Health information technology: how we got where we are

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy informatics
• Health Information Technology (HIT)
• Long-term care pharmacy

Background:

• Consultant and senior care pharmacists frequently interact with health information technology (HIT) systems.
• Electronic medication administration records and electronic health records (EHRs) are common HIT examples in practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address national HIT initiatives and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' role.
• To examine HIT adoption statistics in long-term and post-acute care settings.
• To discuss EHR system certification, data exchange standards, and the pharmacist's role in HIT implementation.

Main Methods:

• Review of national HIT initiatives.
• Analysis of HIT adoption statistics in long-term and post-acute care.
• Examination of EHR certification and data standards.
• Discussion of the consultant pharmacist's role in HIT implementation.

Main Results:

• HIT systems are prevalent in consultant and senior care pharmacy settings.
• Specific adoption rates and challenges in long-term and post-acute care are discussed.
• The importance of standards for interoperability is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Consultant pharmacists play a crucial role in the successful implementation of HIT.
• Understanding national HIT initiatives and standards is vital for long-term care pharmacies.
• Pharmacists are key to optimizing HIT for improved patient care and medication safety.