Development of a multifunctional drug file for hospital pharmacy computer applications

The development of a multifunctional master drug file (MDF) which satisfies initial pharmacy data base requirements and has the capability to support increasingly sophisticated computer applications is described. The computerized purchasing, inventory, drug use review and formulary systems in a 1,100-bed teaching hospital were evaluated to determine which existing data fields should be included in the MDF, Functional requirements for the MDF and 27 data fields, each with its own particular specifications for programming, were identified. A method of data input was designed to create and maintain the file using keypunched Hollerith cards. Data input forms were designed to serve as coding documents for drug file data. Verification of all data in the file can be performed by running a program which lists the contents of each drug recorded. Based on 1975 salary rates, the total cost of the MDF development was $4,010; total time required was 640 hours. Approximately one hour per week is needed to keep the file contents up to date. File design specifications and contents are discussed, with special emphasis on the functional aspects of the MDF. The MDF successfully fulfilled the initaial pharmacy computer system requirements and has the potential to accommodate increasingly sophisticated applications.