Automation in Aseptic Pharmacy: Modelling the System-Wide Effects of Automated Drug Compounding Adoption

Chemotherapy drug compounding in hospital aseptic units is labour-intensive, capacity-constrained, and exposes staff to occupational risks. Automated Drug Compounding (ADC) systems promise improvements in safety and efficiency, yet their system-wide operational implications are not well understood. This study reports on the development of a workload-driven discrete-event simulation model, parameterised using three months of production data from an NHS aseptic unit, to evaluate alternative ADC configurations.

The model captures key process stages, staffing constraints, and session-based operations, and is used to compare baseline manual compounding with scenarios varying ADC capacity and processing speed. Results show that ADC adoption can increase throughput and reduce skilled staff workload, with certain machine configurations operating up to 20% faster than manual processes. However, results also highlight the importance of appropriate system sizing and integration, as poorly planned implementation may shift bottlenecks rather than resolve them.

The findings highlight that automation is not a standalone solution: effective implementation requires careful alignment with existing workflows and supporting resources. The study demonstrates the value of simulation modelling in informing investment and design decisions for hospital aseptic services.