Evaluation of views regarding pharmacy information management systems implementation and systemic issues in community pharmacies
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Abstract
Pharmacy information management systems have become an indispensable element in order to provide safe, effective and efficient health services in community pharmacies, which is one of the fundamental building blocks of the health sector. Despite the advancement in pharmacy information management systems, many problems can be encountered in optimum use, interoperability and data sharing. The problems encountered can be caused by technology as well as the end-user, legislation and organisational factors. The aim of this research is to examine opinions and suggestions of pharmacists and pharmacy staff on systematic issues encountered in the use of pharmacy information management systems and their effects and solution in community pharmacies. A total of 289 people, working in community pharmacies of Kadikoy, Istanbul, 119 of whom were pharmacists and 170 of whom were pharmacy staff, participated in this study. The data were obtained by a structured questionnaire which was completed by a face-to-face interview method. The analysis of the obtained data was carried out using descriptive analysis.62.5% (n=40) of the pharmacists and 64.6% (n = 64) of the pharmacy staff who participated in the study stated that there were problems with ‘stock updates’; 59.7% (n=71) of pharmacists and 52.4% (n=89) of pharmacy staff stated that in-service training should be conducted and novelties should be informed. The pharmacists and pharmacy employees who participated in the research believe in the importance of pharmacy information management systems, despite the negative experiences related to the use of the system and see it as an indispensable element in pharmacy services.
Keywords: Community pharmacy, pharmacist, pharmacy staff.
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