A Comparison of Inventory Management Models in Automated Dispensing Cabinets at a Large Academic Medical Center.

To compare and evaluate 2 methods of inventory management in automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs). Ten profiled ADCs had 2 inventory management models implemented over 2 months. Implementation of the models on each ADC involved adjustment of par levels (desired accessible quantities of medication) and removal of medications not used in the past 90 days or more.

Quest for the ideal: a redesign of the medication use system.

Medication use systems in hospitals are complex and prone to error. A redesign of the system using idealized design methodology is a starting point in preventing patient harm from medication errors. An interdisciplinary team identified system properties, proposed and gathered feedback on an ideal design, and established a structure to plan changes in the system and monitor their impact.