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Biomedical subjects

B G Felkey

Publications and source records attributed to B G Felkey.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Health system informatics.

The application of informatics in a health system in general and to pharmacy in particular is discussed. Informatics is the use of information technology to enhance the quality of care, facilitate accountability, and assist in cost containment. Tying the pieces of health care into a seamless system using informatics principles yields a more rational approach to caregiving. A four-layer hierarchy of information systems can be found in any health system: layer 1, the foundational layer formed by a transaction-processing system; 2, the management information system; 3, decision support; and 4, advanced informatics applications such as expert systems. Other industries appear to be ahead of health care in investing in informatics applications. Pharmacy is one of the key health care professions that must adopt informatics. A stepwise structure for pharmacy informatics has been proposed; it consists of establishing a relationship with the patient, establishing a database, listing and ranking problems, choosing among alternatives, and planning and monitoring. Informatics should be approached by determining where the department is going strategically. Informatics standards will be needed. Pharmacists will need to use informatics to enhance their worth on the health care team and to improve patient care.

Case Management↗
PubMed1996

Technology and automation in pharmaceutical care.

Pharmacy computer systems in the future will help pharmacists assess patients' medication needs, evaluate drug therapy, and manage patient information. Technology companies are developing systems for automatic dispensing and for distributing medications from nurses' stations in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Bar codes are being used in medication dispensing, verifying prescriptions, selecting patient brochures, and screening for drug interactions. Pharmacies in the future will rely on information networks to store, manage, and communicate patient information. Drug use review databases offer highly developed drug therapy screening.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Adherence screening and monitoring.

Patient adherence is an essential goal of pharmaceutical care and can be an initial focus for cognitive services in a traditional pharmacy. Pharmacists are well placed to manage adherence programs. Activities associated with adherence include screening or assessment, follow-up monitoring, and use of memory aids or refill reminders. Technology is available in many forms to assist pharmacists in this role. The pharmacist's role in adherence should focus on achieving desirable patient outcomes. Services associated with adherence programs need not be attached to distribution activities. Producing cost-effective drug therapy outcomes will continue to be of critical value to patients, health care systems, and third party providers.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Using the Internet for research.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To give an overview of research tools, techniques, and resources that are available on the Internet; and (2) to identify valid, pharmacy-related information that will reduce uncertainty in the problem-solving activities of practitioners. DATA SOURCES: The World Wide Web. STUDY SELECTION: Examples cited in the article were evaluated according to the criteria offered in the text as a prerequisite for their inclusion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Functional aspects of the Internet include communication, commerce, and content. Because a lack of control has led to mixed information quality, the use of Internet-based information for patient care and professional decision making should be subject to rigorous screening criteria. Pharmacists can use Web browsers combined with excellent search engines and search techniques to identify quality resources, including primary, secondary, and tertiary literature, either fee-based or free, and that can be sought actively or distributed on a schedule directly to the desktop of the pharmacist. CONCLUSION: The Internet can be an immensely helpful research tool, if used appropriately. Whether actively searching or passively receiving useful updates, the Internet can function as a value-added asset to any pharmacy practice.

Humans↗