FUTURE OF THE

MEDICATION USE
SYSTEM

Bar code technology

Bar- code technology will continue
to be important in medication
distribution.
Bar codes help pharmacists track
medication use and ensure that
patients receive correct
medication
Bar codes also help robots and
other technology read package
labels

TECHNICIANS
Techinicians will continue to
play a large role in medical
distribution
Studies have demonstrated
that pharmacist checking a
technician is better than a
tech-check-tech system for
checking unit dose carts

REQUIREMENTS
OF ANY GOOD
MEDICATION
DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEM

1) Pharmacist must always maintain quality control over

drug use in institutions where patients are assured of
receiving the right drug at the right time in the right
way
2) System must be efficient in how it achieves drug use
control.
3) Current and future medication distribution systems
must always attend to the needs of those served by
these systemspatients, physicians and nurses.

SUMMARY

The unit dose system and the

development of automation for drug
distribution have had a profound impact
on elevating the practice of hospital
pharmacy. The unit dose system
reduces medication errors and supports
the concept of clinical pharmacy.
Technology has further enhanced the
distribution of medication, allowing
pharmacist to become more involved
with patient care. The use of technology
should further improve medication use
by helping maintain pharmacist