Layout of the Pharmacy
Goal: Maximize workflow and efficiency
Medication Storage Areas
U shaped, to ensure that all stock bottles are within reach
Alphabetically by Brand Name
Possible method to organize stock bottles in a Pharmacy
Speed Shelf
Also known as "fast mover section" Holds most prescribed medications.
Refrigerator
Temperature controlled location for storage of Insulin, Vaccinations and some liquid Antibiotics
In Window Counter
Location were: Technician greets patients Technician obtains patient information about new prescriptions; Should be free of signs, displays or supplies that interfere with patient service
Out Window Counter
Technician or Clerk complete the sales transaction;Also called Pick Up Window; Keep uncluttered
Drive Through Window
Patients can drop off or pick up a prescription from their vehicle
Counseling Area
Designated area for patient to be counseled by the pharmacist; Out of the way of customer traffic to allow the counseling to occur while protecting the patient's privacy
Data Entry Area
Enter Patient Information; Print Prescription Labels on a printer located in dispensing area
Data Entry Area; To Be Entered
Holds prescription forms until they are keyed into the computer; Waiting patient prescription forms are placed ahead of patients who will return later
Data Entry Area; To Be Filled
Rack or filing system organized by pick-up times Prepared by working technicians; Organized according to Pick-Up times; Ensure that prescriptions are ready when the patients expect them to be
Data Entry Area; Staging Section
Counter space next to or near the dispensing area Label, original prescription order and stock bottles of medications to dispense are placed in the staging area
Dispensing Area
The part of the counter where the technician counts, pours and packages medications Only equipment need to dispense should be in this area. Such as: Counting equipment Counting trays Automatic pill counters
To avoid Cross Contamination
Clean counting tray between with isopropyl alcohol between medications
Antibiotic Suspensions
Product has a short shelf life after water is added; should not be reconstituted until the patient picks up their prescription
Auxiliary labels
Are printed with the prescription label If not printed, preprinted rolls are kept in dispensing area
Prescription Bottles
Containers that are necessary to dispense drugs in accordance with federal and state laws.
Behind the Counter Medications (BTC)
Do not require a prescription; Consult with Pharmacist; Methamphetamine precursor chemicals; In Some States - Emergency Contraceptives
Over the Counter Medications (OTC)
Nonprescription medications; Near the pharmacy counter for ease of Pharmacist to recommend specific products or answer questions
Compounding Area
Used for the compound of nonsterile products Creams, ointments lotions and gels; Near a sink
Clean Room
Controlled environment for compounding sterile products; found in hospitals and pharmacies that offer infusion services; Use of Laminar-Flow Hoods
Pharmacy Security
Keep pharmacy department's entrance and exit doors closed; Do not allow sales representatives or unauthorized people to enter; Do not allow store personnel to enter the pharmacy department unless they are scheduled to work in that area at the specific time; Keep the pharmacy department locked and inaccessible whenever a pharmacist is not on duty.
Legend Drug
Prescription drug; determined unsafe for over the counter purchase because of possible harmful side effects if taken indiscriminately.
Controlled Substance
A drug that has the potential for abuse and thus is regulated by law
Two areas of a pharmacy
Medication Storage Area and Dispensing Work Area
Pharmacy Staff Can Include
Pharmacy clerks; Pharmacy technicians; Pharmacy interns and Pharmacists
Must be present to have the pharmacy open.
The Pharmacist