Implementación de un protocolo de buenas prácticas de recepción, almacenamiento y dispensación activa de medicamentos en la Farmacia Inmaculada de la ciudad de Ambato

Abstract

The objective of this research was to implement a protocol of good practices for the reception, storage, and active dispensing of medicines in La Inmaculada pharmacy in Ambato city through a non-experimental, descriptive, and field analysis. The study population consisted of pharmacy personnel (a biochemical pharmacist and pharmacy assistants), customers who visited the pharmacy during the period of April-June 2023, and the processes of receiving, storing, and dispensing medicines in La Inmaculada pharmacy. We proceeded in three phases: the initial diagnosis of the situation of the conditions of reception, storage, and active dispensing of medicines; the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were designed to improve the processes; and the application of the SOPs was evaluated. The results of the initial evaluation showed 40% compliance in the receipt of medicines, 35.71% in storage, 42.86% in organization, 42.86% in personnel, 40% in infrastructure, 0% in equipment and materials, and 35.71% in dispensing medicines. After identifying the nonconformities, the necessary corrective actions were taken and four SOPs were designed with their respective records: organization and personnel of the pharmacy, medicines reception, storage of medicines, and active dispensing of medicines. Finally, the implementation of the operating procedures was evaluated and a final compliance of 83.57% was obtained in the parameters of reception and storage of medicines, while 50% compliance was achieved in active dispensing. It was concluded that 100% compliance could not be achieved because certain parameters such as infrastructure and equipment depend on the pharmacy's financing and, in addition, the biochemical pharmacist does not control the activities related to quality assurance. It is recommended to comply with the quality guidelines of the SOPs designed for the pharmacy and to perform periodic evaluations.