The role of "dose-unit" drug distribution system in the professionalism of pharmacists and job satisfaction of nurses: A case study

Abstract

Introduction : The unit dose distribution system ensures the delivery of drugs from the hospital pharmacy to the ward for a specific patient. Facilitating the improvement process of patients and drug safety requires such research. However, two human factors affecting this process, including pharmacists and nurses, and the impact that the drug distribution system in the hospital has on their condition, have been studied as the purpose of this research. Methods : This study was done by descriptive and analytical-comparative method. Data were collected from the staff of Urmia Women's Hospital in 2021, including 76 hospital staff, 11 pharmacists, and 32 nurses as a sample from three groups using three standard questionnaires. Data were analyzed by two dependent samples T-tests in SPSS-24 software. Results : Attention to pharmacists in the implementation of the unit-dose system by stimulating their interest in pharmaceutical sciences, being in the center of attention of colleagues, and increasing their desire to work in the hospital changed the level of job identity and, thus, it explained their appropriate professional position. Time saving, lack of differences in the counting of drugs, and the peace of mind of nurses after the implementation of the unit-dose plan increased the role of nurses in the main task of patient care by obtaining job satisfaction (3.29), which increased to above the average level ( P<0.001). Conclusion : Success in the implementation of this project in the selected hospital is expected to improve the professional position of pharmacists in the hospital and increase the job satisfaction of nurses.