Evaluation of Cart Fill Drug Distribution System for In-patients at a South Indian Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Accurate and safe distribution of medications to the patients is an integral responsibility of the hospital pharmacy. Various international studies have shown the efficiency of cart fill method of drug distribution in ensuring medication accuracy. Objective: To assess the efficacy of cart fill drug distribution system at a South Indian Tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A suitable data collection form for cart fill drug distribution system was designed. Standard operating procedure (SOP) was prepared to implement the method of cart fill drug distribution. As per the SOP, the duty pharmacist verified the e-prescriptions for transcribing errors. The research pharmacist verified the prescription for any potential drug related problems, and cross verified the filled medications with prescription for accuracy and then filled medicines were handed over to the patients with instructions for safe use. A separate feed- back questionnaire was applied to collect the clinicians and patients satisfaction over the cart fill drug distribution practice. Results: During the study period, about 5000 prescriptions were reviewed and identified 502(10.4%) errors and corrected. Majority errors found were dispensing errors (64.14%), and transcribing errors (17.52%). At the end of the study, significant reduction (p<0.01) in errors was observed. Number of drug returns was also found decreased. Average time taken for handing over the medicines to the patient was calculated as less than 45minutes. Clinicians and Patients have expressed satisfaction over this system of drug distribution. Conclusion: The present cart fill drug distribution system has ensured accuracy in medication supply within the scheduled time and decreased the number of drug returns to the pharmacy and also increased the patient’s satisfaction.