Brief review of the literature on decentralized drug distribution in hospitals.

Literature pertaining to decentralization of drug distribution in hospitals since 1972 is reviewed. A chronological list of the articles cited, as well as information on the type of decentralization and outcomes in each article, was compiled. Advantages of decentralization reported in the literature include allowance for expansion of clinical services, more-efficient medication handling, improved communication between pharmacists and medical and nursing staff, decreased floor stock, and decreased medication-related nursing time. Some studies reported that the system minimally increased costs. Although the literature reviewed confirms that decentralization improves the quality of pharmaceutical services, more evidence of cost-effectiveness is needed.