Abstract
Timely medication administration is critical for both satisfaction and operational efficiency in Infusion services. This quality improvement initiative evaluated the impact of introducing an automated dispensing cabinet (OmniCell) and stocking iron infusion medications on-site to reduce wait times, improve workflow, and enhance staff satisfaction.
Background
Prior to intervention, patients requiring iron infusions often experienced prolonged wait times-averaging 60 minutes from release of provider order to medication administration. Delays were attributed to manual preparation processes, location of department to pharmacy, and inefficient communication between pharmacy and nursing staff. These inefficiencies affected throughput, patient experience and staff workload.
The Infusion Nurses Society’s Infusion Standards of Practice (2024) emphasize timely, safe medication delivery, efficient workflow processes, and the use of technology to support patient care. Guided by these principles, the team implemented a phase improvement plan.
Methods
The project unfolded in three phases:
- Baseline (Pre-Omnicell): Medications were prepared on-demand by central pharmacy and delivered to the infusion unit.
- Post-Omnicell Installation: Automated dispensing cabinets were introduced to store commonly used medications on site. Iron infusions were not initially stocked.
- Post-Iron Stocking: Iron infusion medications were pre-mixed by pharmacy the morning of and stocked inthe OmniCell the morning of administration.
Results
Phase 1 (Pre-OmniCell): Average wait time-60 minutes.
Phase 2 (Post- Installation) Average wait time-35 minutes.
Phase 3 (Post-Iron Stocking) Average wait time –15 minutes.
This represents a 75% reduction in wait time from baseline to final phase. staff reported decreased stress, more predictable workflows and increased time for direct patient care. Patients noted shorter visits with fewer delays, contributing to higher patient satisfaction.
Discussion
Root casues analysis identified five primary contributors to prolonged wait times, manual preparation of iron infusions,limited on-hand medication availability, communication gaps between pharmacy and infusion teams, workflow bottlenecks in retrieval and preparation, lack of automation and real-time tracking.
Addressing these factors through OmniCell technology and proactive medication preparation yielded measurable improvements. By stocking high-use infusion medications on –site, the team eliminiated delivery delays, reduced nurse workload, and improved scheduling efficiency. These outcomes align with INS recommendations for leveraging technology to enhance safety and timeliness in infusion therapy.
Financial and Operational Impact
Faster medication turnaround allowed for increased patient throughput and reduced overtime costs. Improved inventory control decreased waste, particularly for high-cost infusion medications. Staff satisfaction improvements may also contribute to reduced turnover, which has significant financial implications.
Conclusion
Implementation of OmniCell automated dispensing and proactive stocking of iron infusion medications significantly reduced patient wait times, improved workflow efficiency and enhanced both staff and patient satisfaction. This project demonstrates how targeted process changes, supported by technology and interdepartmental collaboration, can yield substantial operational and clinical benefits.
