Title: Track and save: the impact of medication dispense tracking software
Authors: Joshua Mercure, Mary Pat Thomas, Rachel Russ
Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, audience members will be able to describe the impact of medication dispense tracking technology on inpatient medication re-dispensing rates, pharmacy workload, and associated costs.
Background/Objective: Evaluate the impact of medication tracking technology on inpatient medication re-dispensing. We hypothesize implementation will reduce missing medication requests, medication waste, and associated pharmacy workload and costs.
Methods: This retrospective pre–post study evaluates the impact of a medication tracking system on re-dispensing at a single academic medical center using EHR and pharmacy operational data (Aug–Oct 2024 vs Aug–Oct 2025). The study includes non-controlled, non-premixed, pharmacy-prepared medications dispensed to inpatient units. ADC-dispensed, continuous infusions, PRN, and patient-supplied medications were excluded. Re-dispenses were identified through monthly audits of missing medication messages. The primary endpoint is change in the percentage of missing medication messages and re-dispensed medications post-implementation. Secondary endpoints include estimated cost reduction, medication classes, and care areas associated with higher rates of re-dispenses. Costs were calculated using wholesale acquisition cost, excluding high-cost outliers.
Results: Implementation of medication dispense tracking software was associated with a significant reduction in medication re-dispenses related to missing medication requests in the post-implementation period. The rate of missing medication requests resulting in re-dispense decreased by 16% compared to the pre-implementation period (p < 0.001). Compliance with dispense tracking was 75% during the post-implementation period. Oral syringes demonstrated the greatest reduction in re-dispenses (23%), while acute care units experienced the largest decrease among inpatient care areas. Operational and financial analyses suggest reductions in costs associated with re-dispensing activities, although specific financial savings has yet to be determined.
Conclusion: Implementation of medication dispense tracking improved medication distribution efficiency and reduced operational burden associated with re-dispensing workflows. These findings support the use of tracking technology to improve medication accountability, reduce waste, and enhance inpatient pharmacy operations. Additional opportunities exist to optimize outcomes through improved compliance and continued workflow refinement.
Self-assessment question: A reduction in medication re-dispensing rates after implementation of dispense tracking software may suggest improvements in medication accountability and distribution workflow efficiency, though additional operational factors should also be considered.
