A Study of the Drug Control and Distribution System of the Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Abstract
The problem in this study was to determine a unit dose type drug distribution and control system for the Earl K. Long Memorial Hospital. Research methods employed included observation and interview and physical inventory of nursing unit drug stocks. Pharmacy records were surveyed for workload and cost data. The literature was reviewed, and comparisons made between the Long and similar institutions. Four other hospitals were observed for comparative purposes. It was found that the pharmacy receives only a transcribed copy of the doctors drug order, made by the nurse. It was also found that the pharmacy workload is presently somewhat below that of other similar institutions, a large stock of medications was being carried on nursing units, the hospital was designed without medicine rooms or preparation areas on the nursing units, and medications were being prepared for administration in areas designed only as utility rooms. Analysis or recent issues and returns to the pharmacy for credit appeared to show that a considerable increase in issues was not accompanied by an expected increase in returns for credit. It was concluded that a unit dose drug control and distribution system could best be implemented at the hospital by adopting a unit dose packaging system and a centralized unit dose preparation and dispensing system. It was recommended that the present pharmacy order be redesigned as a separate doctors drug order; that strip packaging, oral liquid, syringe filling, and label printing equipment be purchased; that one additional registered pharmacist and five additional pharmacy assistants be hired; that pharmacy hours be extended to 6:00 am to 11:00 pm; and that all medications be delivered to the nursing units four times per day in sufficient single doses for the time period until the next delivery.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD1203737
Entities
People
- Chauncy P. Brothers