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Technology is not going away, as we continue to automate manual systems and push data and information to the point of decision making. We need to utilize this information to provide optimal services and ensure that our patients are getting access to the highest-quality care.
If you have ever attended a sales presentation by a software or technology vendor, you have probably heard the term “plug and play” or “a simple interface.” Either term usually refers to the standalone program the vendor is promoting for easily connecting to the information technology (IT) system of an organization. Unfortunately, connecting to the IT system never seems to be easy when the technology is installed. History shows that implementation takes more time and resources than originally planned, pharmacy’s specific needs might not be everyone else’s priority in an organization, and the vendor may say something like “We have never seen this before” when installation of the program doesn’t go as planned.
The pendulum has definitely shifted from a focus on “best-of-breed” IT systems to enterprisewide IT systems. However, we should not be dismayed by our past experiences or current perspectives in trying to garner support for standalone technologies. Although the benefits of having one system are noted, it’s hard for large technology companies and systems to create at the pace of innovation in health care and to have knowledge and expertise in all the various niches of pharmacy. Therefore, we cannot avoid selecting, installing, and building interfaces with standalone products.
It is important that we stress our need for integration of all systems, with free flow of data through robust interfaces (interoperability). Although it is sometimes easier to avoid working to generate support and resources for a technology, or not to interface it at all, this is a bad decision in the long term. Interoperability is the future of health care technology and the activities of pharmacy departments, and is essential for optimal patient care.
For pharmacy to take full advantage of the future interoperability of IT systems, the following needs to be considered:
Technology is not going away, as we continue to automate manual systems and push data and information to the point of decision making. We need to utilize this information to provide optimal services and ensure that our patients are getting access to the highest-quality care.
I would appreciate your insights and experiences regarding this topic. Let me know what you think by e-mail at seckel@unc.edu or follow me on Twitter at @stepheneckel.
Stephen F. Eckel, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, is associate director of pharmacy at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Medical Center and clinical associate professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.