Five Tech Best Practices

Trust your vendor, but verify every update because vendors can make mistakes, too.

Test updates on a computer that is not part of your primary pharmacy operating network before installing on your primary system-Shantanu Bhide, VP of Technology, Framework LTC.

Tweak workflows and automate routine tasks.

Think about simple workflow tweaks, such as automating state and physician reporting of immunizations, medication safety reviews, electronic calendars for medication synchronization and secure two-way texting for better patient engagement and reduced phone call volume-Al Babbington, CEO, PrescribeWellness.

Most breaches are inside your firewall.

Never use or allow shared passwords and review all log-in activity at least monthly. Remove passwords as part of the outboarding process for every employee who leaves the pharmacy for any reason. And review cell phone, email and nonwork-related computer use policies quarterly-Al Babbington.

Keep your technology off the floor and out of the basement.

A broken water pipe or a sprinkler system gone awry can flood floors and basement storage areas just as deeply as a hurricane or a rampaging river-Melissa Krause, PharmD, consultant and partner, Pharmacy Healthcare Solutions, Inc.