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Abstract Background Although automated dispensing robots have been implemented for medication dispensing in Japan, their effect is yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of automated dispensing robots and collaborative work with pharmacy support staff on medication dispensing. Methods A robotic dispensing system integrating the following three components was established: (1) automated dispensing robot (Drug Station®), which is operated by pharmacy support staff, (2) automated dispensing robot for powdered medicine (Mini DimeRo®), and (3) bar-coded medication dispensing support system with personal digital assistance (Hp-PORIMS®). Subsequently, we evaluated the incidences of dispensing errors and dispensing times before and after introducing the robotic dispensing system. Dispensing errors were classified into two categories, namely prevented dispensing errors and unprevented dispensing errors. The incidence of dispensing errors was calculated as follows: incidence of dispensing errors = total number of dispensing errors/total number of medication orders in each prescription. Results After introducing the robotic dispensing system, the total incidence of prevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.204% [324/158,548] to 0.044% [50/114,111], p

Background: Although automated dispensing robots have been implemented for medication dispensing in Japan, their effect is yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of automated dispensing robots and collaborative work with pharmacy support staff on medication dispensing. Methods: A robotic dispensing system integrating the following three components was established: (1) automated dispensing robot (Drug Station®), which is operated by pharmacy support staff, (2) automated dispensing robot for powdered medicine (Mini DimeRo®), and (3) bar-coded medication dispensing support system with personal digital assistance (Hp-PORIMS®). Subsequently, we evaluated the incidences of dispensing errors and dispensing times before and after introducing the robotic dispensing system. Dispensing errors were classified into two categories, namely prevented dispensing errors and unprevented dispensing errors. The incidence of dispensing errors was calculated as follows: incidence of dispensing errors = total number of dispensing errors/total number of medication orders in each prescription. Results: After introducing the robotic dispensing system, the total incidence of prevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.204% [324/158,548] to 0.044% [50/114,111], p < 0.001). The total incidence of unprevented dispensing errors was significantly reduced (0.015% [24/158,548] to 0.002% [2/114,111], p < 0.001). The number of cases of wrong strength and wrong drug, which can seriously impact a patient's health, reduced to almost zero. The median dispensing time of pharmacists per prescription was significantly reduced (from 60 to 23 s, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The robotic dispensing system enabled the process of medication dispensing by pharmacist to be partially and safely shared with automated dispensing robots and pharmacy support staff. Therefore, clinical care for patients by pharmacists could be enhanced by ensuring quality and safety of medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main shortcomings in the work of seed treaters were identified, which include increased crushing of seeds, uneven supply, increased humidity of seeds after dressing. It has been established that when the seed treaters are working at seed deliveries of 70-100% of the maximum, there is a sharp change in the quality indicators, which can be reduced by using a two-disk distributing and two-level reflecting devices. The objective of the research is to substantiate the design and technological parameters of a chamber seed treater with a two-disk distributing and two-level reflecting devices that can improve the quality of seed treatment. For this purpose, a prototype chamber seed treater with a two-disk distributing and two-level reflecting devices was developed, manufactured and tested in the field. A study of the sowing qualities and technological properties of seeds of spring wheat of the Raduga variety showed that the seed purity was 99.54%, their moisture content before pickling was 13.9%, their germination rate was 98% with 1000 seeds weighing 41 g, and the crushing of the seeds was 0.14%. The optimal values of the distance between the annular disk and the upper level reflector L1 = 60 mm, the diameter of the lower level reflector D2 = 350 mm, the height of the upper level reflector H1 = 30 mm, the height of the lower level reflector H2 = 30 mm with 0.11-0.05% crushing seeds with the chamber seed treater. The maximum seed flow rate of 5.98 kg/s was established, corresponding to a 2.2% feed irregularity and 0.06% crushing by the chamber seed treater with 150 mm opening of the flap of the petal dispenser.