Computerized dispensing system: reducing the time of dispensing medicines.

We have developed a new computerized dispensing system which reduces the time needed to dispense medicines. This system is so designed to assist the pharmacist with various tasks. These include receiving prescriptions, dispensing of medicines, checking for accuracy, and payment. This system consists of automated dispensing devices, a tray-transfer line, a reception number indicator screen installed in the waiting room, and a terminal to provide patients with additional information. The prescription data are instantly transmitted to the respective dispensing positions and the prescriptions are dispensed simultaneously. The trays travel efficiently on the tray-transfer line. The host computer performs such functions as input of information of prescriptions, accounting calculations, integrating prescription audit, and preparation of printing data for medicine bags. The control computer, which receives prescription data from the host computer, sorts and sends instruction data on prescriptions to the automated dispensing machines, outputs instructions on the preparation of medicines in the manual dispensing sector, and controls the tray-transfer line, the turn tables and the reception number indicator screen. This computerized dispensing system has produced the following results: (1) improvement in the quality of the dispensing work; (2) reduction in the time required for dispensing medicines; (3) improvement in the quality of service to patients; (4) improvement in the efficiency of the clerical work in non-dispensing work; (5) improvement in work efficiency.