Pharmacy and medication circuit #

Prescription #

The medication circuit begins with a prescription, where a healthcare provider orders medication for a patient. This prescription details the medication name, dosage, frequency, and duration of treatment.

Selection, Acquisition, and Reception #

Following the prescription, the pharmacy department selects the appropriate medication, acquires it from suppliers, and receives the shipment. This stage involves verifying the accuracy and quality of the received medications against the order details.

Storage and Storage Management #

Upon reception, medications are stored in accordance with their specific requirements, such as temperature control or security measures for controlled substances. Effective storage management ensures medications are easily accessible while maintaining their integrity and efficacy.

Distribution #

Medications are then distributed to the care units or directly to patients. This process may involve various distribution methods, including cart fill systems (either via pharmacy robot or pharmacy technician) and automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs), which are strategically placed throughout the hospital to improve accessibility and control. 

Administration #

The final step in the medication circuit is the administration of the medication to the patient, performed by healthcare professionals. This step requires careful verification of the medication, dose, and patient identity to prevent errors.

Optimization and Safety Measures #

Throughout the medication circuit, continuous efforts are made to optimize processes and enhance patient safety. This includes implementing automation technologies like pharmacy robots and ADCs to improve efficiency and reduce the risk of medication errors. Additionally, rigorous management practices are employed to maintain a permanent stock of essential medicines, ensure proper storage conditions, and manage stock levels effectively.

Quality Assurance and Compliance #

The Pharmacy and Medication Circuit department also focuses on quality assurance and regulatory compliance. This involves regular audits, staff training, and adherence to best practices and guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. 

Waste Management #

Proper disposal of expired or unused medications is an essential part of the medication circuit, ensuring environmental safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

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