Robotic technology is filling I.V. prescriptions in the pharmacy at Methodist University Hospital (MUH) at record speed. Before this technology it would take pharmacists several minutes to fill I.V.s. Now in just seconds I.V. prescriptions are mixed, filled and ready to be dispensed. The IntelliFill I.V. robot at MUH is one of only about 30 in the country and it is the only one in Memphis and the Mid-South.

 “We have carefully evaluated ForHealth Technologies’ robotic I.V. technology and found it to be extremely accurate and reliable which gives us the ability to improve patient care,” said Alison Apple, administrator, pharmacy, Methodist University Hospital.

The robot picks up, fills, and packages I.V. syringes efficiently and accurately. Additionally, the robotic technology will save the hospital money.

“The IntelliFill I.V. robotic technology is simply amazing and ensures medication safety through the use of barcodes,” said Apple. “It just makes sense to purchase this technology, especially when the equipment will pay for itself in just less than two years.”

Cost-saving measures include more precise drawing of dosages so more of the medication is used and more solutions can be purchased in bulk. Before the IntelliFill I.V. machine a number of premixed drugs were purchased which cost more. Methodist is using fewer I.V. bags, so the company is saving money there as well. By freeing up the pharmacist from making I.V. admixtures, the robot allows pharmacists to be more engaged in activities that are highly valued by patients, families, physicians and nurses, including patient education about their medications and assisting physicians and nurse with managing complex medication therapy.