Formulary and database synchronization

Abstract

Automation provides many tools for conducting pharmacy and medication management operations. Examples include order-entry systems, automated medication dispensing cabinets, carousel drug storage units, high-speed bar-code packaging devices, robotic dispensing devices, robotic i.v. preparation devices, bar-code-assisted medication administration (BCMA) systems, and intelligent i.v. infusion pump technology (smart pumps). Accurate drug information is necessary for each of these systems or devices to function effectively, requiring that a formulary and other types of databases (e.g., a database of users, bar codes, or dosage forms) be built and maintained. However, rarely are the systems and devices integrated to provide database continuity. Pharmacy information systems (PISs) and automated distribution systems have gained widespread use over the past 15 years,1 but vendors of these systems have not substantially changed the supporting database structures. Available products do not adequately support a single formulary database capable of flexing attributes between multiple networked pharmacies or hospitals, nor do they allow easy interfacing by “foreign” systems (i.e., solutions from different vendors). Further, in the case of automated medication dispensing cabinets, some vendors have limited the number of devices each server can support, requiring that each health care facility install and maintain a separate server and formulary.