PharmaTrend as a management tool: evaluation of the program

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Management
• Health Informatics
• Operations Research

Background:

• Pharmacy departments face increasing demands for productivity and efficiency.
• Accurate workload analysis is crucial for resource allocation, staffing, and service justification.
• Existing management tools may require adaptation to meet specific pharmacy operational needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate PharmaTrend, a personal computer-based program for pharmacy workload and productivity analysis.
• To identify the strengths and weaknesses of PharmaTrend as a management tool.
• To suggest improvements for enhancing PharmaTrend's functionality and user-friendliness.

Main Methods:

• The study presents a critical evaluation of the PharmaTrend software.
• Assessment included analysis of support features, data-entry processes, and reporting capabilities.
• User feedback and program functionality were considered in the evaluation.

Main Results:

• PharmaTrend offers valuable support features, including a tutorial, well-organized manual, and technical support.
• Challenges were identified in confusing definitions and the program's method for capturing intravenous solution preparation data.
• Some existing pharmacy data requires modification for PharmaTrend entry, and minor program adjustments are suggested.

Conclusions:

• PharmaTrend is a valuable management tool for analyzing pharmacy operations, providing regional and national standards for comparison.
• Despite minor issues with definitions and data capture, the program aids in justifying services and staffing.
• With suggested refinements, PharmaTrend could be an exceptional program for enhancing pharmacy productivity and management.