Opportunities and challenges related to technology in supporting optimal pharmacy practice models in hospitals and health systems

The use of technology and automation to support pharmacy practice dates back to the 1970s and has frequently been implicated as both the problem and solution for optimizing the role of the pharmacist in providing direct patient care. The increasing demand for accuracy, safety, and efficiency in medication use by regulatory authorities, manufacturers, health care professionals, and consumers has resulted in significant growth in the health information technology (HIT) market. This article examines the current state of core medication-management-supporting technologies within the context of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).1 It discusses the challenges and barriers for delivering integrated and interoperable solutions, how the technologies have performed in relation to their quality and safety claims, and, more importantly, what health-system pharmacy leaders can do to overcome current HIT challenges while optimizing the role of the pharmacist. It also identifies future technologies and trends that may affect health care delivery and provide opportunities for alternative pharmacy practice models, roles, and responsibilities. Finally, the article describes the gaps in relation to current skills and technologies and those required to reach the IOM and DHHS vision for HIT.