Work Measurement by Work Sampling Technique in Department of Pharmacy Service

Abstract

Background : Work study is a systematic process for learning about individual’s working performance. This includes a study of work procedures and work measurement. Work study is aimed to improve human management. Work study is a process that helps to manage working time by proper time assignment and wasted time decrement.

Objective : To determine the personal work proportion classified as productivity and non-productivity work, and then manpower requirement was determined.

Materials and Methods : This study was performed during July to October, 2006. Work sampling technique, performed every 5 minutes interval, was used for observing the activity of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and pharmaceutical department officers.

Design : Cross-sectional study

Setting : The Drug Dispensing Unit, Department of Pharmacy Services, Srinagarind Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Results : The proportion of productivity and non-productivity of all officers were 83.6% and 16.4 %, respectively. The maximum ranged proportion of productivity work was drug dispensary (75.9%). The maximum ranged proportions of non-productivity work were absent (55.6%) and personal activities (32.8%). The standard times of outpatient and inpatient drug dispensary were 6.7 and 8.2 minutes per prescription, respectively. Outpatient and inpatient drug dispensary services took 38,023 and 19,904 manhours, respectively. The appropriate manpowers for outpatient and inpatient dispensing service should be 23 and 12 , respectively.

Conclusion : The proportion of productivity and non-productivity of all officers in Drug Dispensing Unit, Department of Pharmacy Services, Srinagarind Hospital, were 83.6% and 16.4 %, respectively. Data from this study can be used for deciding the appropriate manpower. The appropriate manpower calculated could be further used to improve effectiveness and quality of the dispensary service.

Keywords : work measurement, work sampling technique