Development of Computer System for Pharmaceutical Care Records Using Checklists

-Aids Resolution of Geriatric Problems and Raises Efficiency of Recording-

Abstract

Based on the computer system for generating geriatric problem lists which we had developed already,we developed a new program to aid the resolution of geriatric problems and print out pharmaceutical care records.In consideration of efficiency and ease of viewing,records of pharmaceutical care and patient problems are made according to a checklist format.In January 2002 we started using the computer system and evaluated it objectively by comparing efficiency with previous levels.The time taken for each instance of pharmaceutical care decreased from 47.3 minutes to 34.7 minutes.As a result,the pharmaceutical care practice rate increased from 71.7% in 2001 to 90.0% in 2002 and 93.9% in 2003,all significant increases.In addition,about 40% of pharmaceutical problems were resolved through blood tests and about 50% of through examination of subjective and objective symptoms.The development of our pharmaceutical care recording system using checklists has raised the efficiency of pharmaceutical care as well as patient safety.