What types of materials can be stored by the cabinets?
The system primarily allows for the storage of solid dose forms (patient packs, full packs and part packs). Configuration of patient specific draws also allows for storage of patient’s own drugs.
By combining different types of cabinet and multiple towers the system is versatile enough to store almost any number of SKUs of any type (including injectables, controlled drugs, liquids and creams as well as IV fluids) in most near patient settings (inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, A&E and theatres).
Can the cabinets be used for refrigeration/cold chain items?
The hosted cabinet is designed to work inside most standard fridges. Available in single, double or triple module configurations theses cabinets can hold up to 24 different lines with standard draws.
The technology has been designed to work at <8°C and has proximity sensors to prevent the draws opening whilst the fridge door is closed. The units have all the functionality of the rest of the system and can either be fully integrated with other nearby cabinets or deployed stand-alone.
How are controlled drugs managed?
Controlled Drugs (CDs) can be kept in the locked compartments - except glass fronted shelving. Additionally the system can be configured to require witnessing at all appropriate points of the process and to require a manual stock count check upon refill or removal of any CDs.
The system also has a separate stock count for CDs which is continually updated and can be checked at any time.
Is the cart suitable for use at the bedside?
The cart is a highly mobile, height adjustable and Wi-Fi enabled Workstation on Wheels (WoW) that can be used with other software applications alongside JAC’s e-prescribing and administration recording; allowing clinicians access to the information they need at the bedside.
The designers have considered the needs of clinical environments (infection control, mobility, small footprint, space for accessories, etc) to ensure suitability for front-line use.
How can the system adapt to changing needs?
Using the ServeRx core software, drug locations can be reconfigured quickly and, if necessary, remotely. Multiple cabinets can be daisy-chained together or separated with ease and a cabinet which is no longer required in one location can be moved for use in another location with “plug and play” type configurability.
The system is designed to be entirely modular and changes to the hardware configuration (e.g. draw sizes) can be arranged should the desired specification change.
What about scalability and multi-site control?
The system can be used concurrently by many end users and is able to accommodate an increase in activity without restructuring. From the core software, the cabinets for and entire hospital (deployed on a WAN) can be configured and managed.
All the security elements are governed centrally by the system administrator and it is possible to secure all system communications. Centralised control lowers the burden on system administrators, who will not have to install and support workstations on-site.
How are the units restocked?
The system can automatically generate stock refill orders for all items that are below their predefined minimum level. Once items are issued by the pharmacy, a pharmacy technician or nurse can initiate the refill task at the cabinet that will process all the items that were ordered.
It is also possible to manually refill the units by scanning the barcode and entering the quantity. The system will allocate the stock automatically by opening only the correct drawer.
How does the system interface to other hospital systems?
The system can be interfaced to a number of hospital information systems via standard, HL7 based ADT interfaces. A bulk-issues ordering mechanism will be made available for users of the JAC Pharmacy Management system to enable semi-automatic stock control processes.
A more advanced interface to the JAC system – including EPMA – is planned for a future release.