Background: Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) were introduced in 2010 and 2012 at the Heart Hospital (HH)\nand National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), both run by Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar.\nThese medication distribution systems provide computer-controlled storage, dispensing, and tracking of drugs at\nthe point of care in patient care units. The purpose of this study was to assess nursesââ?¬â?¢ perceptions of and\nsatisfaction with the use of ADCs at HH and NCCCR.\nMethods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the two institutions in May and November 2012 using a\npiloted, validated, online, and anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: nursesââ?¬â?¢\nsociodemographic and practice characteristics, 21 questions about their perceptions, one question about their\noverall satisfaction, and one about the systemââ?¬â?¢s ease of use. The self-administered survey was distributed to 503\nnurses working at HH and NCCCR over three weeks using Survey MonkeyÃ?®.\nResults: The survey response rate was 80 % (n = 403). No significant difference was found in perception scores\nbetween the two institutions (p = 0.06). Ninety-four percent (n = 378) of nurses agreed that the medication delivery\nsystem allowed them to do their job more safely, and 90 % (n = 363) nurses agreed that they now spent less time\nwaiting for medication from the pharmacy than they did before the ADC system was introduced. Eighty seven\npercent (n = 349) nurses agreed that they were able to administer medication more efficiently with the ADC\nsystem. The overall satisfaction rate (either ââ?¬Å?very satisfiedââ?¬Â or ââ?¬Å?satisfiedââ?¬Â) for the two hospitals was 91 %.\nConclusions: The nursesââ?¬â?¢ perceptions of and levels of satisfaction with the ADC system were very good over the\n6 months after complete implementation and integration at HH and NCCCR. ADCs appear to increase efficiency in\nthe medication process and should therefore improve the quality of care.
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