Allegheny Health Network has invested in sterile compounding technology designed to produce IV medications used in critical care areas.
The automation technology, designed by health tech company Omnicell, compounds sterile medications on site, allowing the health system to effectively deliver medication to patients and reduce costs associated with outsourcing medications and shortages, according to a June 29 press release.
The technology, which also updates patient records automatically upon dispensing of medication, has been installed at Pittsburgh-based Allegheny General Hospital.
"When your technology is fully integrated and communicates effectively, you can spend more time focusing on patients, and less time on dispensing medications or on paperwork," said Laura Mark, vice president of pharmacy of Allegheny Health Network.
The health system said the installation of the new Omnicell technology will also help support its additional pharmacy programs currently being developed,some of which include a meds-to-beds program designed to help pharmacists meet with and provide prescribed medications to patients prior to their discharge. Also being developed is a medication reconciliation program that builds a patient's medication list so when they are admitted, clinicians can better collaborate on treatment options.