Monday, March 31, 2014

Informatics Pharmacist


Informatics Pharmacist

The world is rapidly and constantly changing. In an age where it seems there’s no uncharted territory left to explore, we continue to push boundaries and find possibility in the unknown. Technology has connected us to each other in ways we never thought imaginable, and the decisions we make in our own lives have the power to affect people across the globe.

The healthcare industry is not immune to these changes. Doctors and researchers making discoveries on one end of the planet can affect patients on the other within a short period of time. But the integration of technology into health care has been met with caution because clinics don’t want to sacrifice health and safety for ease and convenience. That is why technological innovators and healthcare workers alike come together to create and maintain intricate systems that will both improve patient outcome and streamline workflow. Informatics pharmacists are highly skilled in both the pharmacy and the information technology (IT) field, and they are an integral part of a team that works to utilize technology to its fullest potential.


What is an Informatics Pharmacist?

An informatics pharmacist is the resident expert in all technology and data related systems in the pharmacy field. They develop, test, implement, and maintain systems to promote patient safety, assist with diagnoses and treatments, and reduce the risk of medication errors. They also educate their team on the proper use of the information systems, and they collaborate with the IT staff to solve any application issues. Informatics pharmacists assess the entire patient population to determine if the technologies in use are appropriate and valuable to the pharmacy.


Education Requirements

Informatics pharmacists have a strong interest in technology, and they are able to grow with the advancements in the field and adjust to new systems. They must be able to develop, implement, and troubleshoot information systems, and they execute updates and advancements.

The position isn’t just for the technologically savvy, however. It does require clinical pharmacy knowledge as well as IT skills. Informatics pharmacist positions typically require a PharmD and a residency because they involve clinical decision making skills and the development of systems that help diagnose and treat.


What’s in Store for Informatics Pharmacists?

Informatics pharmacists are innovators; they continue to push boundaries and take the pharmacy to new heights all while promoting health and safety. They keep the industry in touch with modernity and connected with each other so that medication breakthroughs can be shared and put to use. They work to create an interconnected community of pharmacists and researchers in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a healthier planet.

Integrating technology into health care has seen many challenges, and as innovations continue to emerge, new obstacles arise. Pushing forward with technological advancements needs to be done carefully in order to avoid compromising patient safety, and there are a lot of testing procedures to be completed before allowing systems into use. The demand for informatics professionals in the pharmacy is quickly growing due to the demand for clinics to remain up-to-date while keeping patient care in the forefront. If you’re interested in technology and have the desire to work as a pharmacist, consider using your keen eye for development in a pharmacy setting. Look out for any residencies or job openings as an informatics pharmacist.


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