Issues Faced by Pharmacy Technicians While Maintaining Automated Dispensing Cabinets and How to Overcome Them in the National Guard Health Affairs in Riyadh: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Technology is rapidly evolving to improve patient safety and increase healthcare providers' efficiency. Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are an example of a technology that has been used to facilitate patient safety. As with any other technology, there are benefits and drawbacks associated with the use of ADCs. In this study, we aim to identify the issues related to maintaining ADCs in National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) hospitals from the pharmacy technicians' perspective and find some solutions to overcome the problems that complicate the usability of the ADCs. MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted using an open-ended questionnaire. It was completed by 30 pharmacy technicians who deal with ADCs in NGHA hospitals. ResultsThree themes were extracted from the questionnaire: "issues faced by pharmacy technicians before filling the ADCs," "issues faced by pharmacy technicians during filling the ADCs," and "issues faced by pharmacy technicians after filling the ADCs." Discussion and conclusionThis study portrayed a better understanding of the issues faced by pharmacy technicians who deal with ADCs based on their experience. It will help stakeholders to make appropriate decisions and improve the workflow for a successful ADC implementation.