The Role of Medication Storage Cabinets in Pharmacies

Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals. But being the most accessible also means that they have to work in a demanding environment. According to the latest data, the productivity comes down to an average of 52 prescriptions per pharmacist each working day.

To work in a challenging environment like this, pharmacists need to optimize their workflow and keep the pharmacies organized. It’s the only way to be productive and ensure proper patient care.

That's where medication storage cabinets come in. Although they look nothing like a high-tech solution, these storage units play a critical role in managing workflows.

Let's learn more about pharmacy storage cabinets.

Types of Medication Storage Cabinets

Medication storage cabinetscome in all sizes and shapes. Each cabinet serves a specific purpose. Knowing about each type of cabinet can help you choose the ones that best fit your storage needs. So, let's take a look at the four common types of cabinets:

1. Medication Racks/Shelves

These are simple medication storage solutions. Like in a library, these are open shelves or racks, but they store medications instead of books. The benefit of this storage solution is its easy accessibility and versatility. You can store a wide range of medications on shelves or racks, ranging from liquids and ointments to pills and other supplies.

For example, the stainless steel shelves at Total Pharmacy Supply can help you organize different medications. However, one major drawback of medication racks or shelves is the lack of security. Racks or shelves are open storage cabinets, so you can't use them to store controlled substances.

2. Lockable Narcotics Cabinets

Think of lockable narcotics cabinets as the secure vaults in your pharmacy. Federal regulations require you to store controlled substances under lock and key. That's precisely what lockable narcotics cabinets do.

At Total Pharmacy Supply, all our Harloff narcotics cabinets come in either heavy-duty 18 gauge or standard-duty 20 gauge steel. The internal shelves are adjustable or removable. These storage units come with a twelve-year warranty against manufacturer defects, plus a one-year warranty on electronic and lock components.

3. Temperature-Controlled Cabinets

Temperature-controlled cabinets, also called controlled room temperature cabinets (CRT cabinets), store medications at specific temperatures and humidity levels. They help maintain the efficacy and shelf-life of sensitive medications. These storage cabinets use a digital temperature controller and a forced air refrigeration system to maintain the required temperature and humidity.

4. Automated Dispensing Cabinets

Automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) are computer-controlled storage cabinets. Think of them as automated vending machines but only for medications. ADCs come with three unique benefits:

• Firstly, they automatically dispense and track medications, reducing your workload as a pharmacist.
• Secondly, you can dispense medication with higher efficiency, accuracy, and security. That means these storage units minimize the risk of medication errors and improve patient care.
• Finally, automated cabinets can track medication usage and inventory in real-time. This valuable data can help you streamline your pharmacy workflow.

Why Pharmacies Need High-Quality Medical Storage Cabinets

Pharmacy storage cabinets are more than a fancy piece of furniture. They are at the heart of a well-functioning pharmacy. You can't ensure productivity or patient care without proper storage cabinets. Let's understand a few benefits of having reliable storage.

1. Organization

Medical storage cabinets keep everything organized. It’s easier for pharmacists to do their job when every pill is accounted for. You can quickly fill a prescription or find exactly what you need without spending too much time looking for it. That’s why you need to invest in high-quality pharmacy storage cabinets and shelves.

2. Durability

Pharmacy cabinets are built to last. They are a smart investment for pharmacies. Although you will need more investment upfront, these storage cabinets pay for themselves in the long run. They often require minimal maintenance, can last long, and boost your productivity and medication dispensing accuracy.

3. Hygiene

Another benefit of storage cabinets is hygiene. They can be a huge help in maintaining a sterile environment for medications. For example, temperature-controlled cabinets keep medications in a sterile and controlled environment, which protects them from contamination or damage. This is a critical benefit as it directly impacts patient care.

4. Efficient Workflow

According to the latest data, only 40.3% of a pharmacist’s time is spent on value-added tasks like clinical activities. However, with efficiently designed pharmacy storage cabinets, you can reduce bottlenecks and improve workflows. That also means pharmacists can spend more time on clinical duties like filling prescriptions, consulting, and immunizations.

5. Low Risk of Medication Errors

Medication errors are more common than you think. Each year, in the United States alone, 7,000 to 9,000 people die as a result of a medication error. Additionally, thousands experience but never report adverse reactions. However, a well-organized medication storage can help reduce the risk of medication errors. With an effective storage system, you can track every medication and ensure better patient care.

6. Avoid Theft and Tampering

Keeping controlled substances from falling into the wrong hands is a tough job. Many regulatory agencies, including FDA and DEA, require pharmacies to comply with strict regulations. Failure to comply can result in steep fines and legal actions. However, lockable narcotics cabinets make it easier to store controlled substances and protect them from theft and misuse. 

What to Look for When Selecting Pharmacy Storage Cabinets

Choosing the right pharmacy storage cabinets is often easier said than done. You will need to think about many factors to find a solution that meets your storage and organization needs. Here's what you need to consider:

1. Size and Capacity

First, consider the available space in your pharmacy. Choose storage cabinets that can maximize your storage capacity and workflow without crowding the space. One way to make that happen is to use adjustable shelves. Adjustable shelves can store virtually any medication, ranging from small vials to large bottles or boxes. Another option is to choose high-capacity storage units. They can be helpful if your pharmacy deals with a large inventory daily. These storage cabinets provide ample space and keep everything organized.

2. Temperature Control

You may need to store some medications at specific temperature and humidity levels. You can use storage cabinets with built-in refrigeration and temperature control to store such medications. Other than medication, they can also hold blood and tissue samples at specific temperatures. Be sure to check if the temperature-controlled cabinets can meet your requirements. Also, look for additional features like usage tracking, remote access, and fingerprint access to avoid theft and misuse.

3. Safety Features

Security is another factor to consider when buying medication cabinets for your pharmacy. Look for cabinets with robust locking systems, digital or manual, to prevent unauthorized access. Be sure these cabinets comply with the relevant safety regulations. Also, the storage cabinets should protect against fire and water damage.

4. Ease of Use and Maintenance

Easy access is one of the key factors. Easy access allows you to quickly find and dispense medications. This improves overall productivity while reducing the risk of errors. So, look for storage cabinets with features, like sliding drawers and clear labeling systems.

Similarly, opt for materials that are durable yet easy to clean and maintain. Stainless steel or powder-coated shelves are a few examples of such storage solutions. One more point to consider is ergonomics. Be sure the storage units boost your workflow and minimize strain. You don’t want to invest in cabinets that put undue strain on your staff.

5. Customization

Sometimes, standard medicine cabinets are not enough to meet your storage needs. You might need customized storage solutions to improve the efficiency and accuracy. You can look for modular storage cabinets, which you can reconfigure as your storage needs change. At Total Pharmacy Supply, we offer solutions tailored to your specific needs. This includes storage cabinets with unique dimensions, adjustable shelves, and specialized compartments.

Medication cabinets are the backbone of a highly productive and efficient pharmacy. Proper storage solutions help your pharmacy staff dispense medications quickly while reducing the risk of errors. This often results in improved patient care and increased business opportunities. Plus, well-optimized storage makes use of every square inch in your pharmacy. It helps you make the most of your space and resources. That’s why you need to recognize the importance of pharmacy storage cabinets and choose the ones that best suit your needs.

Are you looking for better storage cabinets for your pharmacy? You’ve come to the right place. Total Pharmacy Supply offers a wide range of medication cabinets, among other pharmacy supplies. Take a look at our inventory or call (800) 878-2822 now to place your order.