Medication Automation Solution Streamlines Patient Care

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 Aug 2016
Automated medication dispensing cabinets enable nurses to queue up medication orders at the patients’ bedside, instead of waiting in line at the cabinet.

The Omnicell G4 Unity automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) provides high capacity storage to accommodate oral tablets and capsules, ampules, vials, oral solutions, bulk stock, and other medications, in a wide array of drawer styles to meet patient care needs. Medications and supplies can be combined in a single cabinet, adding convenience and saving space. The cabinets are also fitted with single-dose dispensing system, which improves security and reduces the need for manual narcotic count-backs.

Image: The Omnicell G4 Unity automated dispensing cabinet (Photo courtesy of Omnicell).

The Omnicell ADC is linked via a shared database with the controlled substance manager and other solutions on the proprietary Unity integrated platform, which allows a more automated chain of custody, providing greater visibility and helping to reduce time spent resolving discrepancies. The specialized cabinets are expected to enhance the security and eliminate drug diversion risk, which is considered important in an area, which deals with powerful narcotics.

Other features of the ADC cabinet include a large, high resolution display that is easy to see and read; guiding lights technology to quickly direct the user to the desired location in the cabinet; an advanced biometric ID system to provide fast yet secure access; an integrated online medication reference library; dispensing alerts that provide additional safety checks; and a bar code scanner for enhanced safety and efficiency. The Omnicell ADC is a product of Omnicell (Mountain View, CA, USA).

“As we looked for a solution that increased the security of our medications in the OR and on the patient floors, we also wanted tools that helped streamline the distribution process for our nurses,” said Harry Shamamian, pharmacy services director at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital (Santa Clarita, CA, USA). “Omnicell’s solutions offer both the security and flexibility we require while helping to expand the total medication capacity that our nurses need.”

Related Links:
Omnicell
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

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