Challenges of automated intravenous compounding
Extract:
“The introduction of robotic systems in hospital pharmacy services has revolutionised the preparation of intravenous admixtures, enhancing safety, standardisation and traceability. However, despite these technological advances, drug shortages continue to represent a major obstacle to efficiency and patient safety, especially when compounded drugs are prepared through automated systems. The rigidity inherent to automated processes may, paradoxically, make them more vulnerable to disruptions caused by shortages. We examined the scope and impact of drug shortages on the automated preparation of cytotoxic drugs and parenteral nutrition at a tertiary-level hospital. Since January 2024, two robotic compounding units have been implemented: one for cytotoxic preparations and the other for parenteral nutrition (from April 2024).”
Reference:
Calvo M, Tirapu B, Larráyoz B, Sarobe M. Drug shortages: A critical challenge in the era of automated intravenous compounding. Eur J Hosp Pharm. 2025 Jul 11:ejhpharm-2025-004607. doi: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2025-004607. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40645750.