Technology Update: National Cancer Institute looks at wireless compliance monitoring

In another effort to improve compliance, In Range has developed a medication dispensing system for in-home use. The EMMA remote medication management system takes blister cards created by the pharmacist and dispenses appropriate medications at the correct times, managing the dosing schedule for the patient and increasing the likelihood of compliance.

RxHub adds formulary data

Technology facilitates MTM

As pharmacists embrace medication therapy management (MTM) services, technology companies are developing solutions to streamline the process. MTMPath, for example, has released a software upgrade that provides pharmacists with a one-step process to generate specific MTM recommendations through StatPath functionality developed by Clinical Support Services. StatPath offers preloaded recommendation templates while still allowing pharmacists to build their own templates.

e-prescribing in style

DrFirst has announced that it has created an e-prescribing application for the iPod Touch and iPhone. The RcopiaMini will also work on Treo and HP iPaq devices. In addition, DrFirst has announced a strategic initiative with Meditech to integrate their hospital-focused technology systems. Under the agreement, Meditech will integrate DrFirst's Rcopia Engine Services with the computerized physician order entry software that is part of Meditech's Health Care Information Systems. The newly integrated systems will allow hospitals to access electronic patient records and e-prescribing supported by DrFirst through the Meditech system.

ANI gets ready for e-pedigree

As the deadline for California's e-pedigree requirement draws closer, ANI Pharmaceuticals has chosen SupplyScape data-management tools solution to help ensure it is compliant before the January 2009 deadline. ANI will also use SupplyScape to handle supply-chain security for its generic and over-the-counter drugs.

Automation results studied

An analysis of patient outcomes before and after implementing automated dispensing systems at Guelph General Hospital reveals a reduction in medication errors and improved efficiency. The hospital located outside Toronto, Canada, found a 27% reduction in medication incidents after the implementation of the Omnicell Medication system, including dispensing errors and errors when a nurse selected the incorrect medication. According to the internal analysis, automation also reduced time spent obtaining controlled substances from more than three minutes to less than 30 seconds.

CoxHealth moves to e-prescribing

CoxHealth, a four-hospital organization with 55 physician clinics, has selected eScriptMessenger e-prescribing solution from Kryptiq. eScriptMessenger electronic prescribing software connects users of GE's Centricity EMR solution directly to retail pharmacy computers through the secure Pharmacy Health Information Exchange operated by SureScripts.