Information Technology in Pharmacy

Introduction

This extensively revised new edition reviews the use of information technology within pharmacy practice and details the various developments in the field of digital systems for pharmacy and medicines.

Developments in Digital Systems

Many of these developments are related to increased digital maturity and advancing benefits research with existing technologies, for example electronic health records, electronic prescribing and pharmacy automation. Other areas of technology have also opened up, enabled by the adoption of web-based systems, increased use of clinical and data standards (SNOMED dm+d and FHIR) and innovative hardware and devices.

Recent Digital Technologies

Recently-developed digital technologies in pharmacy include mobile phone apps for pharmacy communications, increased health record access, and integrated pharmacy services support. The use of remote technologies was increased by the COVID pandemic. The development of integrated and connected digital systems has enabled the prospect of data-driven care with medicines and has also highlighted ethical issues relating to these systems, including issues concerning privacy, impact on professional roles and systemic bias.

Future Prospects

Future prospects for pharmacy and medicines digital technology now include artificial intelligence systems, a wider range of smart devices and wearables and support for pharmacogenomic medicine.

IT in Pharmacy: An Integrated Approach

describes and discusses the major areas of pharmacy IT innovation from a systems and professional perspective. It considers how the areas of pharmacy IT link together and can be used to enable and develop pharmacy professional practice. The book examines pharmacy IT from an international perspective, taking into account all parts of the world where IT systems are used in global pharmacy practice, and hence will be essential for all pharmacists and healthcare informatics professionals with an interest in pharmacy digital applications.