TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
The Challenge
Over time, pharmacy leaders relied on 503B vendors to provide the majority of its premixed compounded sterile products (CSP). As product shortages, supplier allocations, and pricing fluctuations became more acute, this supply chain instability increased pressure on pharmacy staff and budget.
To introduce greater CSP supply and cost certainty, pharmacy leaders turned to in-house production with IV automation. However, as assigned pharmacy technicians were diverted to other priorities, the insourcing CSP program fell short of expectations. Issues included underutilized technology, inefficient processes, constrained ability to use beyond-use dating (BUD), and a limited ability to produce multiple types of CSPs.
The Solution
TidalHealth reexamined its CSP program goals. After a detailed needs assessment and cost-benefit analysis, they invested in Omnicell's IV Compounding Service and a second i.v.STATION™ Non-hazardous Compounding Robot. The IV Compounding Service includes the technology, the tools, and a fully dedicated, Omnicell-certified, on-site resource to operate and optimize IV robotic technology, use data analysis to recommend CSP production and maximize savings, and apply best practices in order to meet specific program goals.
The Impact
Within weeks, TidalHealth pharmacy leaders recognized significant improvements. A single technician operates both IV robots simultaneously at high levels and incorporates best practices from Omnicell's network of expert operators. After several months, results included increased average monthly CSP production of 270% (from 1,000 to 3,700), an increase in medication protocols produced of 125% (from 4 to 9), and average net quarterly 503B savings of $66,000.
TidalHealth's upgrade in people, processes, and technology led to additional savings through a new quarantine process enabling a more robust BUD program — extending shelf life up to 90 days for multiple products and reducing waste. Analytics were used to select the drugs to compound that would produce the greatest return on investment, and throughput increased by introducing the production of both IV bags and syringes.
"The analytics that come with the IV Compounding Service helps us to benchmark against ourselves and against our peers, which is really helpful in driving additional efficiencies and cost savings," said Rachel Cordrey, Pharmacy Supervisor at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.
Visit Omnicell.com/IV-Room to learn more today.