What do you do if you need important medications and all of the pharmacies are closed? Door County Medical Center has an answer. For the last month, patients have been able to head to the emergency room lounge and use the InstyMeds vending machine to get antibiotics, analgesics, and steroids after visits to the hospital. DCMC Clinical Pharmacist Bradley Hobart says that the machines are more popular in rural areas, where the likelihood of a 24-hour pharmacy is low. There is also a health benefit according to a University of Minnesota study that shows that people that get their medicine at the point of care have higher rates of adherence, or making sure they are sticking with taking their medicine. The study goes on to say that with higher adherence comes better patient outcomes, fewer return visits, and lower healthcare costs. You can learn more about the machine and how it works by watching the video below.
