Health information technology: A new world for pharmacy

AUTHORS: Lisa Webster, BPharm, MS, and Rachelle F. Spiro, BPharm, FASCP

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This article provides a primer on Health Information Technology (HIT) for pharmacists, including the current state of HIT, future expectations, and strategies to ensure success.

Learning Objectives After participating in this activity, the pharmacist will be able: List at least five ways in which health information technology (HIT) is predicted to improve patient care. Provide at least five ways in which patient care might be at risk as a result of the adoption of HIT. Discuss six actions that pharmacists can take to help prevent patient harm related to the implementation and use of converging technologies. List four reasons for physician resistance to HIT implementation. Name six organizations involved in the development of HIT standards. State seven ways in which HIT is expected to benefit U.S. patients.

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A nice, straightforward Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) activity from The American Pharmacists Association directed towards educating practicing pharmacists about the importance of HIT.