Automated Dispensing Cabinet Vs. Traditional Stock Storage System
Advisor(s)
Jamie Hunsicker
Angela Spallinger
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem - Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare settings, contributing to adverse patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and compromised patient safety. Traditional manual medication dispensing systems are prone to human error, leading to incorrect dosages, wrong medications, or missed doses. In response, many hospitals have adopted automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) which are designed to streamline the medication dispensing process, reduce human error, and enhance medication safety. However, the effectiveness of ADCs in reducing medication errors compared to traditional stock storage systems (TFSS) remains unclear.
Aim - This study aims to address this gap by comparing medication error rates between hospitals using ADCs and those relying on TFSS, with the goal of evaluating whether the use of ADCs improves medication safety and reduces the frequency of errors in hospitalized patients.
Methods - This project is a retrospective hospital data review with the use of mixed methods. This project involves a comparative analysis of two hospitals: one using ADCs across all floors and the other primarily utilizing TFSS. Hospital records from both institutions will be reviewed to identify medication error rates, and surveys will be distributed to nursing staff at each hospital. The surveys will assess nurses' perceptions of ADCs in terms of medication pass efficiency, safety, and confidence, as well as their experiences with medication errors. Sophomore nursing students were also presented information related to ADCs in their Fundamentals class.
Conclusion - The use of ADCs decreases the incidence of medication errors compared to TFSS. By improving the accuracy and speed of medication dispensing, ADCs contribute to enhanced patient safety and provide healthcare professionals with greater confidence in medication administration.
Recommended Citation
Koo, Darren, "Automated Dispensing Cabinet Vs. Traditional Stock Storage System" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 86.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/86
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Automated Dispensing Cabinet Vs. Traditional Stock Storage System
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem - Medication errors are a significant concern in healthcare settings, contributing to adverse patient outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and compromised patient safety. Traditional manual medication dispensing systems are prone to human error, leading to incorrect dosages, wrong medications, or missed doses. In response, many hospitals have adopted automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) which are designed to streamline the medication dispensing process, reduce human error, and enhance medication safety. However, the effectiveness of ADCs in reducing medication errors compared to traditional stock storage systems (TFSS) remains unclear.
Aim - This study aims to address this gap by comparing medication error rates between hospitals using ADCs and those relying on TFSS, with the goal of evaluating whether the use of ADCs improves medication safety and reduces the frequency of errors in hospitalized patients.
Methods - This project is a retrospective hospital data review with the use of mixed methods. This project involves a comparative analysis of two hospitals: one using ADCs across all floors and the other primarily utilizing TFSS. Hospital records from both institutions will be reviewed to identify medication error rates, and surveys will be distributed to nursing staff at each hospital. The surveys will assess nurses' perceptions of ADCs in terms of medication pass efficiency, safety, and confidence, as well as their experiences with medication errors. Sophomore nursing students were also presented information related to ADCs in their Fundamentals class.
Conclusion - The use of ADCs decreases the incidence of medication errors compared to TFSS. By improving the accuracy and speed of medication dispensing, ADCs contribute to enhanced patient safety and provide healthcare professionals with greater confidence in medication administration.