Administering and Dispensing Medications in Simulation

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DiaMedical
Published on January 12, 2022 at 8:34:00 PM PST January 12, 2022 at 8:34:00 PM PSTth, January 12, 2022 at 8:34:00 PM PST

Administering & Dispensing Medications in Simulation

Automated Medication Dispensing Systems have recently become essential fixtures in hospitals. They are used to prevent medication errors, streamline inventory management, and reduce diversion of controlled substances. They are also complex systems that require hands-on training before use with patients in clinical settings. SimServeRx Dispensing Carts and Cabinets were designed for this very purpose. In this blog, we will look at how the SimServeRx system is used to teach pharmacy and nursing students how to use automated medication dispensing systems.  

 

Overview

SimServeRx is a complete medication management system designed specifically for healthcare training programs. It is used to provide medication administration experiences that are very similar to those used by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. SimServeRx can be used by pharmacy and nursing students for specialty-specific or interdisciplinary simulation scenarios. It is ideal for use with beginning and advanced students as it can be tailored to meet specific learning needs. Dispensing cabinets and bedside carts are available in a wide variety of configurations to meet the needs of all types of nursing and pharmacy programs.  

 

Educational Benefits

The SimServeRx allows instructors to create customized patient profiles and order sets that would not be possible with other pharmacy software programs. Dangerous errors and drug interactions can be embedded into the order sets for students to identify and address. This type of training helps students gain greater understanding of medication errors in a safe learning environment. The unique ‘Reset’ feature is another important component of the SimServeRx system. ‘Reset’ gives instructors the ability to run the same medication administration scenario over and over again for demonstrations and graded skills validations. Instructors can also use the SimServeRx ‘Snapshot’ feature to save sets of drug libraries and patient profiles from one semester to the next. Finally, SimServeRx is the only system that includes simulated medications from SimRx, DemoDose and Practi-Meds in its integrated drug library.  

 

Bedside SmartCarts

SimServeRx 1-Module and 2-Module SmartCarts are mobile computer workstations on wheels (WOW) that provide automated medication dispensing at the patient’s bedside. They have software-controlled electronic locking drawers that open when the patient’s ID bracelet is scanned. The Bedside SmartCart is designed for programs that already use simulated EHR programs like SimChart or EHR Go. The SimServeRx software works alongside the simulated EHR and hides in the background until it is used to open the drawers. 

 

Advanced Bedside SmartCarts

SimServeRx 1-Module and 2-Module Advanced Bedside ESS SmartCarts has a comprehensive software package with a simulated eMAR, SimServeRx patient profiles, and an integrated drug library. It allows students to review the eMAR for each patient, dispense scheduled and PRN medications, and document medications that were administered. The electronic locking drawers open by selecting medications in the patient’s eMAR or scanning the patient’s ID bracelet. In addition, drawers can be subdivided into separate compartments and assigned to specific medications or patients depending on the training scenario. 

 

Dispensing Cabinets

SimServeRx 1-Module and 2-Module Tabletop Dispensing Cabinets are uniquely sized for programs with smaller budgets and medication formularies. They can also be used to hold controlled substances, STAT/first doses and emergency medications. The full-sized SimServeRx 2-Module and 3-Module dispensing cabinets have secured door storage for bulk supplies and IV bags as well as electronic drawers for individual medications. In addition to the simulated eMAR, patient profiles and drug library, the SimServeRx cabinets include inventory control and reporting functions. These features are ideal for interdisciplinary simulations with nursing and pharmacy programs. Auxiliary supply cabinets can be added to the full-sized dispensing cabinets for expanded storage of medications and supplies. 

 

SimServeRx Patient profiles

SimServeRx Patient Profiles are pre-loaded into the Advanced SmartCart and Dispensing Cabinets. Each patient profile includes basic shift report information, recent lab results, and an eMAR with four medications. Students must use their critical thinking skills to determine which medications should be administered and which must be clarified with the prescriber. Moreover, students can identify additional information that is needed from the shift report, interpret lab results, plan key nursing assessments and practice SBAR communication with physicians. 

 

Final thoughts

The SimServeRx automated dispensing system is the ideal tool for teaching safe medication management. The Bedside SmartCarts are designed for nursing students to practice administering medications to patients. Alternatively, the Dispensing Cabinets are ideal for interdisciplinary simulations with both nursing and pharmacy students. It can be difficult for instructors to know which SimServeRx option is best suited for their program. The DiaMedical USA team is ready to help programs balance cost and functionality in order to find the SmartCart or Cabinet to meet the learning needs of their students. SimRx, Practi-meds and DemoDose simulated medications are also available to provide complete training solutions for instructors. For more information, reach to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com