I understand that you introduced the GX-Handy to replace the Hp-PORIMS (Patient Orientated Risk Management System for Hospital). Can you tell me about your decision to implement the GX-Handy?

Our department is working to create a system that minimizes human errors in dispensing and enables safe and accurate operations.
The GX-Handy integrates existing authentication functions and various other features into a single device. We introduced it because we believe that it is one item that you can’t do without, when it comes to dispensing.

How are you leveraging the GX-Handy in your work?

We primarily use the medication authentication function. For example, we use it to authenticate picking processes, machine dispensing of non-injectable medications, anticancer drug dispensing, the stocking of injectable medication dispensers, preliminary preparations for half tablets, and the dispensing of narcotics from the narcotic safe.
The dispensing system also includes the patient’s lab results on the prescription when it prints them out. For patients with impaired kidney function, we need to confirm that the dosage corresponds with the attached document, but with GX-Handy we can confirm the dosage by simply scanning the prescription barcode to access the DI.

We have also had inquiries from outpatients claiming that they didn’t receive the correct amount of medication after we had already given it to them. Such incidents prompted us to use the camera function on the GX-Handy to photograph, record, and store data of the prescriptions and the number of medications that were handed over.

What benefits have you noticed after using the GX-Handy?

The GX-handy has helped us improve the accuracy of sorting medications. Not only does it help us avoid mistakes in picking the wrong medication, but it also helps avoid mistakes regarding different specifications or forms of the same medication. While the same applies to all injectable drugs, I think the authentication function is particularly useful for anticancer drugs which require special attention.

The GX-handy helps to prevent dispensing errors for both internal or oral medications and injectable medications, allowing us to work with peace of mind.

How is the ease of use compared to your previous Hp-PORIMS?

The Hp-PORIMS has two units: the main unit and the barcode unit, which makes it bulky and difficult to carry around. Also, the battery performance was weak, and we had to manage batteries for both the main unit and the barcode unit.

In contrast, the GX-handy is integrated and lightweight, fits in the pocket of a lab coat, and can be easily carried around for use in a variety of situations. The improvements on the specifications, from the previous model, means we can use it for a wider ranger range of operations. This is particularly beneficial given our expanding work area.

Okaya City Hospital has also introduced a system for final inspections. How do you use the YUNiCOM-GX Pharmaceutical Operation Support System in your work?

We use this system for outpatient and inpatient medication dispensing. In the past, we have had incidents of medications being placed in the wrong pouch or medication information and Drug History Handbooks accidentally not being given to patients. The final inspection system overcomes these problems by printing authentication bar codes on all single-dose tablets and powdered medicine packages, medication information, and prescription record labels. These barcodes are used for authentication in the final inspection.

Another feature of the system is that, together with the GX-Handy, it offers a two-step authentication: at the time of picking, and during the final inspection. This is a big advantage. Also, with the final inspection system, we can view the originals if we need to confirm the dosage against attached documents. This is much more convenient than before, when we had to refer to electronic medical files.

It is also useful for other purposes outside of its function as an authentication system. For example, it offers real-time access to DI information on medications such as high-risk anticancer drugs that may require authentication as part of the regimen check.

Did you have any concerns when introducing GX-Handy and YUNiCOM-GX?

We were already using the Hp-PORIMS, so the transition of operations to the GX-Handy went smoothly. When introducing the final inspection system, I was concerned that it would take time to dispense all the prescriptions for final inspection. Now, one year later, we have become familiar with operations and don’t have any problems. On the contrary, I have noticed a massive reduction in the number of errors and a deeper sense of security and ease. The GX-Handy and YUNiCOM-GX is beneficial for one-person operations and inspections.

What do you have in mind for the future?

I think there are various ways this compact terminal can be leveraged in dispensing operations. Medications dispensed in the hospital are stored in a pass box after the final inspection, so there is the risk of medications being incorrectly placed. I would like to incorporate an authentication to prevent this.

In addition, the large volume of medications brought in by patients upon admission are managed with personal medication order linkage systems and personal medication identification systems. With high performance devices, such as the GX-Handy, we could identify medications in the ward instead of taking them to the pharmacy department for identification and optimize ward operations and medication management.

I also believe that compact information terminals such as the GX-Handy have potential for a wide range of applications. Potential applications include automated reprinting of medication pouches, medication information, and labels; easy referencing of patient prescriptions and lab results; easy entry of initial interviews at the time of admission as a subset of the medication management and instruction system; medication instruction support using AI capabilities such as ChatGPT; and ward operations logbook management.

Today’s smart devices have the same specifications as the PCs of a few years ago. I expect to see new developments and solutions that leverage the portability, versatility, and networking potential of smart devices.