A Technological Leap in Veteran Care: Pharmacy Remodel Enhances Efficiency and Service
It was a moment of celebration as the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center's outpatient and inpatient pharmacies unveiled their newly remodeled spaces, brimming with state-of-the-art equipment and fixtures.
The culmination of a transformative journey that began in June 2021, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a remarkable undertaking that would forever change how pharmacy services are provided to our Veterans.
Central to the remodeled outpatient pharmacy is Scriptpro, an innovative addition that has substantially impacted both Veteran care and customer service. Since its installation, Scriptpro has achieved two remarkable feats. Firstly, it has drastically reduced the wait time for prescription fulfillment, taking it from over 30 minutes to an average of 15 minutes or less. This remarkable improvement ensures that Veterans receive their medications promptly, easing their overall healthcare experience.
Moreover, Scriptpro has revolutionized inventory management, empowering the pharmacy team with unparalleled control over product availability. By maintaining a perpetual inventory and generating daily orders based on preset pars, the pharmacy now possesses accurate information on product quantities. Consequently, shortages occur only when medications are on manufacturer backorder or in a shortage. This meticulous management approach has significantly enhanced the pharmacy's ability to fulfill complete prescriptions, minimizing instances where Veterans had to be owed medications due to inadequate supply.
Technological advancements in the outpatient pharmacy extend beyond Scriptpro. A kiosk in the waiting area now grants Veterans a personalized experience. As soon as they access the kiosk, their names are recognized, expediting the process before reaching a pharmacist. Additionally, a strategically placed screen inside the pharmacy highlights high-demand areas, enabling staff members to proactively address bottlenecks and allocate resources efficiently. This seamless integration of technology optimizes workflow and ensures that Veterans receive timely and attentive care.
In tandem with these advancements, the outpatient pharmacy has incorporated IntelliCab™ Will-Call System and IntelliVault™ systems. IntelliCab™ Will-Call System, an electronic security system, provides accurate guidance to staff members responsible for retrieving medications for pickup or mail. It informs them precisely about the items required and their locations within the vault, effectively reducing errors at the handout window to an astonishing zero.
The IntelliVault™ system has revolutionized the filling of controlled substances. Leveraging visual verification and quality assurance steps, the technology guarantees that the correct medications are consistently dispensed to the intended patients. By automating controlled substance filling, pharmacy technicians can now perform this task efficiently, allowing pharmacists to focus on crucial clinical contact center responsibilities and other pharmacist-specific duties. This optimization of resources ensures that all healthcare professionals can operate at the pinnacle of their licensure, delivering exceptional care to our Veterans.
Additionally, the inpatient pharmacy has undergone a profound transformation with the installation of the BD Pyxis™ Logistics carousel. Serving as an inventory management tool, BD Pyxis™ Logistics carousel generates daily orders and alerts staff members about restocking requirements for the Pyxis floor stock machines. With this advanced system, the pharmacy has achieved a substantial reduction in stockouts, with the goal of eventually attaining zero instances. This seamless inventory control translates into uninterrupted access to medications for nurses, empowering them to administer treatments promptly and efficiently.
Both the outpatient and inpatient pharmacies have been revitalized with a comprehensive facelift, encompassing new fixtures, shelves, workstations, lockers, and upgraded break areas. These modern enhancements have not only elevated the aesthetics of the pharmacies but have also instilled a profound sense of pride and job satisfaction among the staff. Empowered by their improved work environment and cutting-edge equipment, the pharmacy team is primed to deliver unparalleled service to our Veterans.
"We take great pride in the tremendous progress achieved over the past several years, creating a pharmacy that stands as a beacon of excellence for our Veterans," expressed the Chief of Pharmacy Service, Dr. Kevin Tiller. "Our unwavering goal is to provide the highest level of service to our Veterans, and these advancements underscore our commitment to their well-being."
With the completion of this transformative remodel and the integration of cutting-edge technology, the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center's outpatient and inpatient pharmacies have set a new standard in Veteran care. This significant investment in automation and infrastructure exemplifies the hospital's dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services to those who have selflessly served our nation.