Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of articles for the literature review on effectiveness of automated and semi-automated drug distribution systems (DDSs) in hospitals
| Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria | |
| Type of DDS, Problem (P) | Automated and semi-automated ward-based drug dispensing systems (eg, ADCs), pharmacy-based drug dispensing systems (eg, centralised UDSs and BC based medication dispensing carousels) and different combinations of these systems in acute hospitals | Studies performed in community settings (eg, community pharmacy or nursing homes) Inpatient units with slower than daily distribution process Studies with only manual DDS were excluded. Studies using BC or RFID medication administration to the patient, without any description or evaluation of the automated system used in hospital |
| Focus of the study, Intervention (I) | Automation or technology is used in drug distribution process Explores DDSs, described in articles, and evaluates their effects on medication safety, time or costs | Studies descibing only the introduction of the new automated system No description or any evaluation of the DDS |
| Comparison (C) | Control group is not required | – |
| Outcomes (O) | Studies using various research methods and outcome measures (time, cost and safety aspects) are included | – |
| Time (T) | Studies published from early 2005 to May 2016 | Studies published before 2005 or after May 2016 |
| Study design (S) | All methods and study designs are accepted for inclusion Peer reviewed journal articles Systematic review articles | Non-scientific publications: letters, editorials, news and commentaries. Articles published in professional publications or other non-scientific publications. |
| Others | English language Full-text available via University of Helsinki or online | Full-text not available via University of Helsinki or online |
ADC, automated dispensing cabinet; BC, barcode;DDS, drug distribution system; RFID, radio frequency identification; UDS, unit-dose system.