Safety Analysis of the Use of Automated Drug Distribution Equipment in Health Institutions in Colombia.

Background: Patients are exposed to medication errors throughout health care. The automation of drug distribution processes has been proposed as an alternative to reduce errors. Automated Distribution Equipment (ADE) has advantages but its impact on safety is not conclusive. This study seeks to evaluate the safety in the use of medications dispensed through ADE in hospital services in Colombia. Methodology: Qualitative study of phenomenological design. Interviews were conducted with pharmaceutical chemists in charge of the pharmaceutical services of hospitals with ADE equipment implemented. The "Questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Safety of Automated Drug Dispensing Systems" of the Institute for the Safe Use of Medicines (ISMP) of Spain was followed. The data were analyzed and categorized by two researchers independently. The risks and safety barriers in the use of this equipment were identified, and these were classified according to the processes to which they were associated, either around the use of the equipment or specific to its use. Results: The three institutions analyzed presented a compliance of 74,9% of the aspects evaluated by the ISMP questionnaire. However, opportunities for improvement were evident. Regarding the processes around the use of ADEs, it was observed that there is a risk of violation of restricted access to products, and that there is a lack of pharmaceutical validation of prescriptions. Regarding the processes of the use of ADEs, the information on the prescription provided by the equipment at the time of distribution is scarce, and there are risks of confusion derived from storage limitations. Conclusions: The institutions studied have a good degree of compliance in the implementation and safe use of ADE, which is favored by the participation and commitment of actors such as the Pharmaceutical Service, Technology Office, and nursing. Future research is recommended to delve into the effectiveness of the safety barriers implemented and the impact of the risks.