Analysis of medication refunds from hospital wards to in-patient pharmacies: Impact on workload, costs, and strategies for reduction

Aim: To study number and types of refund medicines from different wards of hospital to the in-patient pharmacies.
Objectives:
•    To figure out possible reasons for unused medication returned to pharmacies.
•    To provide knowledge about awareness of returning of medicines and its consequences.
•    To ensure proper and required prescription medicines to consumers.
•    To analyse frequency of returned medication after they have been prescribed.
•    Lower the incidence of returning unused medicines.
•    To provide better options for proper collection and disposal of pharmaceuticals waste.
Methods: Prospective observational cohort study in a tertiary care hospital. Data was collected via return indent forms from 340 samples and analyzed using Excel PivotTables.
Results: Most drugs were returned from IV route (85%). Major reasons included discharge, omissions, and route conversions. Total items returned were 2402 including both Rx and surgical items.
Conclusion: Refund medications increase pharmacy workload and risk of error. Improved communication, digital reconciliation, and nursing stock management can significantly reduce returns.