ABSTRACT

Examples of technology in pharmacy include Artificial

Intelligence (AI). Pharmacies that embrace these
technologies may be able to enhance patient engagement,
improve workflows, increase patient safety, and simplify
communication.

MISKI OSMAN
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

PHARMACY APPLICATION IN
PHARMACY
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN PHARMACY
1. Use of computer technology in Pharmacies.............................................................................................1
(a) Drug and patient database management.......................................................................................1
(b) Order entry systems.....................................................................................................................1
(c) Automated dispensing units.........................................................................................................1
(d) Barcode medication administration..............................................................................................2
(e) Electronic medication reconciliation............................................................................................2
(f) Clinical decision support.............................................................................................................2
2. Use of computer technology in Drug Information..................................................................................2
a) Drug information systems................................................................................................................2
b) Online resources..............................................................................................................................2
c) Telecare and remote consultations...................................................................................................2
3. Use of Computer technology in Pharmaceutical Error Prevention...........................................................2
a) Computerized physician order entry................................................................................................2
b) Clinical decision support.................................................................................................................2
c) Automated dispensing units.............................................................................................................2
d) Barcode medication administration.................................................................................................2
e) Electronic medication reconciliation................................................................................................2
Impact of Computer Technology in Pharmacies..........................................................................................2
a) Reduced medication errors..............................................................................................................3
b) Improved patient safety...................................................................................................................3
c) Efficient drug information management..........................................................................................3
d) Access to remote resources..............................................................................................................3
e) Telecare and remote consultations...................................................................................................3

1. Use of computer technology in Pharmacies

Computer technology has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical industry, improving
efficiency, safety, and patient care. Key advancements include:

(a) Drug and patient database management: Computer systems are used to
manage pharmacy inventory, patient records, and drug information
(b) Order entry systems: Electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) and computerized
physician order entry (CPOE) systems have been shown to reduce medication
errors and improve safety

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 (c) Automated dispensing units: These devices automate the preparation and
distribution of medicines, improving accuracy and efficiency
(d) Barcode medication administration: Barcodes help track medication
administration, reducing errors and improving patient safety
(e) Electronic medication reconciliation: This process compares a patient's
medication history with the medications they are currently taking, reducing
the risk of medication errors
(f) Clinical decision support: Computerized clinical decision support (CCDS)
systems provide healthcare professionals with real-time information and
guidance, improving medication management and patient safety

2. Use of computer technology in Drug Information

Computer technology has played a crucial role in drug information management. Key
advancements include:
a) Drug information systems: These systems provide healthcare professionals
with access to drug information, including dosage, side effects, and
interactions
b) Online resources: The internet has enabled access to a vast amount of
research journals and other resources, facilitating literature surveys and
evidence-based decision-making
c) Telecare and remote consultations: The use of telecare and remote
consultations can transform the way pharmacy services are provided,
allowing pharmacists to access patient records and provide personalized
advice

3. Use of Computer technology in Pharmaceutical Error Prevention

Computer technology has been instrumental in preventing medication errors in pharmaceutical
settings. Key advancements include:
a) Computerized physician order entry: CPOE systems have been shown to
reduce medication errors by 64%
b) Clinical decision support: CDS systems provide real-time information
and guidance to healthcare professionals, improving medication
management and patient safety
c) Automated dispensing units: These devices automate the preparation and
distribution of medicines, improving accuracy and efficiency
d) Barcode medication administration: Barcodes help track medication
administration, reducing errors and improving patient safety
e) Electronic medication reconciliation: This process compares a patient's
medication history with the medications they are currently taking,
reducing the risk of medication errors

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Impact of Computer Technology in Pharmacies
Computer technology has had a significant impact on pharmacies, improving efficiency, safety,
and patient care. Some of the key benefits include:
a) Reduced medication errors: The use of computerized systems, such as
CPOE and CDS, has been shown to reduce medication errors by 64%
b) Improved patient safety: Technologies like automated dispensing units,
barcode medication administration, and electronic medication
reconciliation have improved patient safety
c) Efficient drug information management: Computer technology has enabled
the efficient management of drug information, including dosage, side
effects, and interactions
d) Access to remote resources: The internet has enabled access to a vast
amount of research journals and other resources, facilitating literature
surveys and evidence-based decision-making
e) Telecare and remote consultations: The use of telecare and remote
consultations can transform the way pharmacy services are provided,
allowing pharmacists to access patient records and provide personalized
advice

● The advancements of computer technology have significantly impacted the

pharmaceutical industry and community health in various ways. In pharmaceuticals,
technology has expedited drug discovery, improved patient outcomes, and transformed
drug development and delivery. For example, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing,
and block chain have facilitated faster innovation and novel solutions.
● In community health, information technology has improved health care quality and
safety by making information available and enabling better patient engagement.
Computers have also been used for drug information storage and retrieval, aiding
pharmacists in finding information about drugs, including pharmacological activity,
side effects, and toxicity.
● Furthermore, technology has been instrumental in reducing medication errors in
hospitals through interventions such as computerized physician order entry, bar
coding, and automated dispensing devices.
● While technology has brought numerous benefits, including improved patient care and
telemedicine, it also presents limitations such as high costs and the need for better data
management.
● Overall, the impact of computer technology in pharmaceutical industries and
community health has been transformative, offering new opportunities for drug
discovery, patient care, and research, while also posing challenges that need to be
addressed.

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● In the pharmaceutical industry, technology has reshaped operations through AI,
genetic editing, big data analysis, and biotechnology, leading to a major digital
transformation. For example, AI has facilitated drug discovery, manufacturing
processes, and automation, while big data analysis has enabled the analysis of massive
amounts of data created during the drug discovery process. Additionally, 3D printing
has the potential to revolutionize organ transplants and research within the next five
years.
● In the field of health information technology, various systems, such as computerized
physician order entry, automated dispensing, barcode medication administration, and
electronic medication reconciliation, have been vital in preventing medication errors
and improving patient safety. These systems have been reported to reduce medication
errors considerably and have the potential to save costs and improve clinical outcomes.
However, the high costs of implementing such systems remain a barrier that needs to
be addressed through economic incentives and government policies.
● In community health, technology has enabled better patient engagement, improved
health care quality and safety, and facilitated the evaluation of whether an investment
in health information technology is the best way to achieve improvements in health
outcomes for communities. Moreover, technology has allowed for the evaluation of the
safety and efficacy of drugs in living individuals through bio printing, potentially
revolutionizing clinical trials.
● However, the use of technology in community health centers also requires better
information to guide the selection and implementation of information technology that
will result in improved health quality and safety.
● In conclusion, the impact of computer technology in pharmaceutical industries and
community health has been significant, leading to advancements in drug discovery,
patient care, and research. While technology has brought numerous benefits, including
improved patient care and telemedicine, it also presents limitations such as high costs
and the need for better data management. Overall, the transformative impact of
technology in these areas offers new opportunities for drug discovery, patient care, and
research, while also posing challenges that need to be addressed.

(Cortex, 2018 Aug 31)PMC