Medical Informatics in a Health System

With the growth and development of new technologies (e.g., information systems), there are tremendous opportunities for an informatics specialist—an individual who has advanced medication information skills with a keen understanding of computer and information technology. This individual can help support the concepts of pharmaceutical care by improving the efficiency of workflow and increasing access to patient-specific information and the medical literature through technology by remote-site availability. This individual may also be involved in the area of institutional drug policy management. As more information is computerized (e.g., medical records), data that were accessible only through a paper record will be available for those professionals who understand the type of data that are needed for quality improvement efforts, and are able to get information efficiently out of the system. As database designs evolve and become user friendly and computer systems become more sophisticated, there are increasing opportunities for applying computer technology using clinical decision support systems to enhance many aspects of the medication use process. Clinical decision support systems can integrate patient-specific information, perform complex evaluations, and present this information to a clinician in a timely manner. These systems can be used to support initiatives with ADR reporting and analysis programs, formulary management, and continuous quality improvement efforts.