Study on Dispensing Time of Herbal Prescriptions for Calculation of the Proper Number of Dispensing for Herbal Pharmacist in Herbal Dispensaries

Objectives : This study was done to suggest appropriate number and time of dispensing herbal medicine for each Korean pharmacist. Methods : For this study, we visited one herbal dispensary institution which was considered as one of the biggest herbal dispensary preparing the largest number of prescription. We observed the work in the dispensary and recorded time for preparing prescriptions of 5 Korean Pharmacists. And we also recorded time for preparing prescriptions with toxic medicinal herbs of each Korean Pharmacist. Investigation has been done for 3 weeks, from 11, Jan. to 4, Feb. in 2016. Results : The whole dispensed prescription number of 5 Korean Pharmacists during 3 weeks were 899. These prescriptions include toxic medicinal herbs and general prescriptions. Ratio of prescriptions including toxic medicinal herbs was 38.4% while general prescriptions was 61.6%. Average direct dispensing time for herbal prescription of Korean pharmacists were 6.2 minutes. Applied personal allowances, appropriate number for dispensing in each day was 22.7. With allowances rate in general workplace, appropriate number for preparing was 20.5. According to ILO allowances regulation, appropriate number for preparing was 18.8. Conclusions : Suggested number of dispensing herbal medicine per day for each Korean pharmacist was 20.5. Applying this would be beneficial for development of Korean medicine circumstances.