JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The existing Intravenous Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (IV-SACT) pathway in pharmacies is operationally inefficient. Manual, paper-based workflows render the system prone to human error, and the need for time-consuming manual verification diverts pharmacy staff time. The introduction of an automated workflow solution for the IV-SACT pathway could optimise treatment timeliness and improve oncological outcomes for patients, aligning with the National Health Service (NHS) Long Term Plan for improved cancer care.

Objective:

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.

Results:

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.