Medication storage technology upgrade to roll out system-wide

Every day, more than 40,000 medications are dispensed to patients throughout Yale New Haven Health. How do we ensure the right medications get to the right patients at the right times? Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) and anesthesia workstations (AWS) play an integral role.

First introduced in hospitals in the 1980s, the ADC is an electronic device that securely stores medications. ADCs optimize patient-centered care by allowing appropriate access to medications in locations outside the pharmacy – such as on a nursing unit. ADCs also provide accurate medication tracking and record-keeping to monitor inventory and deter drug diversion. An AWS securely stores the medications and supplies needed for a full day of cases in one convenient place and automatically tracks inventory used.

Pharmacy Services has begun upgrading medication management automation and technology solutions. These technological advancements will support patient safety and care team efficiency and integrate multiple databases into one unified system, according to LeeAnn Miller, YNHHS chief pharmacy officer.

Pharmacy, DTS (Digital and Technology Solutions), Nursing, Supply Chain, Finance and delivery network representatives came together to ensure a holistic and comprehensive assessment, said Sarah Kelly, executive director, Pharmacy Services, YNHHS.

Objectives included keeping patient safety, quality and fiscal responsibility at the forefront of the decision-making process and gathering feedback from frontline staff.

“Nurses and clinical staff at each delivery network had an opportunity to try the latest technology and convey what was important to their work,” said Marjorie Lazarre, YNHHS associate chief pharmacy officer. “This helped us determine the vendor with the safest and most efficient workflows.”

Becton Dickinson, manufacturer of Pyxis® ADCs, Pyxis Logistics central pharmacy, and CII Safe controlled substance storage systems, was chosen as the vendor. YNHHS will upgrade all medication management automation and technology solutions, replacing more than 1,600 pieces of equipment across 700 clinical units and two states. To help reduce costs, YNHHS will lease vs. buy equipment.

Advantages of the new Pyxis and anesthesia machines include:

• Increased reliability, with less downtime 
• Enhanced safety and medication security that will reduce the risk of the wrong medication being selected, and upgraded anesthesia medication labeling systems 
• Inventory optimization 
• Systemwide technology integration and standardization
• Lower risk of cybersecurity threats

New Pyxis ADCs and anesthesia workstations will be deployed across all YNHHS clinical and surgical areas over the next 12 to 18 months, beginning with Yale New Haven Hospital’s York Street Campus. The initiative includes a vendor conversion at Westerly Hospital to standardize technology and ensure a consistent care signature.