Role of Automated dispensing machines: An emerging and efficient technology in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Recently, pharmacies are progressively transforming in the direction of automation to increase dispensing procedures for medication. Such dispensing technologies have penetrated the health care system in Saudi Arabia during the last few years; however, there is no strong evidence regarding the use of automated drug dispensing systems (ADDSs) in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we carried out a rapid review of published studies regarding ADDSs in Saudi Arabia over the last ten years.

Methods: We carried out an electronic and systematic search on the effectiveness and usefulness of the automated drug dispensing systems concerning different parameters. All studies that were carried out between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed in this rapid review. Since there is a shortage of literature on the topic, mainly in Saudi Arabia, we included all studies that had assessed the usefulness of automated drug dispensing systems from various aspects.

Results: The included studies' findings suggested that ADDSs have been found useful in reducing the errors related to medication dispensing and workflow. It also resulted in the improved efficiency at which medicines will regulate, expands the precision of drug profiling for clients, reduces unsuitable supply and delivery of medicines, and offers efficient usage of the health workforce in the hospitals. These systems are found to substitute a few regular, time-consuming filling practices by increasing precision, enhancing productivity, and reducing medication errors.

Conclusion: ADDSs appear to increase drug regulation effectiveness, improve the accuracy of drug profiling of patients, reduce the inadequate administration and administration of drugs, and allow for more efficient use of human resources in pharmacies and hospitals. However, further studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of automated drug distribution systems in a representative sample of hospitals in Saudi Arabia.