Primer. Functions of a hospital pharmacy

In this issue, we present an Equipment Management Guide and an Evaluation that focus on issues surrounding the purchase and use of automated decentralized pharmacy dispensing systems (ADPDSs). To help readers understand the context in which ADPDSs are used, we have included this Primer to describe the roles of both the pharmacy and the pharmacist within the hospital. Readers who are unfamiliar with the workings of this department or the responsibilities of its personnel will find this introductory article helpful; we have also included a glossary explaining some of the hospital pharmacy terminology used in the articles in this issue.