ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for the generalization of automatic unit-dose tablet sorting and counting machine (ATM) in hospital pharmacy. METHODS: The preparative work and the working procedure of the ATM were introduced, and the advantages, the causes of medication errors and the problems related to the application of the ATM were analyzed. RESULTS: ATM helped to enhance the dispensing efficiency, improve the sanitation of drugs, ensure drug safety to great extent and improve the drug control. However, sometimes it might bring about medication errors. 236 (0.48%) of the total 49 059 medical orders analyzed in our study were found to be of medication errors. CONCLUSIONS: ATM has great application value. The wide use of ATM is consistent with the tendency of pharmacy automation, yet its use remains to be further improved.