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.