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Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital in Forlì has been embracing pharmacy automation for many years, making notable strides in improving medication management, increasing efficiency, and enhancing patient safety. The hospital’s automation system covers a wide array of processes, from preparing unit doses to coordinating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. We spoke to three key persons at the hospital to understand how automation has shaped their roles and the overall healthcare delivery.
A seamless transition to automation
Pharmacy automation at Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital didn’t happen overnight—it was a gradual transformation that started with computerized prescribing and led to full integration of automated unit doses.
Enrica Corsi, a hospital pharmacist who began her career at the hospital in 2001, describes the early days:
"When I first started, therapies were prepared manually using trolleys, and we used faxes for prescription orders. It wasn’t until 2004 that we transitioned to computerized prescribing, which made the subsequent implementation of the unit dose system much smoother."
Simona Di Cesare, an infectious disease specialist, explains how the shift impacted the doctors’ approach to prescribing:
"In the past, everything was based on trust and legible handwriting. Now, the system has brought transparency and security, making the whole process much more reliable. It was a slow learning curve initially, but we’ve now refined the system over the years."
Workflow changes: streamlining operations
The shift to pharmacy automation required a significant rethink of workflows across departments. At the hospital, this involved a comprehensive reorganization of tasks and roles, particularly in the pharmacy and nursing departments.
Enrica Corsi:
"The introduction of unit dose has necessitated training for our team of specialist pharmacists. Today, we have six trained pharmacists who manage the unit dose process. We also restructured shifts to accommodate the new workflows, ensuring that pharmacy operators and technical staff are well-trained to handle the specialized nature of drug management."
This transformation not only impacted pharmacy staff but also nurses, who now benefit from faster and more efficient medication administration. Daniela Valenti, head nurse in the acute geriatrics unit, shares her experience:
"The new system has simplified the process for us. We now receive a daily medication box containing therapies for each patient, making it easy to organize and deliver therapy. It’s quick, efficient, and allows us to focus more on patient care rather than medication management."
Efficiency and adaptation to new systems
The new automated system has helped streamline operations, but adapting to it was a process for everyone involved. Over time, however, it became second nature.
Daniela Valenti:
"At first, it was a bit of a learning curve, but now it feels natural. New nurses, especially those coming from other facilities, may find it challenging initially, but they quickly adapt. Young nurses, in particular, appreciate the technological advancements and how it makes their work easier."
Enrica Corsi:
"The automation has made our workflows faster and more transparent. While the system had its challenges at the start, it has since become an integral part of our routine. New prescribers find it easier to use now that the processes have been well-established."
Enhancing patient safety with automation
One of the key benefits of pharmacy automation is its impact on patient safety. By reducing the potential for human error in medication administration, the system ensures that patients receive the correct dosage at the right time (10 rights of medication).
Enrica Corsi:
"The system also alerts us to potential errors, like duplicate prescriptions or exceeding dosage limits. These additional checks ensure that pharmacists can intervene before any mistakes happen, providing an extra layer of safety."
Simona Di Cesare adds:
"While the system helps minimize errors, it’s important for doctors to be mindful of what they’re prescribing. If, for example, a drug is prescribed multiple times without noticing a prior order, it can cause an issue. The system doesn’t always catch this, but its clear interface makes it easier for us to spot mistakes."
Tackling drug shortages
Drug shortages have become an ongoing issue globally, and Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital is no exception. However, automation has helped the hospital better manage its inventory and reduce waste.
Enrica Corsi:
"Before automation, the hospital’s warehouses were overstocked because we had to account for both immediate and daily therapies. This led to wasted resources and expired medications."
Enrica continues:
"The shortage of drugs, often exacerbated by geopolitical factors, is a real challenge. But through automation, we can track inventory more accurately and make sure medications are allocated properly. The system also helps manage drug distribution during shortages, ensuring that critical drugs are available for the patients who need them most."
Improving collaboration across departments
The introduction of pharmacy automation has transformed how different departments collaborate at Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital. The shift from traditional methods to automated systems required new forms of cooperation between pharmacists, doctors, and nurses.
Enrica Corsi:
"At the beginning, computerized prescribing was a significant shift for clinicians, but once they adapted, collaboration improved considerably. Pharmacists now actively participate in the prescription process, offering support and advice during the prescribing phase. In 2024, we launched the Ward Pharmacist project, where pharmacists visit selected wards regularly to offer direct support to prescribing clinicians."
Daniela Valenti:
"From a nurse’s perspective, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I rarely hear from the pharmacy unless there’s a concern, which means everything is running smoothly. If I do have a question or doubt, I can always reach out to them. The system has streamlined communication and made it much easier for us to work together."
Looking ahead
Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital’s experience with pharmacy automation shows how it can improve efficiency, safety, and collaboration in a healthcare setting. The system has proven to be a valuable tool, not only for enhancing workflows but also for safeguarding patient care. As our PillPick Octave continues to evolve, the system, will likely play an even more prominent role in shaping the future of healthcare at the hospital and beyond.
The hospital’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation through automation serves as a model for others looking to modernize their healthcare systems. With the right training, communication, and collaboration, automation can bring tangible benefits to both healthcare professionals and patients alike.
About the author Sara Garuti
As Marketing and Communications Manager, Sara is in charge of content creation and dissemination within the EMEA region. After years dedicated to product marketing and events management, Sara is now focusing her work on the digital environment, aiming to create a superior omnichannel customer experience.
