Tablets from the Vending Machine: Medication Revolution in Vienna's Hospitals

A new system for automated medication dispensing has been introduced at the Vinzenz Clinics in Vienna. In the future, tablets and capsules will no longer be manually prepared by the nursing staff but will be centrally packaged in the hospital pharmacy using a so-called blister machine, tailored to individual patients. The aim is to increase patient safety and relieve the nursing staff.

Medications are automatically prepared in single doses

The machine packages the medications in portions into small, labeled bags ("blistering"), which contain all relevant information: the patient's name and date of birth, the date and time of intake, instructions for intake, the number and name of the medications, as well as the active ingredient and dosage. Additionally, the pharmacy team checks each packaged medication for quality assurance.

The system also offers advantages for patients, as they can now more easily track their medication.

Digitalization and patient safety in focus

"This automatic procedure is a big step towards digital and safe medication supply – in the best interest of our patients," says David Pötz, Managing Director of the Vinzenz Clinics Vienna. At the same time, the project is also a response to the increasing shortage of skilled workers and demographic change. Pharmacists are an integral part of the medical prescription process and actively support the medical teams in medication safety.

The blister machine is located in the hospital pharmacy of the Barmherzige Schwestern Hospital in the 6th district of Vienna. Two wards are already connected to the system, with more to follow in the coming months.

The basis for the implementation is the electronic fever chart, which has been used in all five houses of the Vinzenz Clinics since 2024. It enables structured, digital prescription and documentation of all medications.

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This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.