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Computers in healthcare: overview and bibliography
J F Dasta1, M L Greer, S M Speedie
1College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Computers are essential tools in healthcare, driving advancements in medical informatics and pharmacoinformatics. Increased pharmacist involvement with technology can enhance patient care by freeing up time for cognitive tasks.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Medical Informatics
- Pharmacoinformatics
Background:
- The integration of computer technology into healthcare is rapidly evolving.
- Medical informatics and pharmacoinformatics have emerged from medicine, pharmacy, and computer science.
- Advancements in computing have led to faster, more portable, and user-friendly systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of computer technology and its applications in healthcare.
- To highlight institutional-based healthcare applications and pharmacoinformatics.
- To present a bibliography of relevant literature.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted using computerized databases.
- References were selected from authors' files and recent publications (last five years).
- Articles were chosen for their significant contributions and representation of advancements.
Main Results:
- Computers are vital support tools for healthcare professionals.
- Hospital information systems utilize computers for managing vast amounts of data.
- Pharmacists use computers for drug distribution, analysis, interaction detection, dosing, information, and monitoring.
- Expert systems and interactive courseware are being developed in pharmacy.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists must actively engage with technological applications in their practice.
- Effective computer implementation allows pharmacists more time for cognitive pharmaceutical care delivery.