Editor's Note:
The November 1997 issue of TCP featured descriptions of several automated pharmacy systems for long-term care. Because the Pyxis Corporation's long-term care products were inadvertently left out of that article, TCP is providing the following description of the PyxisStation system to readers of TCP:

DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM:

The PyxisStation system is an automated point-of-use supply and medication inventory management system designed to increase control and accountability of product use while maintaining easy access for nursing staff. The PyxisStation records all user access to inventory to maximize accountability and reporting capabilities for billing, cost analysis, and other inventory-related activities. The PyxisStation system brings facilities on line to central information and distribution sites such as pharmacies and suppliers. Deliveries are reduced, inventory is controlled, and information is sent electronically to ensure accurate usage, billing, and inventory tracking.

STATION MODULAR CONFIGURABILITY:

Two basic station configurations are available:

The PyxisStation system allows for traditional medication drawers to be integrated in place of a supply door. One double-column PyxisStation may hold up to six additional drawers.

METHOD OF OPERATION:

Upon entering a unique identification code and private password at the station, the nurse is presented with simple graphical images and text on a color screen, guiding the nurse through the process of removing medications and/or supplies from the station. At the time of product access, all transaction information, including the name of the patient, the quantity of medications/supplies removed, and the time of day, is automatically recorded for restocking, usage, and billing purposes.

Each station communicates with and is managed by a Pyxis console located at the facility. This computer, using Pyxis proprietary software, can be connected to the facility's information system for updating the patient census and transferring billing and usage data.

In addition, the Pyxis Central Console, which is located off-site at the pharmacy and supply distributor, receives stock replenishment notices for just-in-time deliveries or scheduled shipments to the facility. The Central Console can also report on activities that have occurred at various facilities.

SECURITY:

All PyxisStations have a two-key locking mechanism. In the event that a product must be removed from the station during a power outage, the product may still be accessed via the keys. Through the software supplied with the system, the Pyxis manager has the use of 16 different levels of security for accessing products.