The key role of software in implementing computer-based information systems for the hospital pharmacy

The technology of the information age has the potential to significantly alter the many ways pharmacists acquire, control, and use information about drugs, patients, and personnel. Computer-based information systems will become the expected standard of practice. To obtain maximum benefit from these automated systems requires an understanding of all three aspects of computer technology: hardware, "peopleware," and software. Knowledge of software is the weakest element. This report identifies problems associated with software acquisition and evaluation, then suggests guidelines to enhance successful implementation of automated systems. Until competence in software literacy is achieved, it is unrealistic to expect pharmacists to derive optimal benefit from any investment in computer-based pharmacy information systems.