Medication Management - Pharmacy Distribution and Return Lean Event

The project improved the pharmacy to hospital floor Rx process to decrease returns, optimize automated functionality and reduce overtime. The result was an improvement in communication between all related departments including pharmacy, nursing and support departments, reducing barriers to problem solving, and increasing ownership of best practices. Achieved project goals included: 1) Streamlining the process starting from the time the pharmacy receives the order until the Rx is credited; and 2) Optimizing the automated dispenses (Pyxis), and a 50 percent reduction of Rx's returned to the pharmacy.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)