Assessment of technological practices in medication dispensing and administration in hospitals in the United Arab Emirates

Objective To assess hospital pharmacy practices in the United Arab Emirates, in the context of medication dispensing, administration, and technological integration. Methods Data were collected through an anonymous cross-sectional survey of hospital pharmacists. Information on hospital demographics, pharmacy staffing, and medication dispensing and administration practices was obtained. The use of key technologies, including electronic health records, barcode medication administration systems, automated dispensing cabinets, robotic dispensing units, and smart infusion pumps, was explored. Processes such as order verification, double-checking, sterile compounding, and telepharmacy services were also assessed. Descriptive statistics were applied, and associations were tested. Key findings Sixty-four pharmacists responded to achieve 85.3% response rate. The primary method for medication dose distribution in participating hospitals was centralized and manual (e.g. unit-dose distribution) (56.3%). The majority of participants (60.9%) declared they double checked medication orders entry, 84.9% double checked before dispensing, and 46.9% used automated dispensing systems. Nearly half reported regular pharmacist checks post-technician fill. Most hospitals (81.3%) ensured 24/7 pharmacist availability. Basic data analytics were used by 54.7% of hospitals, with only (10.9%) employing advanced analytics. Machine-readable coding was used extensively mainly during dispensing. Sterile compounding was commonly performed manually (54.7%). About half of the hospitals adopted telehealth (57.8%). Larger hospitals adopted more advanced technologies. Conclusion This study was the first to offer a comprehensive evaluation of medication dispensing and administration practices in UAE hospitals. More technological advancements could be adopted to ensure safe and efficient medication use systems are in place. The study provided valuable insights into system design, resource allocation, and health professional training needs required for improvement.