Use of an automated drug distribution cabinet system in a disaster response mobile emergency department.

Abstract

This article describes the innovative use of an automated drug distribution cabinet system for medication supply in a disaster response mobile Emergency Department vehicle. Prior to the use of the automated drug distribution cabinet system described in this article, the mobile hospitals were stocked as needed with drugs in individual boxes and draws. Experience with multiple deployments found this method to be very cumbersome and labor intensive, both in preparation, operational use, and demobilization. For a recent deployment to provide emergency medical care at the 2014 Super Bowl football event, the automated drug distribution cabinet system in the Institution's main campus Emergency Department was duplicated and incorporated into the mobile Emergency Department. This method of drug stocking and dispensing was found to be far more efficient than gathering and placing drugs in onboard draws and racks. Automated drug distribution cabinet systems can be used to significantly improve patient care and overall efficiency in mobile hospital deployments.