Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40291138›Full record

ArticleJournal of pharmaceutical policy and practice2025

Improving efficiency in hospital pharmacy systems: the case for color-coded zones for rapidly dispensed medications.

Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun, Sabaa Saleh Al-Hemyari, Moyad Shahwan, Faris El-Dahiyat, Abeer M Al-Ghananeem

Abstract readLetter
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of pharmaceutical policy and practice, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Ammar Abdulrahman JairounHealth and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, UAE.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4471-0878
Sabaa Saleh Al-HemyariDiscipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Moyad ShahwanDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Faris El-DahiyatClinical Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5264-8699
Abeer M Al-GhananeemDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Colour-coded zones for rapidly dispensed medications are a simple, yet game-changing solution to improve the efficiency and safety of hospital pharmacy systems. This approach integrates visual ergonomics, staff training, and technology in solving some of the most common challenges in medication retrieval and general healthcare delivery. This evidence-based system will go a long way in helping hospitals meet the ever-increasing demands. While colour-coded zoning schemes offer a practical and cost-effective way to enhance pharmacy efficiency and medication safety, their effectiveness depends on careful implementation, standardisation, and integration with digital tools. Although highly digitalised healthcare systems may rely more on automated inventory tracking and barcode verification, colour coding remains a valuable supplementary measure, particularly in fast-paced clinical environments. For resource-limited healthcare facilities, colour-coded zoning serves as an essential safety mechanism where advanced IT solutions may not be feasible. However, standardisation challenges, risks of over-reliance, and accessibility concerns for colour-blind individuals must be addressed to maximise effectiveness. Ultimately, an optimal pharmacy management system may involve a hybrid approach that integrates both visual and digital verification methods, ensuring both efficiency and patient safety across diverse healthcare settings.

Indexed as

colour-coded zonesemergency medicationsHospital pharmacypatient safety

Identifiers

PMID40291138
PMCPMC12024495

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.