PharmaTrend as a management tool: evaluation of the program

A critical evaluation of PharmaTrend, a personal computer-based program for the analysis of pharmacy workload and productivity, is presented. The use of PharmaTrend is facilitated by a number of support features. A tutorial program instructs first-time and infrequent users on how to negotiate PharmaTrend's data-entry screens. The manual is well written and organized, and a toll-free number is available should more technical questions arise. However, some of PharmaTrend's definitions are confusing, as is the program's method of capturing workload data on the preparation of intravenous solutions. Some of the data currently maintained in pharmacies will need considerable modification before they can be used as PharmaTrend entries. A few minor changes would transform PharmaTrend from a good to an exceptional program. In addition to clearer definitions, an option allowing the user to edit the definitions shown on the screen is needed. A line should be added to the data-entry screen to remind the user that F1 is the help key. Reporting would be facilitated if deadlines were changed to reflect standard quarters. PharmaTrend is advantageous for the analysis of departmental operations because it provides regional and national standards for comparison. It can also help justify proposals and defend existing services and staffing. The monthly and quarterly reports generated with PharmaTrend are useful in analyzing pharmacy operations, and the user can modify work-load times on the basis of local circumstances. These difficulties notwithstanding, the current cost of PharmaTrend appears to be a bargain. Although some aspects of PharmaTrend need refinement, its basic features make it a valuable management tool.