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Multidimensional work sampling to evaluate the effects of computerization in an outpatient pharmacy
K L Rascati1, C L Kimberlin, P T Foley
1College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Multidimensional work sampling accurately measured pharmacy tasks post-computerization. While clerical time decreased, data entry increased, with no significant change in clinical tasks. This method is valuable for evaluating healthcare technology impacts.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Pharmacy Practice
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Evaluating the impact of technology in healthcare settings is crucial for optimizing workflows.
- Traditional direct observation may not fully capture the nuances of clinical pharmacy tasks.
- Computerization in outpatient pharmacies aims to improve efficiency and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of multidimensional work sampling (MWS) against direct observation for evaluating computerization effects in an outpatient pharmacy.
- To quantify changes in task distribution and prescription processing times before and after pharmacy computerization.
- To assess the accuracy and utility of MWS in capturing clinical functions.
Main Methods:
- A direct-entry, self-reporting multidimensional work sampling method was employed in a 475-bed teaching hospital's outpatient pharmacy.
- Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences in functions among employees and over time.
- Data from MWS were compared with direct observation, and a time clock method measured prescription processing duration.
Main Results:
- Computerization led to a 26.7% decrease in clerical tasks, offset by a 27.7% increase in computer data entry.
- Time spent on clinical tasks remained unchanged, but significant differences in clinical function time were observed among staff.
- Prescription processing time increased post-computerization due to data entry demands, though patient profile generation became possible.
Conclusions:
- Multidimensional work sampling is an accurate work measurement tool, potentially superior to direct observation for assessing clinical pharmacy activities.
- Pharmacy computerization shifts task focus towards data entry, impacting overall processing time without altering clinical task engagement.
- MWS provides valuable insights into the operational effects of health information technology in pharmacy settings.