A feasibility study of two drug distribution systems in a large hospital

The objective of this study was to determine on the basis of cost and quality, which of two drug distribution systems was the more feasible, the decentralized, unit-dose satellite system, or a modification of this system whereby "Stat" satellite doses were prepared in the central pharmacy. The two systems, consisting of identical staffs serving the same patients were observed over a four week period. The results of the study showed that "Stat" doses of injectables were more efficiently prepared in the satellite, but that routine injectables excluding "Stat" drugs were more economically prepared in the central pharmacy. The time-cost factor in delivery of "Stat" medications was greater in the completely decentralized system, but it was not considered significant because of the small percentage of injectables involved. An evaluation revealed that the patient could receive his medication more rapidly following initiation of the physician's order under the completely decentralized system, but that the modified system freed more of the pharmacist's time for other professional functions in the clinical area. Also by preparing routine injectable medications in the central pharmacy under the modified system, a considerable dollar saving was realized.Pharmacy, College o