Effects of an electronic medication management system on pharmacists’ work in a paediatric hospital

Abstract

Background Many studies have explored the effect of electronic medication management systems (EMMS) on doctors’ and nurses’ work, but few have focused specifically on pharmacists’ work. Aim This study examined how implementation of a commercial EMMS affected the work of pharmacists in an Australian paediatric hospital. In particular, the study investigated whether any pharmacy tasks changed or were eliminated, or whether new tasks emerged following EMMS introduction. Methods Two rounds of semistructured interviews with pharmacists, one 4 months and the other 1 year after EMMS implementation, were conducted. In total, 17 pharmacists were interviewed, comprising inpatient, outpatient and oncology pharmacists, as well as pharmacy managers. Results EMMS implementation eliminated a small number of tasks, changed some tasks and created many new work tasks for pharmacists. These new tasks included helping doctors and nurses to use the EMMS, duplicated data entry and the review of additional information. Pharmacists held the view that their workload had increased and that additional pharmacists were necessary to cope with the new work requirements associated with the EMMS. Some problems were perceived to be the result of implementation of a US‐designed EMMS that did not fully support Australian pharmacy workflows. Conclusion Implementation of an EMMS in a paediatric hospital affected pharmacists’ work in a variety of ways, predominately by introducing new tasks. Anticipating how workflows will change with EMMS implementation is challenging. Undertaking regular reviews of workflow and planning for an increased burden on pharmacy staff is likely to improve the transition from paper to electronic medication management.

A cross-country time and motion study to measure the impact of electronic medication management systems on the work of hospital pharmacists in Australia and England

“…Results from interviews with pharmacists supports this latter hypothesis. Australian paediatric pharmacists expressed feelings of increased stress due to the additional information available within an EMM system and their perceived increased responsibility to review all this information [21]. A further possibility for increased time devoted to reviews post-EMM is suggested by the findings of Burgin and colleagues[15] who interviewed UK hospital pharmacists.…”

“…The Australian pharmacists at baseline had substantially higher rates of interaction with other professionals (17.0% versus English pharmacists 5.8%) and maintained this level of professional communication post-EMM. An Australian qualitative study[21] found that post-EMM implementation, pharmacists reported being relied upon by clinical staff to answer questions about the use of EMM and to provide on-the-spot training. They perceived this as a substantial increase to their workloads.…”