Economic evaluation of the deployment of electronic dispenser in intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Electronic dispensers of drugs and materials are automated dispensing systems that allow the control and maintenance of decentralized stocks contributing to patient safety. Objective: To describe the process of implantation of an electronic dispensary in an intensive care unit (ICU), to estimate the costs of implantation and time of return of investment, comparing pre and post implantation data. Methodology: data collection regarding cost, consumption and return of medicines and health products (PPS), as well as estimate of the cost of labor before and after the implementation of the dispensary and estimation of the time of return of investment. Results: comparing the pre and post periods, the value of drug consumption and PPS had an average reduction of 5.15% per month. Regarding the return of medicines in monetary terms, the average reduction was 91.49% per month. The return on investment occurs in 20.1 months. Conclusion: the implementation of the electronic dispensary showed a reduction of the items consumed and the return of medicines, contributing to cost reduction. Despite the initial investment cost the dispensary has a short / medium term return on investment.