Implementation of automated dispensing cabinets for management of medical devices in an intensive care unit: organisational and financial impact

[Supply of sterile medical devices to an interventional technical platform via mobile RFID technology]

This work presents the eight-month assessment of the mobile RFID (radio frequency identification) technology implementation for the management of sterile medical devices in an interventional cardiology department. Several indicators dedicated to stock management, organizational impact (within the pharmacy and the department) and economic impact were collected. The scope of MDS tracked by RFID was defined as well as the new supply circuit. In total, 297 (83%) references were managed by RFID. At eight months, the number of MDS units in stock has decreased by 35% and the number of overstocked references by more than 50%. The value of the inventory decreased by €30,196 (17%) in three months from an initial amount of €17,995. This decrease has been maintained at eight months. The average time spent by the pharmacy technician (PPH) was 66min/d. The paramedical team gained 180min/week. By integrating the cost of the equipment, the annual subscription and the PPH cost, the benefit is estimated at €9555 the first year (then €17,155 the following years). To conclude, RFID has allowed a significant reduction of the stock and its control over time while securing the supply circuit adjusted to the activity. The limits are the absence of interface between the dedicated software and the ordering software as well as the consequent time dedicated by the PPH to this new management mode.

[Impact of an automated dispensing system for medical devices in cardiac surgery department]

To secure medical devices' management, the implementation of automated dispensing system in surgical service has been realized. The objective of this study was to evaluate security, organizational and economic impact of installing automated dispensing system for medical devices (ASDM). The implementation took place in a cardiac surgery department. Security impact was assessed by comparing traceability rate of implantable medical devices one year before and one year after installation. Questionnaire on nurses' perception and satisfaction completed this survey. Resupplying costs, stocks' evolution and investments for the implementation of ASDM were the subject of cost-benefit study. After one year, traceability rate is excellent (100%). Nursing staffs were satisfied with 87.5% by this new system. The introduction of ASDM allowed a qualitative and quantitative decrease in stocks, with a reduction of 30% for purchased medical devices and 15% for implantable medical devices in deposit-consignment. Cost-benefit analysis shows a rapid return on investment. Real stock decrease (purchased medical devices) is equivalent to 46.6% of investment. Implementation of ASDM allows to secure storage and dispensing of medical devices. This system has also an important economic impact and appreciated by users.