Implementation of Electronic Kanban System for Drug Inventory Management at Phukhieo Chaleomphrakeit Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To improve drug inventory management at Phukhieo Chalermprakiet Hospital by implementing an electronic Kanban system (e-Kanban). Methods: This action research involved the implementation of a two-bin e-Kanban system that calculated the quantity of each drug item in two Kanban bins with the same quantity of drugs in each bin. When the first bin was emptied, staff would scan the barcode on the Kanban bin to notify the central pharmacy, allowing real-time updates and timely replenishment. Drug items were categorized using the ABC-VEN matrix. The effectiveness of the e-Kanban system was evaluated based on performance indicators in 4 domains including quality, cycle time, finance, and productivity. The study compared these indicators measured before and three months after implementation of the system. Additionally, satisfaction was assessed among 22 staff involved in inventory management.  Results: The e-Kanban system improved quality performance by reducing drug stockouts by 15%, increasing order fulfillment by 0.41%, and reducing the values of expired or spoiled drug in main warehouse (from 4,100 baht to 425 baht) and in the sub-warehouses (from 12,455.71 baht to 4,947.47 baht). Evaluation of cycle time performance revealed 52% reduction of frequency of emergency requisitions. Financial performance showed no inventory losses during transport both before and after implementation of the system. Inventory value in two sub-warehouses dropped by 45.98% (1,678,354.24 baht). Assessment of productivity performance showed 83.03% improvement of inventory turnover at two sub-warehouses and 52.27% decrease of reserve stock. Staff involving in drug inventory management reported high levels of satisfaction of e-Kanban in various aspects such as reduced daily workload, faster dispensing, timely drug transport, reduced drug stock leading to easier inventory control.  Conclusion: Implementing e-Kanban in drug inventory management within the studied hospital enhances work efficiency, reducing workload and waiting time, while improving staff satisfaction.