Pharmacy+Informatics

=Pharmacy Informatics=


 * Description:**


 * Pharmacy informatics** (**PIX**), also referred to as **pharmacoinformatics**, is the application of computers to the storage, retrieval and analysis of drug information. PIX systems help the pharmacist manage information including but not limited to medical insurance records of patients, drug interaction data, as well as prescription data. Pharmacy informatics is the study of interactions between natural and engineered systems within health care with a focus on pharmaceutical care and improved patient safety.The job of the Pharmacy Informaticist is to focus on applying technology to pharmacists. This technology will help in supporting, streamlining, improving workflow, and increasing patient safety.


 * Function:**

The implementation of pharmacy informatics can help the pharmacy practitioner in several ways. Good systems design and database management can streamline processes so that personnel are used more efficiently and information is available in a timely manner. Examples of such processes include:
 * order entry and verification
 * generation of clear, useful, and accurate medication administration records
 * generation of drug usage evaluation reports
 * placing purchase orders
 * tracking inventory
 * accessing clinical information such as lab reports and drug interaction details


 * Standards:**

The exchange of information from different software applications is necessary for successful implementation of informatics. Thus there was a need to develop industry-wide standards of communication for the health care field. In 1987, a group now known as the HL7 Working Group developed standards for the electronic exchange of clinical and administrative data for North America. HL7 stands for Health Level 7 which relfects its function at the highest level of the ISO model, the applications level. Since then, HL7 has been implemented in several other countries. [|HL7, Inc.] is a non-profit, international agency that is formally recognized by other standards organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization ([|ISO]) and the American National Standards Institute ([|ANSI]).


 * Applications:**

Pharmacy Informatics exists due to the fact that the number of medications, patient records, and other pieces of information are continuing to rise and it is becoming too much for pharmacists to remember. With that being said, a computerized way of organizing this information has been instituted into the field. Now pharmacists can walk up to a computer station and pull up information about a medication and see things like its side-effects, who can and can't take it, and interactions it has with other drugs. However, there are still flaws within the system. Not every person who graduates from Phamaceutical School is gifted in using computers. This is where the pharmacuetical technoligist, steps in. They have the knowledge to help assist in both the Pharmacy and Technology.


 * Info structure: **




 * Examples:**

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 * Web Resources:**

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacy_informatics http://www.slais.ubc.ca/COURSES/libr500/winter2000/www/J_Leung/index.htm#homehttp://kirubhai.tripod.com/pharmacoinformatics.htm


 * Related Terminology:**

Medical Insurance Perscription Drug Interaction Pharmacist


 * Citations/References:**

[|Pharmacy Informatics Homepage] [|HIMSS.org] http://www.amia.org/mbrcenter/wg/pharmi/news/acpestandardsresponse-informaticscomments.pdf