Impacto económico de la aplicación del sistema de distribución de medicamentos por dosis unitaria en el hospital general Machala

Abstract

The implementation of the unit dose system in hospitals is a practice that is being standardized, which shows significant results in terms of cost reduction and improved patient safety. The pharmacoeconomic analysis allows the cost-benefit evaluation of the SDMDU, which includes the correct administration of drugs and reduction of errors within the hospital setting. The unit dose distribution system is a procedure that organizes the hospital pharmacy area contributing to the dispensing and control of medication. This system is focused on adapting specific and exact doses for each patient, allowing the control and supervision of administered medications. The objective of this research was to evaluate the economic impact of the application of the SDMDU in the hospitalization areas, in which an analysis of average cost and effectiveness in the rational use of medications was carried out, the research design was retrospective with a qualitative-quantitative approach. The information was taken from the Pharmacy area of the Machala General Hospital where readmissions are recorded with medication return forms and pharmaceutical interventions, with emphasis on all hospitalization areas in the ICU, clinic 1, 2, and 3, surgical hospitalization, and gynecology services, neonatology, pediatrics, and surgical/obstetrics centers, corresponding to the third quarter of the year 2024. In July, a total savings of $14,560.2 was obtained, emphasizing that the emergency area obtained a savings of $2691.69 in avoided expenses for pharmaceutical interventions. August achieved a significant savings of $18,170.44 and September achieved a maximum savings of $18,871.28, indicating that it was the month with the greatest economic savings, which reflected a positive economic impact analysis that benefits the hospital's economy and demonstrates the efficiency of expenses generated by pharmaceutical interventions. By being single doses, it achieves greater scope and savings for multiple patient care. The implementation of this system is visible in the savings generated by the Machala IESS general hospital, thus proving its effectiveness in the SDMDU. The sustainability of health systems thus depends on the planning, distribution, utilization and monitoring of resources to ensure that services can be maintained without reducing capacity or quality of care. Thus medication management plays an important role in optimizing resources by minimizing waste and maximizing outcomes. The SDMDU is an alternative to conventional systems, ensuring reliable, efficient and timely access to pharmacological treatments. This method is preferred in Ecuadorian public hospitals where lack of adequate equipment is a challenge. Accuracy in the administration of doses according to prescription is essential for patient care.