pharmacy and drug informatics

pharmacy informatics

the scientific field that focuses on medication-related data and knowledge within the continuum of health care systems focusing on the acquisition, storage, analysis, use and dissemination

deliver the optimal medication-related patient care and health outcomes

goal of pharmacy informatics

medication use process

a system of interconnected parts that work together to achieve the common goal of safe and effective medication therapy (it is a cycle)

people

systems

procedures

policies that manage medications

related information in patient care

interconnected parts of the medication use process

prescribing

transcription

dispensing

administration

monitoring

cycle of medication use process

prescribing

practitioner assess whether medication therapy is warranted and, if so, orders therapy accordingly

transcription

the ordered medication enters the pharmacy computer system, a pharmacist assesses the appropriateness of the order, and any issues or discrepancies are addresses

dispensing

the medication is prepared and distributed from the pharmacy, either directly to the patient, or to a health care provider

administration

the medication is reviewed for appropriateness and then given to, or taken by, the patient

monitoring

the patient's response to the medication therapy is assessed, outcomes are documented, and interventions are made as necessary

patient specific

information that is unique to a specific patient and is created and applied to assist clinicians in caring for a patient

knowledge based

utilizes reference information and clinicians utilize this information to apply available products and best practices for treatment

pharmacy automation

mechanical systems that perform operations or activities relative to the storage, packaging, dispensing, or distribution of medications, and which collect, control, and maintain all transactional information

electronic health record (EHR)

a digital version fo a patient's paper chart, a real-time, patient centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users

provide clinicians with improved data accessibility

integrates CPOE

charge capture

preventative health

E-messaging between providers

sign off for physician assistants and nurse practitioners

data mining

benefits of EHRs *

lack of interoperability between EHRs

cost of set-up and maintenance

e-messaging between providers

delays in documentation

HIPAA Violations

empty data fields

copy and paste function

problems with EHRs