Quantitative study on the training given to registered nurses on the new PYXIS system at AUBMC.

Abstract

Automated dispensing machine is a medication distribution system that provides computer controlled storage, dispensing, and tracking of medications. This new technology has been recommended to improve efficiency and patient safety. They are now widely used in most of hospitals. The aim of this study is to investigate and discover the effectiveness of the training given to registered nurses for the PYXIS system at the American university of Beirut medical center AUBMC. After introducing the new automated dispensing system (PYXIS) in March 2018, at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), several problems emerged. Mainly, the goal of the hospital was to enhance the nursing practice, by facilitating faster access to first doses, new medication orders, and emergency medications. Moreover, some important goals include reduced cost, better clinical outcomes and higher compliance with the medication usage. However, RNs were facing a progressive problem in regard to the accessibility and the handling of this new machinery (PYXIS). This was due to a poor and ineffective training program. Therefore, this quantitative research investigated the effectiveness of the training implemented at AUBMC. A survey conducted with a modest sample of nurses working on different floors. The data collected from the survey aid in clarifying the difficulties that the nurses faced while implementing PYXIS training. Moreover, it can also be used as a reflective method to evaluate the effectiveness of the training itself. Therefore, this will help in later identifying the deficiencies in the training program. That would result in a series of future improvements after implementing the holistic electronic system (EPIC).