2018年-普华永道全球_Under_lock_and_key_How_Blockchain_secures_controlled_drugs_8页_1mb

Summary of "Under Lock and Key: How Blockchain Secures Controlled Drugs"

Core Content

Controlled drugs are heavily regulated in the healthcare sector due to their potential for abuse, harm, and illegal activity. These regulations are enforced by various authorities, including regulators, accountable officers, and pharmaceutical inspectors, to ensure the safety and proper handling of such drugs.

The current process involves manual paper ledgers that record all controlled drug transactions, including supply, delivery, and destruction. Pharmacists must manually verify the physical stock against the register, which is time-consuming and prone to human error. This manual system can lead to discrepancies, theft, and dispensing errors, especially under high workload pressures.

Main Issues with Current System

• Manual Paper Ledgers: Require time-consuming and error-prone manual entries.
• Discrepancies: Can occur due to human error, leading to potential theft or misuse.
• Workload Pressure: Increases the risk of dispensing errors and reduces the time available for patient counseling.
• Limited Visibility: Authorities must visit the physical pharmacy to inspect the register, which can delay investigations and allow criminal activity to go undetected.
• Security Concerns: The current system lacks robust security measures and real-time tracking capabilities.

How Can the Procedure Become More Efficient?

Several technological solutions have been proposed to improve the efficiency of controlled drug procedures, including:

• Electronic Spreadsheets: Improve record accuracy but lack security and real-time access.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automates tasks but does not provide the necessary visibility for regulators.
• Omnicell Technology: Uses biometric measures and time-stamped records but is vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
• Increased Staffing: Can help distribute workload but is costly and may increase theft risks.

A controlled drugs Blockchain platform is proposed as a more secure and efficient solution. It offers a distributed ledger system that can be updated in real-time, with secure and tamper-proof records.

A Future with Blockchain

Blockchain can transform the controlled drug management process by:

• Recording Witness IDs: Every interaction with controlled drugs is logged with a witness ID, ensuring accountability.
• Real-Time Access: Regulators and pharmacists can access the register instantly, improving oversight and response times.
• Automated Record Updates: IoT devices can be integrated to automatically log drug entries and exits, reducing manual effort.
• Enhanced Security: Safe opening and closing are time-stamped, and only authorized users can access the safe.
• Traceability: Every transaction is traceable, which is crucial for drug recalls and ensuring the correct drug is dispensed to the right patient.

Benefits of Blockchain

• Reduced Complexity and Cost: Streamlines the process, making it easier and more cost-effective.
• Reduced Errors: Ensures drug and record accuracy through automated checks and real-time updates.
• Enhanced Security: Provides a secure and tamper-proof system for handling controlled drugs.
• Proven Resilience: Transactions are only visible to authorized users, ensuring tighter control.
• Shared Trusted Transactions: Builds trust between pharmacists and regulators, as all interactions are verified and recorded.
• Audit Trail: Every transaction is documented with a timestamp, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology presents a promising solution for improving the security, efficiency, and transparency of controlled drug management. By enabling real-time tracking, reducing human error, and ensuring accountability, it can significantly enhance the safety and reliability of the process for both patients and healthcare providers.

Key Contacts

• Christopher Clements - Blockchain Delivery Lead
  E: christopher.clements@pwc.com

• Seamus Cushman - Blockchain Director
  E:seamus.cushley@pwc.com

• Steve Davies - Global Blockchain Lead
  E: steve.t.davies@pwc.com

• Ailis Mone - User/Researcher Tester
  E:ailis.mone@pwc.com

• Global Blockchain Impact Centre
  E: uk_blockchain@pwc.com