Digital Technologies in Hospital Pharmacy: A Systematic Review of Their Impact on Efficiency, Safety, and Inventory Management

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Digital transformation in hospital pharmacies is a strategic priority to improve medication safety, optimize inventory management, and streamline dispensing. Although healthcare digitalization has been widely studied, evidence of its impact on key performance indicators within hospital pharmacy operations remains limited. This review consolidates available evidence on how digital technologies affect hospital pharmacy performance, focusing on dispensing time, medication safety, and inventory practices. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched for English-language studies (2014-2024) conducted in general, academic, or tertiary hospitals. Eligible interventions included automation technologies (e.g., automated dispensing cabinets, robotic dispensing), digital systems (e.g., computerized physician order entry, electronic prescribing), or hybrid platforms. Outcomes included measures of dispensing efficiency, medication safety, and inventory management. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. RESULTS: Of 319 records, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning Saudi Arabia, the United States, Denmark, Iran, Jordan, Australia, and France. Most reported improvements in dispensing efficiency, safety (through lower error rates), and inventory control. Secondary gains included streamlined workflows and higher staff satisfaction. Challenges included resource-intensive implementation, workflow disruption, technological downtime, interoperability issues, and reliance on user compliance. Operational gains did not always yield measurable clinical benefits such as reduced morbidity or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Digital technologies can improve efficiency, safety, and inventory control in hospital pharmacies; however, their success depends on institutional readiness, infrastructure, and human factors. Robust studies are needed to evaluate long-term impacts, cost-effectiveness, and implementation strategies.