Automated filling of 5-FU elastomeric pumps reduces musculo-skeletal disorders for pharmacy technicians

GERPAC Congress 2026 highlights

Automated compounding of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) elastomeric infusion pumps cut preparation time and reduced the physical strain on pharmacy technicians, according to an ergonomic study presented by Romy Linossier-Rocher (Centralised Cytotoxic Preparation Unit of CH Victor Dupouy, Argenteuil).

Filling 5-FU infusion devices by hand involves many repetitive movements and increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The pharmacy acquired a dual-channel compounding system, which uses a peristaltic pump for the diluent, a syringe pump for the 5-FU and an integrated balance. The researchers compared this automated system with the previous manual, gravimetry-assisted method of filling elastomeric pumps.

Pharmacy technicians completed a self-assessment questionnaire before the system was introduced and again one year later. The questionnaire recorded the location of any pain and its intensity, on a scale from no pain to unbearable pain. The two methods were also systematically observed using activity logs (Actograph® software). These assessed posture, joint ranges of motion, movements, grasping areas, interactions with the computer system and timing.

Automation reduced the preparation time from 8 min 30 s to 5 min 30 s. The number of movements fell from 13 to 8 per minute, and manual operations dropped from 90% to 48% of the preparation time. Interactions with the computer system halved, from 26% to 13% of the time. The working area became larger: the share of activity within the close reach zone fell from 76% to 57%. The proportion of time spent on checks increased from 62% to 73%, mainly to confirm correct filling of the 5-FU syringe.

Six questionnaires were analysed. The location of pain was unchanged, remaining mainly in the upper limbs, but its overall intensity fell. Reports of severe pain dropped from 5 to 0, moderate pain from 10 to 9 and mild pain from 3 to 2.

The authors concluded that automation reduced both preparation time and the physical strain on the upper limbs. It also transformed the technicians’ work, with less manual handling and a greater focus on visual inspection.

Rainotte-Santraine A, NeglokpeE, Fercocq C, Linossier-Rocher R et al. Automated compounding of 5-fluorouracil elastomeric infusion pump: impact on the prevention and reduction of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) through an ergonomic study. Poster. GERPAC Congress 2026

Image: Romy Linossier-Rocher