Unit Dose Dispensing (UDD): challenges, regulations and equipment

Definition and objectives of UDD

Unit Dose Dispensing consists of preparing, in advance and for an identified patient, the medications corresponding to their prescriptions for a given period. Its purpose is to secure administration, improve adherence, and facilitate caregivers’ work.

The regulatory framework of UDD in France

The decree of November 28, 2023

UDD has undergone a major regulatory development with the decree of November 28, 2023 relating to good dispensing practices. This text now explicitly regulates UDD carried out in community pharmacies, specifying operating conditions, documentation requirements, and delivery procedures to patients.

UDD in nursing homes: a specific framework

In nursing homes, UDD can be performed either by the facility’s reference pharmacist (hospital pharmacy) or by a community pharmacy through a dedicated agreement. Collaboration between the coordinating physician, the head nurse (IDEC), and the pharmacist is essential to secure the entire process.

Responsibilities and compliance

UDD must be carried out under the responsibility of a pharmacist. Facilities and equipment must comply with preparation best practices. Traceability is mandatory: each preparation must be documented (prescription, patient, date, operator, pharmacist validation).

Different types of UDD

Manual UDD

This involves manually filling pill organizers or weekly trays. It requires strict organization, sealed and clearly identified containers, as well as systematic double-checking.

Semi-automated or automated UDD

Automated systems or robots mechanize the process by producing individualized, patient-labeled pouches identified with barcodes. These systems are particularly suited to high-volume environments.

Essential UDD equipment

• Pill organizers and weekly trays: Must ensure patient identification, dose differentiation (colors/markings), sealing, and compliance with ISO 11607 standards.
• UDD pouches: Made from heat-sealable film, they provide full traceability via QR code or barcode.
• Dedicated storage cabinets: Prevent cross-contamination and ensure proper storage conditions (light, temperature).
• UDD workstation: Must support a logical workflow (forward flow) with appropriate lighting and a disinfectable work surface.

Essential UDD equipment

Pill organizers and weekly trays

As the core component of manual UDD, they must ensure patient identification and clear differentiation of doses (morning/noon/evening/bedtime). Our solutions guarantee sealing and compliance with ISO 11607 standards.

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UDD pouches

For automated systems, heat-sealed, patient-specific pouches provide full traceability. Printed information includes patient name, expiry date, and exact administration time.

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Dedicated storage cabinets

Once prepared, pill organizers or pouches must be stored securely. Our cabinets with individual compartments prevent cross-contamination and protect medications from light exposure.

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UDD workstation

Workstation layout is critical to ensure a logical forward workflow. Our workstations are ergonomic, easy to disinfect, and optimized for double-check procedures.

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UDD and the reduction of medication errors

A structured UDD process can lead to a reduction of medication errors by over 50% in healthcare facilities. It eliminates confusion between drugs with similar names or forms and secures administration at the patient’s bedside.