Practically all pharmacies report an increase in business after introducing automated dispensing, whether due to increased throughput or more service provision. Installing a dispensing robot is considered unlikely to see prescription numbers fall. Indeed, numbers can increase 20 per cent or more without an increase in staff.

The robot can also become a feature in the pharmacy, attracting customers. Business savings include better stock management.

Time freed up, either from the dispensing process (with automation used for the ‘mundane’ dispensing of repeats or MDS), or by allowing the pharmacist to spend more time on patient consultations, can enhance professional satisfaction.

Robots can be installed that comprise different modules with various stock holding levels, to separate the fast moving / high volume lines from the slower, less common, items. Machines are available to perform different tasks, not just ‘standard’ dispensing of cartons.

Automation can be used for MDS, for liquids such as methadone, fridge lines, tablet deblistering (eg, Sepha or Stripfoil machines), or even to promote self-care using the PharmaShop24 vending machine or the Rowa Vpoint digital sales terminal.

While machines are physically capable of dispensing controlled drugs, there are legal requirements to satisfy, including security of products, meaning automated CD dispensing needs special consideration.