Pharmacy Information Systems in Teaching Hospitals: A Multi-dimensional Evaluation Study

Abstract

ObjectivesIn hospitals, the pharmacy information system (PIS) is usually a sub-system of the hospital information system (HIS). The PIS supports the distribution and management of drugs, shows drug and medical device inventory, and facilitates preparing needed reports. In this study, pharmacy information systems implemented in general teaching hospitals affiliated to medical universities in Tehran (Iran) were evaluated using a multi-dimensional tool.MethodsThis was an evaluation study conducted in 2015. To collect data, a checklist was developed by reviewing the relevant literature; this checklist included both general and specific criteria to evaluate pharmacy information systems. The checklist was then validated by medical informatics experts and pharmacists. The sample of the study included five PIS in general-teaching hospitals affiliated to three medical universities in Tehran (Iran). Data were collected using the checklist and through observing the systems. The findings were presented as tables.ResultsFive PIS were evaluated in the five general-teaching hospitals that had the highest bed numbers. The findings showed that the evaluated pharmacy information systems lacked some important general and specific criteria. Among the general evaluation criteria, it was found that only two of the PIS studied were capable of restricting repeated attempts made for unauthorized access to the systems. With respect to the specific evaluation criteria, no attention was paid to the patient safety aspect.ConclusionsThe PIS studied were mainly designed to support financial tasks; little attention was paid to clinical and patient safety features.

The performance implications of pharmacy information system at the university teaching hospitals of Shiraz, Iran: Cluster approach

“…'s study showed that designing the PIS reflected the least attention which was given to the both patient safety and prescription management. [ 9 ] Similar results were found in El Mahalli et al . 's study which indicates that application of decision support system was the least possible amount.…”

“…evaluate five PISs and found that all of them have had to identify the threshold level of inventory feature. [ 9 ] Such differences in the current study's findings could be attributed to the fact that features existed in a symbolic way, yet they haven't done the related functions.…”

“…found that none of the PIS enabled order drugs electronically. [ 9 ] Thus, for the sake of providing the efficient drugs services, the electronic relationship between pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies should be provided. [ 20 ]…”

“…They found that PIS is designed to support financial activities, while clinical features and patient safety were given less attention. [ 9 ] Isfahani et al . 's study indicated that most of the PIS in Isfahan hospitals was semi-computerized and had the least conformity to the system (input, process, output) standards.…”

Designing and evaluating functional laboratory information system requirements integrated to hospital information systems

“…A number of studies have addressed the determination of functional requirements of health care information systems . Other studies have focused on assessing health care information systems including nursing, radiology, and pharmacy information systems . However, the determined requirements have not been based on users' views.…”