Review of computer applications in institutional pharmacy--1975-1981

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy
• Health Informatics
• Computer Science

Background:

• Computer applications in institutional pharmacy were largely single-use before 1975.
• The period from 1975 to 1981 saw a significant shift towards integrated systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and categorize computer applications in institutional pharmacy published between 1975 and 1981.
• To identify trends in the development and integration of pharmacy computer systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of articles published from 1975 to 1981.
• Categorization of articles based on application type (administrative, drug distribution, clinical services, etc.).

Main Results:

• Applications covered administrative functions, controlled substances, drug distribution, drug information, and clinical services.
• Post-1975 literature showed a trend towards sophisticated, integrated systems supporting multiple functions.
• Pharmacy computerization saw advancements in areas like drug-use review and pharmacokinetic surveillance.

Conclusions:

• The integration of computer applications marked a significant advancement in institutional pharmacy practice.
• There is an ongoing need for robust cost-benefit analyses to support pharmacy computerization initiatives.