Program Overview:

More than 80% of hospitals across the country have implemented automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) as a component of their drug distribution system. Many of these organizations are utilizing ADCs as their primary medication distribution system for patients. This symposium will provide healthcare practitioners with current data and recommendations to ensure safer use of this technology.

Speakers will present preliminary aggregate findings from data submitted since the launch of the first ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Automated Dispensing Cabinets in June 2009. Areas for improvement based on the national data along with observations by ISMP staff during their visits to hospitals will be described. Recommendations for error-reduction strategies to further improve the safe use of ADCs also will be provided through interactive discussion with participants.

The ADC safety assessment is based on guidelines developed by a national forum of vendors and practitioners with expertise in the safe use of ADCs, convened by ISMP. It is uniquely designed to help the nation’s hospitals evaluate their ADC safety practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and compare their experience with that of hospitals of similar size and demographics. The tool is available for free download at www.ismp.org and results can be entered online.

Objectives:

Following completion of this symposium, participants will be able to:

• Describe common errors associated with the use of ADCs
• Interpret preliminary findings from aggregate ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment® for Automated Dispensing Cabinet data
• Identify areas for improvement in ADC safe practices based on the national data  
• Illustrate error-reduction strategies to improve the safe use of ADCs

Agenda:  

Continuing Education

Educational Review Systems is approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education as a provider of continuing pharmaceutical education and complies with the Criteria for Quality for continuing pharmaceutical education. The program “Reducing Medication Safety Risks: Closing the Gap with the ISMP Self Assessment for Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) ” has been assigned the Universal Program Number 0761-9999-09-106-L01-P for Pharmacists and 0761-9999-09-107-L01-T for Pharmacy Technicians and is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEUs)