Pharmacists' Attitude to the Introduction of Automated Techniques in the Delivery of Pharmaceutical Services in Selected Nigerian Teaching Hospitals

This study has investigated the attitude of hospital pharmacists toward the introduction of automated techniques in the delivery of pharmaceutical services in three Nigerian Teaching Hospitals. The results obtained from this survey showed that pharmacists have a good understanding of the various forms of automated techniques in pharmacy operations. The general perception showed that these techniques will impact positively on different aspects of the pharmacists' functions including routine dispensing, drug inventory management, and administrative tasks. Computerization of the appropriate database and ease of accessibility including an online communication network within the health system would ease the pharmacists' administrative functions. The respondents felt that their pharmaceutical care functions would be enhanced greatly as the routine manual tasks are taken care of with the automation. In particular, the pharmacists' time would be released for a close monitoring of patient drug therapy and provision of drug information services. The general consensus was that appropriate training workshops and continuing pharmacy education programs would provide practicing pharmacists with the required skill to manage automated pharmacy systems.

openalex: W2164159638 mag: 2164159638