Introduction of Unit-Dose Care in the 1,125 Bed Teaching Hospital: Practical Experience and Time Saving on Wards

Purpose:The shortage of nursing staff as well as the slow progress in the German health care system's digitalisation has gained much attention due to COVID-19.Patient-specific medication management using the unit-dose dispensing system (UDDS) has the potential for a lasting and positive influence on both digitalisation and the relief of nursing staff.Methods: Nursing staff UDDS-acceptance was determined via a validated online survey.For the evaluation of stock keeping on the wards, the delivery quantities were determined for a comparative period before and after the introduction of the UDDS.The time required for on-ward medication-related processes on ward before and after the introduction of UDDS was recorded based on a survey form and the nursing relief in full-time equivalent (FTE) was calculated using the data obtained.Results: We show that nurses appreciate the UDDS and confirm a significant reduction in drug stocks on the wards.The UDDS reduces the time needed to dispense medications from 4.52 ± 0.35 min to 1.67 ± 0.15 min/day/patient.In relation to the entire medication process, this corresponds to a reduction of 50% per day and per patient.Based on 40,000 patients/year and a supply of 1,125 beds with unit-dose blisters, 7.36 FTE nursing staff can be relieved per year.In contrast, 6.5 FTE in the hospital pharmacy are required for supplying the hospitals.Conclusion: UDDS is well accepted by nurses, reduces stock levels on ward, and fulfils criteria as a nursing-relief measure.