Analysis of the change in work patterns following installation of an inpatient pharmacy computer system

An experiment was designed to determine if the installation of a pharmacy computer produced a significant change in the distribution of routine inpatient dispensing activities for pharmacy personnel. Data were obtained using time lapse motion picture photography and work sampling procedures. Cameras were placed in three different locations for 6 days over a 2-week period before and after installation of the computer. A sample of approximately 2000 observations was reduced to machine readable format and analyzed using nonparametric statistical procedures. Results indicated a shift in work patterns of pharmacy personnel. It was concluded that the installation of a pharmacy computer had a significant effect on the distribution of routine inpatient dispensing activities. Pharmacy management should consider this information in anticipating efficient use of personnel and proper placement of computer hardware.