Patient safety: analysis of the impact of implementation of automated dispensing cabinets on drug return in an university hospital

Introduction: Patient safety and medication errors have received great attention and interest from health institutions. Drug return is a reverse logistics process that requires further analysis, because the delay or failure to return medications can create an accumulation of drugs in nursing units, favoring deviations and medication errors. The automated dispensing cabinets are a technological innovation that aims to reduce drug-related errors. The present study made an analysis of the amount of returned medications before and after the implantation of automated dispensing cabinets in a university hospital Methods: This descriptive study presents a retrospective analysis of data on drug return collected from hospital reports published from 2013 to 2016. Results: Before the implantation of automated dispensing cabinets, the mean percentage of returned medications was 27%. In the first year after the implantation of automated dispensing cabinets, the mean percentage of returned medications was reduced to 4%. Conclusion: The implementation of the automated dispensing cabinets led to a reduction in drug return and in its associated risks, generating a positive impact on patient safety

Percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre a utilização de dispensários eletrônicos / Perception of nursing staff on the use of automated dispensing cabinets

Introdução: O uso de dispensários eletrônicos em instituições de saúde tem sido associado à otimização do tempo da equipe de enfermagem e a redução de erros relacionados à medicamentos. Este estudo buscou avaliar a percepção da equipe de enfermagem sobre os dispensários eletrônicos. Métodos: Estudo exploratório utilizou a técnica de grupo focal e foi realizado com técnicos de enfermagem e enfermeiros de oito unidades de internação. Resultados: Para realização da técnica de grupo focal foi necessária a realização de nove encontros em 2015, com a participação de 27 profissionais de enfermagem. De forma geral, a equipe de enfermagem demonstrou estar satisfeita com o uso do equipamento, relatando a necessidade de adequações e melhorias no processo de trabalho associado ao dispensário. Os profissionais relataram que os sistemas de dispensários eletrônicos contribuem para a segurança do paciente. Conclusão: Os resultados possibilitam a elaboração de estratégias para melhorar o processo de trabalho que envolve o dispensário eletrônico, com foco contínuo na segurança do paciente. (AU)

Introduction: The use of automated dispensing cabinets in health care institutions has been associated with optimization of nursing staff's time and reduction in medication-related errors. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of a nursing team regarding automated dispensing cabinets. Methods: This exploratory study used a focal group technique and included nurses and practical nurses from eight admission units. Results: To conduct the focal group technique, nine meetings were held in 2015, with participation of 27 nursing professionals. In general, the nursing staff showed satisfaction with the use of the equipment, but reported a need for adjustments and improvements in the work process associated with the dispensing system. Professionals reported that automated dispensing systems contribute to patient safety. Conclusions: The results allow the formulation of strategies to improve the work process involving automated dispensing cabinets, with a continuous focus on patient safety. (AU)