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

Lahane, Shubham and Tawde, Omkar and Badhe, Harshada (2025) Analysis of medication refunds from hospital wards to in-patient pharmacies: Impact on workload, costs, and strategies for reduction. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 22 (3). pp. 508-511. ISSN 2582-5542

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.