Computers in Pharmacy: Overview and Applications

1. Chapter 35 Computers in the Pharmacy

2. Overview Pharmacy computer applications handle drug distribution, administration, clinical pharmacy needs, and ambulatory care needs Computers are able to greatly decrease costs of pharmacy operation Pharmacy technicians must be aware of procedures to prevent compromise of confidential pharmacy records

3. Computer Components Computers are programmable devices that store, retrieve, and process data A computer system consists of: Hardware Software Data Users

4. Hardware The part of the computer you can touch Hardware includes: Processor (central processing unit, or CPU) Memory Storage Input/output devices

5. Central Processing Unit Also called the processor, the CPU is the part that actually makes computations It houses formulas that perform computer program operations Allows information to be passed within processing components and between programs – the CPU is the “brains” of the computer (continues)

6. Memory The main storage component of the computer is called memory Random access memory (RAM) is the basic type of internal memory As RAM amounts increase, speed and accuracy of the system increase

7. Storage External or auxiliary storage consists of any storage other than the main memory Includes hard drives, zip disks, and optical media Electronic storage uses less space than a paper-based system

8. Input and Output Devices Input devices bring information into a computer, and include the keyboard, mouse, touch screen, scanner, and modem Output devices bring information out of a computer, and include monitors and printers

9. Keyboards The most common device used to input information into a computer is a keyboard, which resembles a typewriter Usually have 82 to 108 keys, of four types: Typing keys (also called alphabetic keys) Numeric keypad Function keys Control keys

10. Monitors Also known as displays, these are devices resembling television screens, used to display information Are the most used output devices on computers Flat-panel, high-resolution monitors are now the preferred type

11. Mouse A device enabling users to move a pointer (cursor) on the monitor to make selections or to place information Translates hand motions into computer signals The new “optical mouse” is the preferred type since it has no moving parts, increased tracking resolution, and works on nearly any surface

12. Touch Screens Types of monitors with touch-sensitive surfaces, on which the touch of a finger makes a selection like a mouse pointer does Many computer programs that interface with robotic dispensing machinery offer touch screens Newer touch-screen systems often have split screen capability

13. Scanners Devices that convert printed matter and images to information interpreted by computers Usually resemble photocopying units with horizontal glass panels and hinged covers Also include linear laser scanners, including handheld, in-counter, and fixed projection types

14. Modems Devices used to transfer information from one computer to another using telephone lines and servers Allow access to the Internet and e-mail A sending modem modulates data into a signal compatible with a phone line, and a receiving modem demodulates this back into digital data

15. Printer A device used to produce a paper copy of information The most popular form is the laser printer They offer better speed, precision, and economy than inkjet printers

16. Software Sets of electronic instructions that tell the hardware what to do Also known as programs, and each of them has a specific purpose Can be classified into operating systems and applications

17. Pharmacy Software Often offers digital video surveillance (DVS) solutions, integrated with their cash register systems, as well as: Performance of drug regimen reviews Meeting of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Joint Commission guidelines Performance of disease management Cross-referencing of drug information (continues)

18. Accounting Software For pharmacy accounting, all of the following are easily managed: Accounts payable and receivable Payroll General ledger and financial reporting

19. Operating Systems Offer interfaces that are straightforward and user friendly Systems vary widely, and can handle: Basic data management Word processing Accounting Electronic point-of-sale Labeling

20. Applications Can capture and track everything that goes on in the pharmacy Allow computerization of machines to count pills and tablets at very high speeds Allow customers to phone in refill orders via automated touch-tone response systems

21. Data Raw facts that computers manipulate, including letters, numbers, sounds, and images A file is simply a set of data or program instructions that has been given a name A file containing data is called a “document”

22. Users The people who use computers In the pharmacy setting, computers are used to: Synchronize workflow Orchestrate patient care Improve operational efficiency Raise patient satisfaction

23. Physician Order Entry for Inpatients Physicians must access clinical information to make optimal patient care decisions For inpatients, physicians maintain patient lists with names, hospital identifiers, room numbers, and clinical information

24. Use of Personal Digital Assistants with Outpatients A PDA is a handheld device that runs on its own battery power for use anywhere Usually not much larger than the user’s palm Information may be typed in or written via a flat screen that can decode handwriting into recognizable characters

25. Use of PDAs Physicians can enter notes into a patient’s online chart and get up-to-date information on prescription drugs – from the patient’s bedside Pharmacies interface with a physician’s PDA Physicians in outpatient settings share information from telephones, pagers, and computers

26. Tablets • Have a unique form and a pen-driven interfaces • Slate or convertible formats • Motion of the digital pen on the screen is recorded as data points that are then displayed and stored as pen strokes

27. The Future of Pharmacy Information Systems Focus is more on patient-oriented services, not only preparing and dispensing medications; these services include: Management of prescribed medicines Management of long-term conditions Management of common ailments Promotion and support of healthy lifestyles Advice and support for other health care professionals (continues)

28. Future Technologies Include: Custom screen setups for touch screen systems One-touch “hot keys” or “shortcut keys” Full color scanning Instant credit card authorizations Real time processing

29. Confidentiality Issues in a Computerized System Patient details must be collected, stored, and displayed with total regard for confidentiality Ethically, patients’ privacy must be protected at all times Correct diagnosis and treatment hinge upon complete and honest disclosure