A successful implementation of a hospital pharmacy computer module.
The Mississauga Hospital Pharmacy Department recently implemented the unit dose dispensing portion of a hospital-wide computer system. Initially, a pharmacist was assigned to the position of Computer Preceptor to build the data base and help coordinate the implementation process. A joint management/staff Computer Advisory Committee was also formed. This group revised job descriptions, workload priorities and the physical layout of the department and directed the implementation plan. Staff training was conducted at first on a "volunteer" basis, followed by a formal program, using a training manual developed by a staff pharmacist. Staff concerns were constantly monitored and various "morale boosters" were utilized. The computerized dispensing was run parallel with the manual system on two nursing units for one week prior to undertaking a step-by-step conversion of the hospital. Following the "break-in" period, procedures will be formalized and quality assurance programs established.
D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008509:Medication Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009864:Ontario; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*