Implementation of pharmacy computerization in long-term care

A computerized pharmacy service is ideal for long-term care and a fairly stable resident census at the 812-bed Jewish Home and Hospital for Aged (JHHA). The skilled nursing facility (SNF) now uses pharmacy-generated medication administration records (MARs), drug stop-order lists, and formulary listings. The health-related facility (HRF) self-medicated residents receive individual counseling during pharmacy computer-mediated medication refill appointments. Improvements in clinical services have involved antibiotic and drug use review through selected drug category, computerized drug profiles, and drug regimen review. Administrative and financial benefits have been realized through cost reports and budget reduction, and streamlined internal pharmacy operations. Although most software packages are designed for retail use, pharmacy personnel at JHHA have successfully implemented and tailor designed the AIMS system to the needs of long-term care pharmacy.