Return of medicines in a unit dose drug distribution system: Situation of a Costa Rican public hospital

Abstract

A unit-dose drug distribution system is a method for dispensing and controlling patients’ therapy used in Hospital Pharmacy Systems.  This study aimed to analyze the situation of the medications returned to the Mexico Hospital Satellite Pharmacy, assisting with the Medicine Services, from January to March 2019.

A prospective-descriptive methodology was used to determine the medicines most commonly returned as a result of the analysis of both, the institutional computer system and registry forms completed by staff members.  Additionally, we conducted interviews with nurses and pharmacists completed an on-line survey to understand their perception of the causes of medication return. 

Antibiotics, leucovorin, and sodium enoxaparin were documented as the products with more individual returns.  The main causes of return were attributed to the suspension of treatments, extra doses, and transfers of patients to other hospital services.

In conclusion, improvements can be done at the unit-dose drug distribution system analyzed.  It is necessary to promote an integral perspective were pharmacists, nurses, and physicians identify their role and responsibilities in assuring patient safety and system efficiency.