing System Combined with a Computerized Prescription Order Entry]

Introduction: Performances of an automated dispensing system Pillpick (Swisslog) coupled with the computerized-prescribing - order-entry software and dispensing software Pharma (Computer Engineering) implemented at the opening of a new prison facility in Meaux were quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Pillpick allows the treatment of different and varied pharmaceutical forms without imposing bulk handling or depackaging.

Method: This study conducted between July and September 2006 focused on the performances of the automated dispensing system in terms of single dose packaging, single dose dispensing, dispensing error rate and security of the medication circuit.

Results: Seventy-six plus or minus five percent of the prescribed medications were automated dispensed. Packaging working flow rate was 377 units doses per hour, dispensing working flow rate was 537 doses per hour. Dispensing error rate was 0.5%, due to wrong delivery orders mainly generated by the Pharma computer-order entry software.

Discussion: Automated dispensing systems Pillpick ensure safe drug dispensing. Potential drug errors can possibly be generated by the computerized-prescribing - order-entry software and dispensing software.

Conclusion: The robot-software combination constitutes the key performance parameter.