Computerized ambulatory-care pharmacy information system for direct order entry by prescribers.

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Pharmacy Practice
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• A university teaching hospital's diabetes center relocated in 1988, necessitating improved prescription communication.
• Efficient information transfer between the diabetes center and its ambulatory-care satellite pharmacy was crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and impact of a computer system linking diabetes center prescribers to a satellite pharmacy.
• To evaluate the system's effectiveness in streamlining prescription processes for diabetic patients.

Main Methods:

• A computer system was developed allowing direct prescription entry by prescribers into the satellite pharmacy's system.
• The pharmacy's prescription-entry screen was optimized for prescriber use, including a "default" drug list.
• Prescription data and system usage information were provided to diabetes center personnel.

Main Results:

• Weekly prescription entries remained stable initially but increased after personnel received usage data.
• The system offered benefits such as timely prescription fulfillment.
• Overall system utilization did not meet expectations due to the continued availability and convenience of paper prescriptions.

Conclusions:

• Direct computer entry of prescriptions by prescribers to a satellite pharmacy can improve efficiency.
• System adoption is influenced by prescriber convenience and the availability of alternative methods.
• Further optimization may be needed to overcome barriers to electronic prescription system uptake in ambulatory care settings.