Remote Order Entry Services: Providing 24-Hour Pharmaceutical Care for Small to Medium Sized Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: In the last few years, The Joint Commission (TJC) has strongly recommended that hospitals provide 24-hour pharmacy services. Many small to medium sized hospitals have insufficient workload and/or lack the financial resources to justify 24-hour pharmacy services. When a pharmacy does not provide 24-hour pharmacy services, it must provide a retrospective review of medication orders. Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS) faced the challenge of economically providing 24-hour pharmaceutical care in smaller to medium size hospitals by developing a remote order entry service (ROES). Summary: This article describes the process of implementing an ROES and the technology that is involved, including physician order transmittal, pharmacy information systems, communication between facilities, distribution of pharmaceuticals, and clinical pharmacy services. The financial and pharmaceutical service benefits are illustrated. Conclusion: ROES has proven to be an effective method that allows small to medium sized hospitals access to 24-hour pharmaceutical care in a fiscally responsible manner.