Transforming prescription and distribution processes in nursing homes

Proposed solution

The team proposed a unified, interoperable system tailored to the needs of nursing homes, GPs, and pharmacies. The approach integrates clinical decision-making tools and formulary adherence online consultation while ensuring compatibility with existing local logistics systems. Below are the primary components of the solution:

1. Centralized access point: Identified by the already present web portal for GPs and Community Paediatricians run by the Piemonte region) to establish a single access point.
2. Order entry system: A new prescription order entry module to request direct distribution for nursing homes, or alternatively new web services that support the order entry seamlessly within existing GP software, allowing for easy adoption.
3. Clinical decision support (CDS): Advanced tools like UpToDate® Lexidrug™ offer GPs evidence-based prescription support, including dosage recommendations, interaction analysis, and adherence to pharmaceutical formularies. The CDS component is integrated and centralized within the order entry system.
4. Integration with logistics: Local logistic systems across healthcare settings, including pharmacies and nursing homes, would connect with the order entry system to ensure proper medication delivery.
5. Educational resources: To enhance patient outcomes, materials on disease management and medication adherence, also provided by the CDS, would be made available to nursing homes for use with patients and caregivers.

The role of Lexidrug

A standout feature of the solution is the integration of Lexidrug, a clinical decision support tool designed to enhance prescribing efficiency and accuracy. Lexidrug provides real-time insights on medication dosages, interactions, and allergenic risks while ensuring formulary compliance. Pharmacies can cross-check prescriptions with Lexidrug, minimizing errors and promoting cost-effective drug use.

Beyond clinical guidance, Lexidrug's Formulink component enables access to ASL-specific formularies, further simplifying clinical decision-making. Additionally, patient education materials help to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, empowering caregivers with clear instructions for medication management.

Benefits of the innovative solution

By implementing this advanced logistics system, stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum stand to gain significant improvements in efficiency, outcomes, and cost savings. The primary benefits include:

For GPs

• Access to advanced tools for continuous education and decision support.
• Improved prescription accuracy, ensuring better patient outcomes.

For pharmacies

• Enhanced ability to experiment with innovative logistics models.
• Cost efficiencies by eliminating inappropriate prescriptions.
• Increased use of direct distribution channels, reducing overall expenditure.

For patients

• More appropriate pharmacological therapies, leading to higher-quality care.
• Educational resources for managing conditions and medications effectively.

Implementation and scalability

The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable, starting with pilot programs in regions with existing local logistic frameworks. Key components like Lexidrug are ready for deployment, while others, such as order entry systems, would undergo phased development.

Over time, the solution could expand beyond nursing homes to include domiciliary patients and other settings, strengthening the regional healthcare ecosystem and paving the way for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and better resource management.

A future of smarter healthcare logistics

The proposed logistics overhaul represents more than just a technical upgrade, it’s a step toward reshaping how healthcare providers, institutions, and patients interact. With advanced decision support tools, greater interoperability, and a patient-centric approach, this solution holds the potential to improve healthcare delivery with a focus on more challenging, de-integrated territorial healthcare services.

For healthcare professionals and policymakers, this initiative serves as a blueprint for addressing inefficiencies and elevating care standards by combining a sound organizational approach and digital technology. By tackling prescription and distribution challenges in nursing homes, the system not only resolves existing pain points but also sets the stage for a smarter, more effective future in healthcare logistics.

Discover more ways Lexidrug can transform prescription accuracy and efficiency in nursing homes.