Store Management Guidelines Quiz

Characteristics of Well-Managed Stores

• A clearly defined management structure enhances operational efficiency.
• Staff must be qualified, trained, disciplined, and rewarded to ensure productivity.
• Stores should be divided into zones for organized storage.
• Stocks should be arranged in a systematic order within each designated zone.
• Use pallets, pallet racks, or shelves for storing products based on manufacturer specifications.

Good Housekeeping Practices

• Regular cleaning and inspection help maintain a safe storage environment.
• Store pharmaceuticals in a dry, well-lit, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
• Protect storage rooms from water damage to preserve product integrity.
• Ensure fire safety equipment is available, accessible, functional, and employees are trained in its use.
• Latex products should be stored away from electric motors and fluorescent lights to avoid degradation.
• Maintain cold storage and uphold the cold chain requirements where necessary.

Access Control and Storage Configuration

• Limit storage access to authorized personnel and secure controlled substances with locks.
• Stack cartons at least 10 cm off the floor and 30 cm away from walls or other stacks, not exceeding 2.5m in height.
• Store medical supplies away from insecticides, chemicals, and old files to prevent contamination.
• Arrange cartons with arrows pointing upwards to indicate proper handling.

Product Placement and Inventory Management

• Store heavier and liquid products on lower shelves for safety and accessibility.
• Implement a First Expiry First Out (FEFO) system for better management of perishable items.
• Separate damaged or expired products to prevent unintentional use.
• Keep flammable products stored away from other inventory for safety concerns.
• Report and manage items nearing expiry dates actively.

Store Location and Design

• The location and design of the store, including its size and wall height, impact operational effectiveness.

Storage Conditions

• Different storage environments must be maintained:
  • Normal storage: Up to 30°C
  • Room temperature: 15°C to 30°C
  • Cool place: 8°C to 15°C
  • Cold place (refrigeration): 2°C to 8°C
  • Deep freezer: -20°C to 0°C

Arrangement of Drugs

• Proper drug arrangement is essential for inventory control and accessibility.
• Drugs can be organized based on pharmacotherapeutic category, alphabetical order, or pharmaceutical order/dosage form.

Stock Rotation Methods

• First Expiry First Out (FEFO) prioritizes issuing products with the nearest expiration dates first.
• Other stock rotation techniques include First In First Out (FIFO) and Last In First Out (LIFO).

Inventory Control and Logistic Management

• Inventory comprises the stock on hand at any time; control involves maintaining it properly.
• A well-functioning distribution system ensures a constant supply of drugs while maintaining quality.
• Key objectives of inventory control include minimizing spoilage and expiry, optimizing storage costs, reducing theft and fraud, and forecasting drug needs efficiently.

Visual Inspection Protocols

• Visual inspection assesses product quality through examination of packaging and contents.
• Inspections should occur during product receipt, transfer between levels, patient dispensing, storage, and when complaints arise.
• Key focus areas during visual inspections include:
  • Mechanical and chemical damage
  • Packaging integrity and labeling (identity, expiry date, lot number)
  • Quantity verification of products

Proper Storage Practices for Pharmaceuticals

• Pharmaceuticals must be stored under conditions that protect them from moisture, heat, sunlight, physical damage, and dirt to ensure safety and efficacy.