Hospital pharmacy is health care service,which comprises the art,practice and
profession of choosing, preparing, storing, compounding and dispensing
medicines and medical devices, advising healthcare professionals and patients on
their safe, effective and efficient use.
Role of Information Technology (IT)
IT plays a crucial role in various aspects of the pharmacy field, contributing to improved efficiency, accuracy, and patient care.
Examples;
● Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
● Pharmacy Information System
● Prescription Management System
● Inventory Management System
● Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)
● Telepharmacy
● Patient Education & Communication
● Data Analysis
● Mobile Health (mHealth) Application
● Pharmacy Automation
Electronic Health Record (EHR)
●IT enables the creation and management of electronic health records, which
contain patients' medical and prescription history.
●EHRs help pharmacists access critical information quickly, reducing errors
and improving patient safety.
Pharmacy Information Systems (PIS)
●These systems automate and streamline pharmacy processes, including
prescription filling, inventory management, and billing.
●It helps in reducing manual errors, optimizing workflow, and enhancing overall
operational efficiency.
Prescription Management System
●It systems assist in processing and managing prescriptions efficiently.
●Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) systems enable healthcare providers to
send prescriptions directly to pharmacies, reducing the chances of errors
associated with handwritten prescriptions.
Inventory Management System
●IT plays a crucial role in managing pharmacy inventory.
●Automated systems help track medication levels, expiration dates, and
reorder points, ensuring that pharmacies have an adequate supply of
medications while minimizing waste.
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)
●These systems provide pharmacists with real-time information and alerts
about potential drug interactions, allergies, or dosage errors.
●CDSS helps pharmacists make informed decisions, improving patient safety.
Telepharmacy
●It facilitates telepharmacy services, allowing pharmacists to provide remote
pharmaceutical care.
●This is particularly beneficial in underserved or remote areas where access to
a physical pharmacy may be limited.
Patient Education & Communication
●IT tools enable pharmacists to communicate with patients effectively.
●Online portals, mobile apps, and automated reminders help patients
understand their medications, adhere to prescribed regimens, and stay
informed about health-related matters.
Data Analytics
●Analyzing large datasets can provide valuable insights for pharmacists.
●HIS enables the extraction of meaningful information from patient records,
helping identify trends, monitor medication adherence and improve overall
healthcare outcomes.
Mobile Health (mHealth) Application
● Mobile applications allow patients to manage their medications, order refills,
and receive medication reminders.
●These applications enhance patient engagement and contribute to better
adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
Pharmacy Automation
●Automated dispensing systems, robotics, and other technologies are used in
pharmacies to automate routine tasks such as medication dispensing and
packaging.
●This reduces the likelihood of errors and allows pharmacists to focus on more
complex aspects of patient care.
Summary
IT plays a pivotal role in modern pharmacy practice by enhancing efficiency,
accuracy, and patient care. The integration of technology allows pharmacists to
provide better pharmaceutical services while ensuring the safety and well-being of
patients.