My next few posts will focus on some key elements, benefits and gotchas with regard to identifying and implementing software to help you manage dispensing in your clinic.
First of all, it does NOT have to be difficult. In all likelihood, you've already got the infrastructure, expertise and resources needed to implement clinic dispensing software. From an infrastructure perspective, most software options require the following:
- A computer (Mac or PC) with a browser (InternetExplorer, Safari, Chrome, Firefox).
- A high speed internet connection.
- A printer (inkjet, laserjet).
- A bar code scanner.
That's it! No rocket science involved. If your vendor requires that you buy a specific computer or that you need to install their application on your computer then you are most likely dealing with older technology that is going to be problematic from a support perspective (updates, errors, crashes). You want software that is "cloud based". It will make your life much easier.
At it's most basic level, medication tracking software at the clinic level needs to do the following:
- Help you manage your medication inventory.
- Print labels. Clinic Dispensing – Labeling Options
- Track medications dispensed to patients.
- Provide reporting for clinic decision support and compliance.
My next post will take a deeper look at the functionality of dispensing systems and help you identify some critical features you will want in any system you implement. Questions? Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at phil.berry@nwpharma.com.
