By Dispex
Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting Dispex LIVE II, a webinar focused on environmental sustainability,
human resources, and financial viability. The event was led by Dr Ankit Kant and Dr Philip Koopowitz, Directors
of Dispex, who shared their extensive knowledge and practical insights with attendees.
Held as a relaxed lunchtime session, Dispex LIVE II attracted a diverse audience from across the country.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants praising the session for its practical tips and
valuable insights. The discussion resonated with both those seeking immediate, actionable advice and those
eager to stay ahead of industry trends.
Ankit opened the event with an overview of Dispex’s tools, highlighting key resources such as the monthly
Generics Costing More Than Tariff tables and the Brand Comparisons page. He also shared recent feedback
from a Dispex member on the impact these tools have had on their practice……….
“The changes I have made in the past
few months have increased our
profitability by over £10,000.”
Ankit then introduced our latest innovations, the Dispex Nudgers and dispensing-friendly formularies,
designed to optimise prescribing and dispensing processes and enhance profitability. The Dispex Nudgers
gently prompt prescribers to consider more dispensary-friendly alternatives where appropriate. You can
see an example on this page, and members can also login here to access our full guides.
Ankit also unveiled the new Dispex WhatsApp Discussion Group, an exclusive members only group for
discussing dispensing related topics, sharing best practices, and staying informed on industry developments.
This new initiative provides a valuable space for professionals to connect and exchange insights in an
increasingly fast-paced healthcare landscape.
Philip then took the host’s seat and led a passionate discussion on Prescribing Greener and the challenges
of packaging waste. He posed an important question to the dispensing community: Can we encourage
manufacturers to take packaging more seriously? Next time a rep reaches out, ask about their Carbon
Reduction Plan or whether they offer a recycling programme.
Philip then shared valuable TOP TIPS for human resources and optimising workflow efficiency.
Working Smarter
- Align staffing levels with demand – Evaluate peak and quieter times, such as busy Monday mornings
versus a slower Friday afternoon. Adjusting staffing accordingly can help ease stress during high-
demand periods. Encourage staff flexibility and teamwork to support each other.
- Streamline workflows – Reduce unnecessary movement by assessing how tasks are performed. For
example, if staff frequently walk across the room to retrieve items, consider repositioning workstations
or supplies for greater efficiency.
- Optimise your workspace – Dispensary space is often limited, but small changes can make a big
difference. Consider reconfiguring your layout- can you reposition shelving or units yourselves or
would a specialist be required? Investing in pull-out drawer shelving may involve a financial investment,
but it can significantly improve workflow and boost staff morale.
- Minimise interruptions – While challenging, reducing distractions in the dispensary is crucial. It is
imperative to prioritise uninterrupted time for staff when counting scripts, as mistakes can easily
occur. Errors, such as processing a script that hasn’t been signed or the correct box ticked, means - you WILL be charged £9.95. Similarly, when handling MDS trays, staff need a dedicated, distraction
free space to ensure accuracy. A designated area for cashing up is also important for maintaining
efficiency and reducing errors.
- Prioritise training – Philip emphasised the importance of ongoing training, training, training-and how
Dispex can support you!
Delegating Effectively
- Find the right person for each task- Assign tasks to the right people based on their strengths, if you have
a dispenser who excels at dispensing and loves it, allow them to focus on that. They may not be as
skilled at handling MDS boxes, so delegate accordingly matching the right person to the right job
can boost overall morale.
- Out source-Some tasks don’t require a qualified Dispenser and can be delegated to your admin or
reception teams, such as counting scripts, checking for out-of-date stock, reviewing SOPs, tracking
near misses, and reporting significant events.
- Importance of training- However, effective delegation requires proper training, so be sure to train, train,
and train again to ensure tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
Leveraging Technology
- Automation- Barcode scanning labels have been in use for some time now, but robotics and vending
machines are becoming more common. In recent years, interest in vending machines has significantly
increased. While they require a substantial investment, vending machines offer patients more flexibility
with collection times, reduce counter queue times, and minimise face-to-face interactions, allowing
dispensers to focus more on dispensing tasks.
- Text Messaging- Do you send SMS reminders to patients for collection? It’s an easy service to set up and
can significantly reduce the number of uncollected items. It’s definitely worth considering.
By implementing these strategies, practices can enhance workflow, reduce stress, and create a more efficient and supportive working environment.
For a summary on Philip’s Financial Viability talk, please keep an eye out for the April Gazette, where we’ll cover:
- Prescribing Smarter
- Dispensing Smarter
- Purchasing Smarter
