Computer Knowledge and the Pharmacy Field

Computer Literacy Need

Basic to moderate tech skills required for technicians alongside traditional tools like phone, fax, and copiers.

Patient Profile Purpose

Centralized system record used to verify patient identity and gather essential data to fill prescriptions accurately.

Profile Patient Verification

Matching the patient in front of you with the exact name, dose, strength, and frequency in the system.

Profile Clinical Content

System section containing patient laboratory results, personal information, allergies, and insurance details.

Prescription Refill System

Software that stores prescription data, coordinates staff communication, and prints labels and warning stickers.

Billing and Crediting

Financial functions performed within refill systems to process insurance charges and medication returns.

Inventory Monitoring

Tracking the exact quantity of medication items currently in stock to maintain proper supply.

Unit-Dosing Definition

The process of placing pills from bulk bottles into individual, single-dose packages using automated machinery.

Unit-Dose Package Information

Labels stating brand/generic name, strength, expiration date, lot number, NDC, and packaging facility name.

Pharmacist Packaging Verification

Mandatory safety check where a pharmacist verifies that unit-dose packaging details match the medication inside.

Barcoding Purpose

Tagging items with Universal Product Codes (UPC) to enhance medication storage security and dispensing accuracy.

Manufacturer Barcode Assignment

The initial step where drug manufacturers assign a unique barcode to every medication product.

Barcode System Registration

Entering new medication barcodes into the pharmacy computer software so scanners recognize them.

Barcode Dispensing Scan

Scanning a drug bottle during filling to verify that the chosen product matches the patient's order.

Barcode Mismatch Alert

An audible alert sounded by the scanner when a technician selects the wrong medication from the shelf.

Barcoded Baggie Labeling

Printing and applying a barcoded label to the final dispensing bag for the pharmacist to scan during final verification.

Automated Dispensing Machine (ADM)

Secured storage cabinets located at nursing stations to hold medications outside the central pharmacy.

ADM Access Codes

Unique employee login credentials used to ensure full accountability for all medications removed from an ADM.

ADM Restocking Duties

Technician task of refilling low or empty ADM slots while using scanners to verify proper pocket locations.

Expiration Checking

Inspecting ADM pockets and shelf stock to ensure no expired medications remain before adding new inventory.

Stock Rotation Strategy

Moving older medications to the front and placing new stock near the back so drugs are used before expiring.

Lock-Lidded ADM Pockets

Secured compartments for narcotics that unlock only when that specific controlled substance is ordered and dispensed.

Compounding Machinery Purpose

Computerized equipment used to mix multiple liquid ingredients into a single tailored medication based on doctor orders.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Intravenous nutrition solution compounded by automated pumps that transfer specific nutrients directly into a bag.

Compounding Software Entry

The step where a pharmacist inputs physician order ingredients into the compounding machine software.

ADM and Compounding Integration

Connecting compounding machinery software directly to ADMs to maintain accurate inventory and usage records.

Medication Trend Reports

Software reports generated by technicians to analyze drug usage patterns over specific time periods.

Error Reporting

Computerized documentation used to log dispensing mistakes and operational incidents for safety records.

Inventory Management Reports

Administrative reports printed to track stock levels, order needs, and record-keeping compliance.

Daily Operational Tech Tasks

Routine computer requirements including sending/receiving emails and logging shift hours on a digital time clock.