An evaluation on the dispensing of medicines (floorstocks) in Emergency Department and Pharmacy Department of Hospital Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang

Objective: To study the dispensing practices and the management of drugs (floor stocks) by other healthcare practitioners at emergency department of Hospital Seberang Jaya.

Methodology: This study was conducted at the emergency department and outpatient department of HSJ by monitoring the indented and usage of painkillers (paracetamol, diclofenac sodium and mefenemic acid) as well as antibiotics (cloxacillin, erythromycin and amoxicillin) after 12pm to 7.30am. Our study was carried out from September 2012 to October 2012, before the 24 hour pharmacy system was started and on December 2012, one month after the 24-hour system was introduced.

Result: Results showed that the indented drugs and their usage were not appropriate. Many drugs were indented but were not in used. This has lead to over-stocking and misdiversion of drugs. Some drugs were kept until their short expiration date. Therefore, pattern of drug usage should be studied in order for the department to optimise the current floor stock system.

Conclusion: This study shows us the usage trend of painkillers and antibiotics. With the data, pharmacy department can optimise the floorstock system by reducing the wastages due to expired and missing drugs. The department could estimate the optimum amount of drugs to be supplied for the period from 12pm till 7.30 am.