Technology

Updates on e-prescriptions, smart pillboxes, electronic health records, and other technologies for pharmacists.

System Planning releases PharmaTrak, a system using barcodes or RFID tags for drug tracking through the pharmaceutical supply chain

The ASI-MV is one of several tools that Inflexxion uses to provide real-time, product-specific data to substance-abuse facilities nationwide. The tools are part of the National Addictions Vigilance Intervention and Prevention Program (NAVIPPRO), a system designed to shed more light on substance-abuse issues and prescription painkiller addictions.

Many hospitals have instituted paper-based systems to capture inpatient prescription information to avoid adverse drug events, but one community-based hospital has gone a step further to adopt an automated medication reconciliation program. Fauquier Health System in northern Virginia is currently testing a pilot system that electronically provides the hospital staff with a patient's medication history.

Facing a lartely uninspired response from doctors, regulators and evangelists are pushing e-prescribing with a combination of hardball tactics and inspired cajoling to get prescribers on board by 2010.

The four leading infusion pump manufacturers all report brisk sales of smart pumps, but many users are evading the software dosing safeguards that make pumps smart.

Ready or not, electonic pedigree is coming. But bumps in the road area already rocking the pharmaceutical world. The biggest bump: vague definitions and conflicting exptectations.

ASHP has released ResiTrak, a Web-based tool expected to enhance the mentoring of pharmacy residents enrolled in their residency learning system while facilitating the administrative process for preceptors and program directors.

The move toward all-electronic health records is gathering momentum and support. Just over 38% of U.S. hospitals now use EHRs, according to a recent survey conducted by ASHP, up 31% in 2007. In hospitals that use EHRs, 94% of pharmacies have access to patient records.

RFID progress still slow; ezScriptWriter for legible Rxs; reducing drug diversion through ImageWare Forensic Medicine Technology; Know Your Number health-risk addessment tool; e-prescriptions grow

The FDA approved a new treatment to help cure bacterial conjunctivitis, or pink eye, with the approval of azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% (AzaSite) from Inspire Pharmaceuticals.