JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Objectives This observational analysis aimed to assess the change in time, cost, and errors following the implementation of the Becton Dickinson (BD) Cato Pharmacy system in an aseptic unit producing Intravenous Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (IV SACT) at Watford General Hospital (WGH). Methods Data on compounding process times were collected manually by pharmacy staff before and after the implementation of the IV compounding software (BD Cato). The data were analysed to estimate annual time savings, opportunity cost savings, and error reduction. Key findings The IV compounding software produced a time saving of 18 minutes per drug, equating to 1,034 hours saved per year (39.9% reduction). If this time were repurposed to producing more IV SACT, WGH could increase production by 66% annually (2,298 additional IV SACT). This represents an average cost saving of £11.29 per drug, equating to an annual opportunity cost saving of £39,246. The IV compounding software also decreased observed errors by 86%, a reduction of 43 errors over two months (approximately 258 fewer errors annually). Staff also preferred the IV compounding software to the manual system. Conclusions Implementing IV compounding software can save time, reduce costs, and lower errors in IV SACT preparation. This could improve timely treatment access for cancer patients.