Implementation of Electronic Systems for Prescribing and Delivering Medication in Hospitals: Issues in Real Practice

Electronic systems are being purchased by hospitals to improve procuring, prescribing, dispensing, administering medications and patient monitoring processes. The purpose of this paper is to describe issues related to implementation of computer technologies to support the pharmaceutical process in a real hospital setting. Examining the issues can help to improve processes and systems and provides an indication where hospital resources may need to be directed to solve problems of immediate concern. Future research needs for improving electronic systems are presented