Medical Advancements
ROBOT Rx

Pharmacy
Kuakini Medical Center, First Floor

Kuakini Medical Center has recently started using a centralized robotic drug distribution system that automates the storage, retrieval and dispensing of unit dose, bar coded inpatient medications. The robotic system is call the ROBOT-Rx and is the first of its kind in Hawaii.

It is widely recognized in the health care industry for its accuracy in the prevention of medication errors. To date, ROBOT-Rx has dispensed more than 45 million doses, nationwide, without an error. Using bar codes, which link patients and patient orders to medications, the robot not only automates the dispensing of medications, but also handles checking, crediting, stocking and inventory control.

The robot is accessible 24 hours a day. It operates with a robotic arm and is programmed to retrieve medications and deposit them into patient specified cassettes. The system uses bar codes to verify, retrieve and track medications from drug wholesaler to patient.

The use of the ROBOT-Rx will result in reduced inventory and labor costs, resulting in significant savings. Other hospitals using the system have acknowledged that the system has cut back on their pharmacy's budget while expanding their services.

Kuakini Medical Center is a subsidiary of Kuakini Health System, a non-profit health care organization. For more information about the ROBOT-Rx at Kuakini Medical Center, call Kuakini's Marketing and Public Relations Department at 547-9168.