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We've been utilizing the Cardinal Assist program for almost a year now, and I'm still not sure if I like it. Seems like alot of maintenance, and time consuming, plus many fees involved. I thought programs like this were to save time. Anyone else using this? Do you like it?

Name of Facility: Allegheny General Hospital

City, State: Acute Care 800 beds

Years as a Buyer: 7

At one of the hospitals I worked at, we were just starting CardinalASSIST(R). The theory, as I saw it, was that the machine would place the order and Cardinal would send little brown bags or totes, depending on the size of the order to each individual machine, supposedly saving you those two steps.

Unfortunately, as I guess you've found out, the system makes a lot of huge assumptions. Perpetual Inventory being the biggest. I personally never believed in Perpetual Inventory, and without that, the entire system collapses.

CardinalAssist may improve your accountability to a point, and maybe clean up some diversion issues, which is a basic Pyxis(R) function, but ultimately you're still "feeding the machine" on a routine (translation: more than once a day) basis, and you'll still have to inventory those machines or you'll still get "outs" from Nursing. So the real problem may not be PyxisASSIST, but Pyxis itself. And the only way to keep your own sanity is to make Nursing more accountable for their use of the system. Make them take only one pill when one pill is needed, not extras "just in case". Make them pull meds for the one dosing time needed, and not the entire shift. Pulling meds early is the biggest cause of wastage, and rarely are non-scheduled, wasted drugs returned or disposed of with proper Pyxis documentation.

Try to set up a meeting with Nursing, or discuss the problem with your Director to see if the Nursing staff can minimize or more properly document wastage.

Name of Facility: Pharmacy Purchasing Outlook

City, State: Newsletter

Years as a Buyer: 30+

I have found that the fees outweigh the "benefit" of not having to pick your Pyxis run off the shelf. I think the theory makes sense, but doesn't really work in reality.

Years as a Buyer: 2

Assist/Low Unit of Measure programs are ideal inventory services once ADUs levels are optimized. Reduction of on hand inventory, reordering time, additional staff, and expired medications are but a few factors to conceder when doing a cost analysis associated to these services. Having experience with both Cardinal's Assist program and Morris and Dickson's Low Unit of Measure program, I prefer Morrison and Dickson. I am able to have two deliveries a day as opposed to one with Cardinal as well as specific replenishment count (each) not quantities of 5 or packs with Cardinal. The issue in my opinion is not should this type of service be utilized, but how can we as supply chain specialist maximize the benefits of these programs.

Name of Facility: East Jefferson General Hospital

City, State: Acute Care Hospital

Years as a Buyer: 6

A subject close to my heart!!

I have installed and nurtured Cardinal Assist since May 2003. I believe in the program. I understand the frustration many of you who have it feel since I too have felt it.

The program has its benefits--and like most of you, I often wondered about these benefits.

Since I had not seen any upfront benefits, I decided to dedicate my Masters’ thesis on this program. I changed the name of the program, the name of the company and the hospital but I used the numbers from our facility.

I found that the benefits do outweigh the cost! If it’s upfront savings you are looking for --I can tell you right now that unless you have over a thousand line items you will not see it. However, I saw savings in time, waste, inventory turns, etc. The key to the program is optimization!

If anyone is interested in speaking to me about this, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

(661) 326-2508 or Zahabim@kernmedctr.com

Munira

Years as a Buyer: 6 Years

Well, I have heard some positive and some negative feedback. It's almost as if you need another Tech dedicated to optimization, portfolio maintenance and and education...not something that I personally have time for in-between the 5 hundred other things that I am responsible for. Which stresses my point that the program does need constant monitoring and dedicated resources.

Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Name of Facility: Allegheny General Hospital

City, State: Acute Care 800 beds

Years as a Buyer: 7

We have a dedicated technician to handle Pyxis, including Assist maintenance. Its a separate position than me (buyer).

Years as a Buyer: 2