NEW TECHNOLOGY & PAEDIATRIC PHARMACY Adam Sutherland

The Rise of The Machines Internet Personal Digital Assistants iPhones (other internet ‘phones are available) Electronic Patient Records Electronic Prescribing

Benefits of New Technology Improved business efficiency Rapid access to info at the point of need Presents a “tidier” and “cleaner” working environment Improved lines of accountability

Drawbacks of New Technology Resource intensive ££££ Human resource Time Liability Using new technology requires innovation Assigning accountability

Developing New Technology How do you control access to new technology? Cost? Internet Restrictions? Restrictions on personal digital equipment? You didn’t invent me, you just bloody bought me!

Purpose of This Morning Recover from last night Different technologies and their application to pharmacy The challenges that these represent: Impact on Patient Safety Risk assessment and management Implementation Quality assurance

WORKSTATIONS Electronic Prescribing (sans demo) Using on-line dose references Computer aided dose calculation

Discussion Implementation Consider carefully the resources required Human Cash Information migration & inclusion Be realistic Be practical Consider clinical reality Be cautious with your deadlines

Discussion Risk Assessment Methods Which is best depends on YOUR institution Prioritisation Frequency of task? Risk of task (depending on above) Complexity of task Examples: Decision support systems Electronic prescribing “Smart” IV Infusion Pumps

Discussion Robust Consider ALL aspects – not just the “perceived” risks Multi-professional – medical, nursing, pharmacy, IT, risk management. Examples: Future equipment upgrading User training and education System maintenance Equity of Access

Discussion Quality Assurance Definition of standards Validation Benchmark Audit and re-audit Validation Consistent Correct Accurate Compliant with standards set above

Discussion Implementation Roll out priorities and processes Pre-launch checklist Training and Education Style of training depends on technology being introduced Publicity Initial audit and scrutiny Ensure that your new intervention isn’t adversely affecting patients Proactively identify any issues

Discussion Impact on Patient Safety The implementation of any new technology will have a short term negative impact on patient safety: Learning curve Identification of post-launch problems This can be managed if the technology is implemented in a structured and considered manner

What’s the worst that can happen?