Jena, April 23, 2026. The Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ) is modernizing its internal medication supply. With an increased focus on digital processes and modern technology, patient safety on the wards is to be significantly increased.
- Facility: Universitätsklinikum Jena (UKJ), Institute of Hospital Pharmacy
- Location: Am Klinikum 1, Jena
- Responsible: Andreas Iffland (Head of Hospital Pharmacy Department)
- Measure: Digitalization of medication dispensing for maximum patient safety
Technology Against Human Error
The logistical challenge in a large hospital is immense: Every day, thousands of medications must be precisely dosed and assigned to the correct patient. To rule out mix-ups or incorrect dosages, the Institute of Hospital Pharmacy at the UKJ, under the direction of Andreas Iffland, is now relying on extensive digital control mechanisms. The overarching goal of the hospital pharmacy is simple, yet vital in everyday clinical practice: „The right medication for the right patient.“
Through the use of contemporary technology, the entire logistical path of a tablet or infusion is further optimized. Digital systems help to significantly reduce sources of error in the prescription, preparation, and final administration of medicines at the bedside.
Background: The University Hospital in Lobeda and Modern Medication Logistics
The Universitätsklinikum Jena is the only facility of its kind in Thüringen and, with over 6,000 employees, the largest employer in the region. Through the consistent expansion of the site in the Lobeda district, almost all clinical disciplines have been bundled in one location over the past two decades. This also enables highly centralized logistics.
How digital medication safety works: In modern hospital pharmacies, the so-called unit-dose system is increasingly being used in the course of digitalization. Large-scale automated machines pack the individual daily ration of medication for each patient into small, personalized pouches (blisters) provided with a barcode. Before administration on the ward, nursing staff scan both the medication and the digital patient wristband. The medication is only released if the software reports a 100 percent match. Such closed digital circuits (Closed Loop Medication Administration) are considered the gold standard in medicine for avoiding medication errors.
Source:
Safer than ever before: What the Universitätsklinikum Jena is doing differently in medication supply
Transparency Note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.