In Croatian hospitals, medicines are prepared by robots, leaving nurses more time for patients

In Croatia's hospitals, robots are now preparing medications individually for each patient, freeing nurses to spend more time with patients. The system, which has been implemented in several healthcare facilities, uses automation to streamline medication preparation processes. After a doctor electronically prescribes treatment, data is sent to the hospital pharmacy, where a robot begins preparing individualized therapy packages for the next 24 hours. The process starts when a physician on a ward issues a pharmaceutical prescription, which is then electronically transmitted to the hospital pharmacy. There, the robot initiates the preparation of the therapy tailored to each patient’s needs and intended for the following 24 hours. Ivan Marinović, head of the pharmacy at Dubrava General Hospital, explained this to Dnevnik Nove TV. She noted that the system allows for better control over drug therapies and reduces risks, ultimately leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and more efficient cost management. A similar system is being used at the Public Hospital in Pula, where robots cut blister packs, package individual doses, and label them with information about the medication and the patient. Lara Selavin, head of the pharmacy at Pula General Hospital, described how the system works. She mentioned that each blister pack now contains 14 single-dose units, each labeled with specific drug details and dosage instructions. This level of precision helps ensure accurate medication delivery. The project for individualized therapy, worth 23 million euros, covers 40 hospitals throughout Croatia. According to Health Minister Irena Hrstić, having well-entered and controlled therapy palettes for individual patients reduces risks and improves both therapeutic results and cost control. The initiative reflects a broader push toward digital transformation in healthcare, aiming to enhance efficiency and safety. At Dubrava General Hospital, staff have been using the system for decades, but recent modernization efforts have significantly enhanced its capabilities. The updated system allows pharmacists more time to review prescribed treatments and prevent potential errors. Marinović emphasized that pharmacists now play a greater role in monitoring prescribed therapies, analyzing any therapeutic issues that arise, and contributing to optimizing treatment plans while eliminating mistakes. Although robots handle the technical aspects of medication preparation, final checks before dispensing to patients are still performed by medical nurses. Paula Filar Brleković, a nurse at Dubrava General Hospital, highlighted how the system simplifies tasks, allowing her to focus more on direct patient care. She noted that the process of assembling, checking, and applying therapy requires considerable time, and the new system makes these responsibilities more manageable. At Pula General Hospital, the introduction of robotics has not reduced the workload for pharmacists but rather transformed it. Selavin pointed out that while nursing staff on wards benefit from receiving complete therapy packages directly from the pharmacy, the increased volume of work in the pharmacy has required substantial preparation. She stressed that the success of the robotic systems depends heavily on the thorough preparation done by the pharmacy team. This shift towards automated medication preparation represents a growing trend in healthcare, driven by the need for accuracy, efficiency, and resource optimization. As Croatian hospitals continue to adopt such technologies, the balance between human oversight and technological assistance will remain crucial in ensuring high-quality patient care.