Abstract
A database which allows bi-directional communication between an emergency room (ER) and a department of pharmacy services was developed to facilitate the rapid treatment of patients with life-threatening exposure to toxic substances. Accurate information regarding the substances involved is essential for effective treatment. These substances may be prescription drugs or may be of domestic origin such as washing detergents or herbicides. Microsoft® Access 2000 was employed as the database software to store patient records from 1995 to 2001. For cases involving intoxication or poisoning, the data fields were as follows : the date and time, the estimated period of exposure, ingestion mode, the suspected toxic materials, classification of drugs, and electrocardiogram. To maximize ease of use, information could be entered via a dialog screen. Live access was always maintained for both facilities, ieonce data had been entered in the database, it could be immediately accessed from either the pharmacy division or the ER. To protect patient confidentiality, only the patient's identification number was entered. The database itself was protected by password access. Major advantages of this system are that it can be online 24 hours per day and it will reduce the time involved in transferring information from the pharmacy services to ER.
