NYC Health + Hospitals Upgrades to State-of-the-Art Medication Management Technology

The health system dispenses over 22 million medication doses a year to patients

Nov 25, 2024

NYC Health + Hospitals today announced a multi- million-dollar upgrade to new, state-of-the-art medication management technology in its hospitals, which dispense over 22 million medication doses a year to patients. The centralized cloud-based Omnicell equipment interfaces with the medical record and purchasing systems, while automating critical pharmacy processes associated with storing, tracking, packaging, and dispensing medication. The system uses barcode scanning and patient profiles, among other safety features, to decrease medication errors, which - according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality - is one of the most common causes of patient harm and can occur at any time during the medication administration process. When the upgrade is complete, these advanced medication carousels, automated dispensing cabinets, anesthesia and IV workstations will be installed throughout the health system.

In addition, the technology supports more precise inventory management by dispensing medication based on expiration date, identifying areas with low stock in real time, and optimizing medication availability on nursing units. It also allows nurses to submit medication requests from any workstation in the hospital, enabling them to access medications more quickly and spend more time with patients.

"This implementation is a strategic initiative that will transform the way we care for our patients and assist our staff throughout the health system. This advanced system is a game changer for NYC Health + Hospitals and will support our core mission in ways not previously possible." said Danielle DiBari, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, and Senior Vice President of Business Operations at NYC Health + Hospitals.

Lee Fiebert, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, CPHQ, Deputy Chief , Business Operations, agrees, "Omnicell is at the forefront of medication management. The technology incorporates leading safety features and industry best practice to address a number of pain points in pharmacy, nursing and anesthesia practice. It will truly advance patient care and operations throughout our health system."

The nursing units at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem have been using the Omnicell system for about 6 months, and the staff has found it to be a significant improvement in the day-to-day work of patient care. "Implementation of the Anywhere RN feature of the Omnicell System at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem has significantly enhanced nurses' time management in medication administration," says NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Director of Nursing Professional Development Lovelyamma Varghese, DNP, NPD-BC, NEA-BC. "It reduces manual tasks and creates greater efficiency by allowing nurses to manage medication orders remotely and enhances patient safety by providing secure access to medications. This reduces the time spent at the medication cabinet, enabling them to review orders, queue medications, and complete other tasks from anywhere in the facility. As a result, nurses have more time to focus on direct patient care throughout their shifts."

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About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city's five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system's trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan-all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.